I love my friends … I do not love their kids

I love my friends… I do not love their kids, writes Catherine E. Wood At this time of the year, with lots of parties, family catch-ups and holiday plans, you might be reminded of how much you love your friends. But as their kids pester for screen time, drop chips everywhere and run screaming around the house,...

EDITOR’S PICKS

What makes a good school for your child?
We often see lists of ‘top’ schools. But what makes a good school for your child? Nicole Brownlie and Renee Desmarchelier look behind what makes a good school for your child. Lists of Australia’s “top” schools regularly make headlines. We see this every year with...
Editor
15 January, 2026
Should kids at least do a little bit of school work over the holidays?
Sarah Jefferson asks could a little bit of school work over the holidays help? As the summer holidays progress, parents may feel concerned their children will “forget how to spell their own names” during the long school break. Or there may be worries about forgetting...
Editor
09 January, 2026
Aussie Summer Holiday Kids & Family Movies
Looking for some movies for the days when holidays become too much and a little quiet time is required? Here are Childmags suggested summer family movies. Also, note that Sensory Screenings are available where noted below. At a Glance: Zootopia 2 (PG) – from 27 Nov...
Editor
18 December, 2025
School Holiday Survival Guide: Summer 2025-26 National Edition
These holidays are a great time to get outside, try something new, or mix low-key and special outings so downtime still feels interesting. Outdoors, family and long lazy days — Summer school holidays are here! Whether you’re after outdoor adventures, rainy-day escapes, or unique family...
Editor
11 December, 2025
Book Reviews: Some seasonal books for younger readers
With bright illustrations and just the right mix of excitement and emotion, these books capture Christmas themes and what kids love most about reading A Barney Gumnut Christmas by Tamsin Ainslie, pub HarperCollins, h/b RRP$24.99. Ages from 0-4. This sweet book is also beautifully illustrated...
Editor
11 December, 2025
Social media ban for kids: here’s what kids can do right now to prepare
Australia is about to ban under-16s from social media. Here’s what kids can do right now to prepare write Daniel Angus and Tama Leaver If you’re a young person in Australia, you probably know new social media rules are coming in December. If you and...
Editor
27 November, 2025

Celebrating Mothers

The Beautiful Chaos of Raising Girls: Lessons From a Mum in the Middle
Kate Wattus ponders the nature of her relationships with her two girls. “But I don’t want my hair done today!” harrumphs my seven-year-old princess, arms folded and eyebrows pushed so low as to almost completely cover her eyes as well as half her face. “Well...
Editor
11 December, 2025
Siblings at Birth: What Really Happens (and How to Decide)
Deciding whether your children should be present during the birth of a new sibling is a deeply personal choice. Some families find it beautiful and bonding; others discover that labour is simply too intense for young kids. Author Gabrielle Targett shares her real-life experiences and...
Editor
27 November, 2025
A Mark Of Motherhood: Fertility, Letting Go and the Tattoo That Says It All
Kate Wattus seeks a permanent symbol of her fertility. Waiting for the Needle: A Calm Exterior, Shaky Hands As I try to anticipate the itchy sting of the buzzing needle, I sit with my legs outstretched and read my library book, a picture of calm...
Editor
27 November, 2025
Why a baby’s cry is a simple, powerful alarm for parents
Professeur Nicolas Mathevon reports on why a baby’s cry is a simple, powerful alarm and why maternal instinct is a myth. The sound slices through the quiet of the night: a muffled sob, then a hiccup, quickly escalating into a high-pitched, frantic wail. For any...
Editor
19 November, 2025