With Christmas approaching, some parents may be wondering whether their child is ready for their first smartphone. New Australian research suggests digital readiness involves much more than reaching a particular age....
Reindeer actually can have red noses – and other fascinating facts about this Christmas icon, writes Julie Old, At this time of year, images of reindeer are everywhere. I’ve had a soft spot for reindeer ever since I was a little girl. Doesn’t everyone? While I work...
With bright illustrations and just the right mix of excitement and emotion, these books capture Christmas themes and what kids love most about reading A Barney Gumnut Christmas by Tamsin Ainslie, pub HarperCollins, h/b RRP$24.99. Ages from 0-4. This sweet book is also beautifully illustrated by the author...
It’s a trickier question to answer than you may think, write Marcus Harmes and Meredith Harmes Sending a letter to Santa can be difficult, as no one can agree on where exactly Santa lives. Several countries are competing to claim Santa as one of their citizens. Finland’s...
Christmas is coming, and with it, many challenges for parents of young children. Catherine E. Wood advises keeping calm and carrying on with your routines. You likely have one festive event after another, late nights, party food, way too much stimulation, tired kids and tired parents....
For older, curious and independent readers, these Christmas themed books offer a great mix of adventure and humour. Santa & Son by David Walliams, illus. by Adam Stower, pub. HarperCollins Children’s Books, p/b RRP$12.99. Ages 8-12. Prolific writer, David Walliams, has produced his first, funny, Christmas story –...
5 tips to avoid stress eating these holidays, write Saman Khalesi, Charlotte Gupta and Talitha Best The holiday season can be a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence in delicious foods and meals. However, for many, it can also be an emotional and stressful period. This stress...
Angelique Nadia Sweetman McInnes advises to track your spending, use cash and DIY gifts. Australians are expected to spend more this Christmas than last, with spending projected to rise to A$69.7 billion. This is a 2.7% increase on what we spent last year on gifts, food...
Seventy per cent of us experience a spike in stress over the festive season, but some understanding of why we get anxious and the effect on our bodies can help us relax this Christmas Dr Jared Cooney Horvath Here we go again. It’s that time of...
Two of her former students teach Martha Wegner a bit about what is important in life. I had dinner last night with some old friends. Actually, I was the old one, they were the friends. I am now old enough to have dinner with my former...
