Many children who resist school aren’t being defiant — they’re overwhelmed. Learn how to spot the signs of school refusal and support your child with empathy and early help. When school mornings turn into battles As Term 4 begins, many parents are bracing for the return of...
Here’s what to do instead, writes Nick Fuller the author of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids It’s a tactic many parents know well: “eat two bites of broccoli, and then you can have dessert”. It seems like a practical solution for encouraging kids – especially picky eaters – to...
Parents play an important role in teaching their children about sex and relationships, write researchers Jennifer Power, Alexandra James and Thomas Norman. But their new report shows many parents – fathers in particular – find it mortifying. Our national survey of 1,918 parents shows they are...
In Part 1, we met Ben — a shy six-year-old who struggled to believe in himself. Here, psychologist Renee Mill shows how his parents helped him build true confidence through “mastery experiences” — and how it changed their family for the better. Turning Understanding into Action When...
For some families, the long wait for a diagnosis ends early — but that moment can be as confronting as it is clarifying. In Part 2, Clinical geneticist Dr Susan White explores what happens when a label finally arrives, and how parents and children learn to...
As schools and workplaces become more digital, many Australian children are falling behind simply because they don’t have access to a laptop or the internet at home. The Smith Family is calling for urgent action to close the gap and give every child a fair...
Some towns are cutting fluoride from water supplies. Why? Asks Amit Arora and Arosha Weerakoon Thousands of residents in Dubbo and Wellington, in western New South Wales, haven’t had fluoride added to their tap water for nearly seven years. After a public outcry, the council’s fluoridation equipment...
Her songs are simple, repetitive and often interactive, writes Elizabeth Coombes. They encourage children to respond, copy gestures or sing along. For many parents of babies and toddlers, there is one YouTube channel that is a household name. Ms Rachel and her Songs for Littles has attracted...
Blue, green, brown, or something in between – Davinia Beaver looks at the science of eye colour explained You’re introduced to someone and your attention catches on their eyes. They might be a rich, earthy brown, a pale blue, or the rare green that shifts with every...
As summer heats up, pool safety becomes every parent’s top priority. Brisbane mum Sofia shares her non-negotiable water safety rules, while experts explain how to keep kids safe and pool water healthy all season long. As the weather warms up, backyard pools across Australia and New Zealand...
