As Vicki Englund lurks in the shadows of parties past, she bows to peer pressure and procures a performer for the party present. Pre-birthday-party tension. Every year, a couple of months before my daughter’s birthday, it starts. Most mothers and some fathers are familiar with it,...
Denise Norton can find no explanation for her son’s fascination with weapons. Lying in the summer grass, gazing at the clouds taking shape across the sky, I ask my four-year-old son what he can see. “That one is guns,” he says, pointing at the cloud directly above,...
Doctors are warning Australians not to ignore hay fever symptoms as the allergy season arrives this year. Bupa Clinical Director Dr Tony MacDermott said the caution was most important for asthmatics, as most people with asthma were also susceptible to hay fever. Hay fever affects about 1...
Here’s why they do it, writes Michael Nagel As someone who has spent most of his professional life studying how children develop, I’m often asked by parents (especially mums) why children (especially boys) are prone to pick up the nearest stick, pencil, soft toy or even...
Researchers Susan M. Sawyer and Nandi Vijayakumar look at what brain science tells us. The age at which a child can be arrested, charged and jailed in Australia is back in the spotlight. Last year, the Northern Territory became the first jurisdiction to raise the age of...
Childcare and Common Illnesses: What Parents Need to Know When your child starts attending childcare, it's common to encounter a range of illnesses. From respiratory infections to skin conditions, these illnesses spread quickly among children, who are often in close contact with one another. While it’s...
Monash University Study Highlights the Importance of Family Planning for New Mothers When a new baby arrives, life can be all about adjusting to your little one’s needs. But while you’re focused on sleepless nights, feeding schedules, and baby milestones, something equally important might slip through...
The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) highlight some key trends in marriage and divorce in 2023. While marriages are dipping after a post-pandemic high, divorce rates remain relatively stable. For parents, these statistics offer a glimpse into the changing dynamics of...
Martha Wegner gives into the contemplation of temptation. “Mum, I have something to show you.” Grim words spoken with a sombre expression. A slight look of panic around the eyes nearly gives him away. My son has something to show me all right, and it isn’t...
Susan White writes about the strain having kids can place upon relationships. James and Anna have been together for eight years. For six years, they both had successful careers in business and travelled overseas at least annually. Two years ago, Anna decided she wanted a child....
