Blind Box Toys: Are Kids Being Taught to Gamble Without Realising?

Blind box* toys such as Labubu are hugely popular with children and collectors, but their mystery packaging means buyers don’t know what they’ll get until they open the box. César Albarrán-Torres and Jessica Balanzategui say the chance-based appeal raises questions about gambling-like behaviour. If you walk through any major shopping mall in Australia, chances are you’ll...

EDITOR’S PICKS

🍂 School Holiday Survival Guide: April 2026 (Easter)
The Easter school holidays bring a welcome change of pace — cooler days, colourful leaves, chocolate treats and long weekends perfect for family time. Whether you’re planning a day trip, looking for local activities, or just trying to keep boredom at bay, here’s your Autumn...
Editor
02 April, 2026
Kids and the news cycle: finding the balance between awareness and anxiety
It’s hard to escape the news right now. From global conflict to political tension, distressing headlines and confronting images are never more than a swipe away — for us, and increasingly, for our children. As parents, we’re walking a delicate line. We want our kids...
Editor
26 March, 2026
Will behaviour contracts stop school bullying? Educators say the answer isn’t so simple
After a shocking bullying incident at a NSW school, annual behaviour contracts for students and parents are being proposed. But educators say paperwork alone won’t stop bullying — and the reality of monitoring and enforcing them may be more complicated. A disturbing bullying incident at...
Editor
19 March, 2026
How Kids Learn Resilience: 10 Real-Life Lessons That Help Children Bounce Back
Resilience isn’t something children are simply born with – it develops over time through everyday experiences, challenges and relationships. From farm chores and favourite TV shows to books, injuries and life challenges, these Child Mags articles explore the many ways children learn resilience. Here are...
Editor
12 March, 2026
From Carer to Change-Maker: How One Mum’s Side Hustle Helped Other Women Start Again
After decades devoted to caring for others, one Sydney mum discovered that even a small, flexible income could create a life-changing impact — not just for her own independence, but for women in her community. A small income, a big ripple effect After more than...
Editor
05 March, 2026
Mates at the Gate: What Happens When Your Second Child Starts School?
Maria Koromilas reflects on the friendships she has made at her daughter’s school and wonders how meeting more mothers when her son starts school will affect her social life. This year, my son, the second of my three children, will start school. There will be...
Editor
26 February, 2026

Celebrating Mothers

Why a babies behaviour doesn’t always tell the full story about learning
Babies learn a lot in their first year, writes researcher Eylem Altuntas. But their behaviour doesn’t always tell the full story Anyone who has spent time with a baby knows how unpredictable the first year can feel. One week a baby suddenly seems to “get” something...
Editor
24 March, 2026
When a Sick Day Turns Into Something Special
Annoyance gradually becomes enjoyment, as Fiona Adams finds herself at home from work for the day with her sick child. “Don’t tell me you can’t go to school. You have to go to school,” I told my six-year-old daughter as she stared at me with...
Editor
19 March, 2026
Why do some pregnancies cause severe morning sickness? Understanding hyperemesis gravidarum
Most pregnant women experience some nausea, but a small number develop a severe form known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Karin Hammarberg writes that researchers are still uncovering its causes, risk factors and treatments — and why symptoms can become so extreme. Most women experience some nausea...
Editor
18 March, 2026
Nappy Changes Are More Than a Chore — They’re a Chance to Teach Respect and Body Awareness
Nappy changes happen many times a day, but they can be more than just a routine task. Katherine Bussey and Nicole Downes suggest that by slowing down, talking with your baby and responding to their cues, parents can begin building early lessons about trust, respect and...
Editor
12 March, 2026