In this classic hot cross bun recipe, you can vary the spices and fruit to suit what you like or have on hand, writes Roberta Muir. Use only mixed spice or cinnamon if that’s what you have, and add currants or raisins instead of (or as...

Gina Roberts-Grey explains that double does not necessarily mean trouble when it comes to birthday celebrations. Having two children share the same birthday puts a strain on more than the budget. Parents and family members of twins know it is not always easy to make sure...

Team Taylor – why Swift’s brand works so well There is no escaping Taylor Swift, writes Louise Grimmer. Even if you try to ignore the star, she is currently everywhere.  On the airwaves, on playlists, streaming services, social media, in the news, on the big screen and...

Having a baby who didn’t sleep was not Kate Treloar’s only frustration I was a perfect parent for the first few hours of my first baby’s life. She literally slept like a baby. “This is easy,” my husband and I naively joked. If only we’d known...

When it comes to questions of parenting, Andrea Travers learns there are no right answers. "You’re better off having a natural childbirth; all this medical intervention is so unnecessary.” “Are you sure you want to keep being a vegetarian? What about the baby?” “Will you breastfeed?” When...

The Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation (ACLF) proudly announces Sally Rippin as the 8th Australian Children’s Laureate, recognizing her outstanding contributions to children's literature. As Australia’s highest-selling female author, Sally has penned over 100 captivating books, including the beloved Billie B Brown series, captivating audiences worldwide with...

As 26th January approaches, it can be a confusing time for many Australians, writes Wiradjuri woman Jess Staines, The Koori Curriculum If you’re a parent who grew up celebrating it as our ‘national day’ with BBQs, beers and beach, then you might have mixed feelings about...

Kate Highfield has some great tips for parents with children just about to start their schooling journey. Around Australia, about 320,000 children are starting school for the first time. As an early childhood researcher, former kindergarten teacher, and parent of a child beginning school this year,...

This wonderful idea from the Donna Hay kitchen will look beautiful as a decoration as well as yummy to eat! [caption id="attachment_69107" align="aligncenter" width="816"] Photograph: William Meppem[/caption] Ingredients Plain Gingerbread Dough 125g unsalted butter, softened ½ Cup (90g) light brown sugar ⅔ cup (230g) golden syrup 2½ Cups (375g) plain (all-purpose) flour,...

Clare Wishart experiences a sea change in her attitude to holidays. Before I had kids, I belonged to that rare breed of adults who didn’t like holidays. Don’t get me wrong; I liked the idea of going away, I really did. It’s just that once I...