How can parents safely introduce their children to 'bad' news?

Elise Waghorn asks do we stop to consider what distressing media is doing to our kids? While much attention has been drawn to the detrimental impact of violent video games on children’s developing brains, there has been relatively little discussion regarding the negative effects of news and current affairs programs children are exposed to. When people consume news...

EDITOR’S PICKS

A very personal call to action to denounce men’s violence
CONTENT WARNING: Physical violence, graphic violence; violence against women and children. Monash academic Steven Roberts’ life is littered with experiences of family violence, witnessed growing up, and perpetrated against him. By talking about it, he’s hoping to draw attention to the need for men to...
Editor
02 May, 2024
Parties don’t need to be flashy to be fun
Children’s parties are the number-one method used by competitive parents to outdo each other. Philippa Macken finds that you don’t need to be flashy to be fun. Harry was beside himself. I held his tiny hand as he hopped alongside me, barely able to contain...
Editor
24 April, 2024
How to Find Time to Read as a Family on Busy Weeknights
Setting aside time to read during the week can be challenging. Fortunately, you only need 20 to 30 minutes of reading a day to boost your child’s literacy—and it’s up to you how you want to structure it! Here are six expert-backed ways to read...
Editor
18 April, 2024
5 things grieving children want to know about the death of a loved one
‘Why did he Leave Me?’ is one, reports researcher Lauren Breen, Death and grief are not easy to talk about. Talking to children about these can be harder still. Our instinct to protect children from harsh realities means we might avoid these topics altogether. But,...
Editor
15 April, 2024
5 ways to get the most out of watching Bluey with your kids
A bumper Bluey episode is about to hit screens, writes Divna Haslam. This special episode of the hit kids show will premiere on April 14. The episode will run for 28 minutes, which is four times the usual length of a Bluey episode. My kids...
Editor
11 April, 2024
Easter Books for the small children you love
Looking for some Easter-themed books for the younger kids? Here is a selection of new and some older ones to look for. Bluey: Hooray, It’s Easter! Published by Penguin Random House. Board book. This is a lift-the-flap board book based on the hit ABC KIDS TV...
Editor
21 March, 2024

Celebrating Mothers

Managing My Molar Pregnancy
When Elizabeth Kenyon is pregnant with her third child, things do not go according to plan. My husband and I were very smug when we conceived our third child, as it happened exactly when we’d hoped. The ideal timing made up for the fact that...
Editor
09 May, 2024
When can my baby drink cow’s milk?
Karleen Gribble, Naomi Hull and Nina Jane Chad report that it’s sooner than you think! Parents are often faced with well-meaning opinions and conflicting advice about what to feed their babies. The latest guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends formula-fed babies can switch...
Editor
09 May, 2024
What is breast hypoplasia and how does it affect some mothers?
Some women’s breasts can’t make enough milk, and the effects can be devastating. Researchers Renee Kam and Lisa Amir explain why. Many new mothers worry about their milk supply. For some, support from a breastfeeding counsellor or lactation consultant helps. Others cannot make enough milk no...
Editor
09 May, 2024
For breastfeeding in public, laws are not enough
It’s rare for a significant period of time to pass before another debate about breastfeeding takes place in the media, writes Alison Bartlett The latest is about Comedian Arj Barker. Some of the highest authorities have said breastfeeding is okay, even in the Sistine Chapel,...
Editor
02 May, 2024