There comes a time when parents need to relinquish some control to their children, writes Dr Elizabeth Reed. Parties undoubtedly are a highlight of childhood, but they also present parents and children with social challenges, such as how to cope when a much hoped-for invitation does...
When it comes to the Tooth Fairy, Anthea Rowan tries to put her money where her mouth is. My children have a charming book that tells the story of a little girl who is on a quest to discover what the Tooth Fairy looks like. Her...
Mary Pearl reflects on the Terrible Twos as she spends some time with her energetic granddaughter. My two-year-old granddaughter slapped a perfect stranger at the park. All the poor kid wanted was a turn on the slippery slide, but as Rachel saw it, she was protecting...
Acclaimed author-illustrator duo Mem Fox and Judy Horacek talk friendship, perfectionism and children’s books. What was your impression of each other when you first met? Mem: I was in Canberra for a literacy conference and Judy happened to have an exhibition there. Judy had drawn the cartoons...
Tara Lister is determined to enjoy every second of every first before they become lasts. The day my baby came home was a rude awakening. Until then I had been surrounded by midwives, advice and meals on demand, and I felt invincible. Cool, calm and collected;...
When a beloved family pet disappears, the hardest thing to cope with is not knowing what happened, explains Gill Canning. It was the first day of the school holidays. “Has anyone seen Ziggy?” I asked my three boys at lunchtime. They shook their heads. No one had...
Australians like their pets, and for most of us by far, the dog remains our best friend, write Associate Professor Luke Smillie and Dr Ferdi Botha For the first time, the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey that covers 17,000 Australians annually, has...
Elizabeth Bate is surprised when an unconventional entertainer becomes the hit of the party. My daughter, Rosie, was desperate to have a fairy party for her fourth birthday. She’s always loved frills, glitter and ribbons; new skirts are assessed on their ability to twirl and everything...
Claire Yezbak Fadden outlines her plan for the perfect party. One month before Set a budget. Determine the number of guests you plan to invite. Choose a location for the event. Decide on a theme. Three weeks before Send out your invitations, be certain to include: – the...
After a year of digital learning and virtual teaching, let's hear it for the joy of real books! Says Kathryn MacCallum. We know COVID-19 and its associated changes to our work and learning habits caused a marked increase in the use of technology. More surprising, perhaps,...
