Family dinners with young children can be messy, noisy and exhausting. Rebecca James finds herself reaching for an old family saying — and realising she may be turning into her grandfather after all. The nightly chaos of feeding children “I don’t like this!” Jimmy makes a face...
Getting the kids out the door for school can feel like herding cats in the rain, write researchers Fiona Boylan and Amelia Ruscoe Just when one child is ready, another can’t find a shoe, someone remembers homework, and someone else starts crying because they want more...
Feeling guilty after a tough parenting moment? You’re not alone, writes Lisa Taylor. Her expert guide explains why those reactions happen—and how small shifts, not perfection, can help you build stronger, more connected relationships with your child. There's a moment I see in so many parents...
Homework Without the Hassle: You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect study nook or a spare room to help kids stay organised with homework. A few practical systems — even in busy family homes — can make schoolwork feel far less stressful for everyone. Homework can quickly become...
A warm, easy pudding using pantry basics and any tired fruit in the bowl This is a good one for families because it feels like dessert, but it’s mostly fruit, oats and pantry staples. It is also forgiving — you can use apples, pears, frozen berries,...
Parents are told to avoid screens altogether in the first two years of a child’s life, writes Stephanie Milford. At the same time, digital devices are part of everyday family life used for communication, work, learning, and at times, simply getting through the day....
Building the muscle of imagination and creativity in young people is more important than ever before, writes Sarah Austin Young children are spending less and less time outdoors. Most Australian preschool children don’t play outside every day. This is despite research that suggests time spent in...
NeeDoh is the latest squishy sensory toy to go viral, write Susan Rowe, Amy L. Kenworthy and Daniel Brennan. Social media is reporting how these blobs of gel are flying off the shelves, and are in short supply. But squishy sensory toys have been around much...
Many parents know the feeling: a movie is rated PG, but ten minutes in, the kids are hiding behind cushions. New Australian research suggests families want screen ratings that better flag scariness, self-harm, sexual violence and age suitability. New Australian research says parents want clearer screen...
For many working mums, the hardest critic isn’t a boss, a teacher or another parent — it’s the voice in their own head. Emma Robertson reflects on motherhood, guilt, grandmothers and the impossible standard of being everywhere at once. What makes a “real” mother? Mention childcare and...
