John W. Luton delights in the rewards of encouraging children to write about their holidays and other special experiences. My wife, Cheryl, and I have always encouraged our children (and our students) to write about their holiday activities, as a means both of preserving memories and...
If the thought of getting the craft supplies out to make a beautiful creation for the upcoming Easter Bonnet parade has you running for the hills, then you’re not alone! “Many parents feel overwhelmed by the mess and time spent cleaning up caused by paints, glue...
Debates about what books students should be reading in high school reach a crescendo at the start of each school year, writes Alex Bacalja As parents make their way through school text lists, collecting books for their teen’s year ahead, they inevitably draw comparisons between their...
Volunteering mum Suzy Mills is delighted to find she’s cool at school. I’m not sure who enjoys my weekly canteen duty more – my boys, or me. I get such a thrill when I see the grins on their faces as they rush to be first...
Given scones British heritage, I like to use a good crumbly cheddar in my cheese scones; most of it mixed into the dough and a little saved to sprinkle on top. Depending on your oven, the topping may brown unevenly, so check after 10 minutes...
I find any dish with sticky rice addictively comforting, especially a dessert. So I adore khao neow mamuang, sticky rice with mango, which is one of Thailand’s most popular desserts. Glutinous (or sticky) rice is the staple grain of north- eastern Thailand and, despite the...
Jodi Wiley is very keen for books and reading to be as integral to her children’s lives as they are to hers. A whole new world emerges upon becoming a parent. For example, the baby aisle in the supermarket is suddenly relevant: nappy prices are compared...
Talk to them about ‘eating the rainbow’ writes researcher Emma Beckett Parents of young children today were raised during some of the most damaging periods of diet culture. From diet and “lite” foods and drinks, to expensive “superfoods”, one constant across these changing trends has been...
The first two books reviewed are mostly based on stories from WWII. The stories are believably woven around snippets of true stories to illustrate particular historical events. Running with Ivan by Susanne Leal, pub. by HarperCollins. P/B RRP$17.99 Ages 10+ Leo’s mother is dead, and his father...
Kim McDonnell challenges us to rethink our drive for perfection. Nobody ever really tells you just how hard motherhood can be. Sure, you hear about the physical demands, sleepless nights, unequivocal love you will feel and how “your life will never be the same”. All of...
