How to manage kids’ ‘Christmas crankies’ over the holidays

Christmas is coming, and with it, many challenges for parents of young children. Catherine E. Wood advises keeping calm and carrying on with your routines. You likely have one festive event after another, late nights, party food, way too much stimulation, tired kids and tired parents. All of which can culminate in what seems like an...

EDITOR’S PICKS

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
Teens: Too Much Fast Food, Not Enough Greens
New research shows most teenagers are stuck in a cycle of poor diet, low activity, and too much screen time – but parents can help turn things around. Too Much Fast Food, Not Enough Greens When a cheeseburger costs less than a punnet of strawberries,...
Editor
20 November, 2025
Friendship Audit: Who Lifts You Up, and Who Takes Too Much?
As the year ends, it’s the perfect time to reassess friendships. Mental-health author Elizabeth Jane says one-sided relationships can quietly drain energy and confidence. Recognising the signs and setting boundaries can protect wellbeing and create space for healthier, reciprocal connections. As the year winds down,...
Editor
13 November, 2025
Why We Parent Like Our Parents (Even When We Swore We Wouldn’t)
Even the most mindful parents slip into old habits, explains Dr Amanda Mullin, When Old Voices Sneak In We all start out with the best intentions. I’ll be more patient, we promise. More understanding. More aware. And then one day—somewhere between the school run and...
Editor
13 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