A trip to the salon can be about much more than a trim, colour or manicure. Hair and beauty salons are described as spaces of self-care. But when people share more with their hairdresser than their therapist, who is really doing the care work? Asks...
Australian children are growing up with more screen choices than ever before, but new research warns they may be seeing fewer stories that reflect their own lives, communities and culture. A new RMIT University report, Australian Children’s Television at the Crossroads, says Australia’s children’s television sector is...
ChattyBear, a soft, brown-furred teddy bear, begins every conversation with a jubilant, “Hello, my buddy!” Tama Leaver, Katrin Langton and Suzanne Srdarov look at why AI toys are risky for kids No longer the province of the imagination, ChattyBear is part of a new generation of...
Most families know the 10-cent bottle and can refund as a handy way to clear out the recycling bin or give kids some pocket-money motivation. But a timely reminder about a new campaign, shows those small refunds can also become a powerful way to support...
Bruce M Smyth looks at what’s changing – and what’s been missed Many parts of the federal government’s budget have been hotly debated in recent weeks. But budgets are dense documents. There are always important measures that receive very little attention. One of these is planned changes...
Your toddler demands a Bluey-themed yoghurt and has a tantrum when offered something else. If it’s not a Nutella sandwich, your child’s lunchbox comes home uneaten. Researchers Juliet Bennett, Alex Broomand David Raubenheimer look at fussy eating and the food industry. And the dinner table can become...
On International Day of Play (June 11), early childhood experts say it may be time to rethink how families talk about technology, learning and screen time. For many parents, screens and play can feel like opposites. One is often seen as active, imaginative and social; the...
Worried about feeding your baby solid foods? Here’s what you should know, report Lillian Krikheli and Samantha Turner When you have a baby, mealtimes can be messy and stressful. If you’re a new parent you may be unsure what, when, and how to feed your little one....
Should surrogates be paid for carrying someone else's baby? Australia is reviewing its surrogacy laws, and the question of payment is dividing opinion. Here's what's being considered, and why it matters for families everywhere....
Teeth brushing can feel like one more daily battle for tired parents, especially when children wriggle, stall or clamp their mouths shut. But with the right approach, brushing can become calmer, quicker and more consistent — and help protect children’s teeth from early decay. Why kids...
