Jennifer Fergus reflects on her relationship with her grandchildren, who live overseas. As I was introducing myself to my granddaughter’s teacher, a voice yelled out from across the playground: “Her real name is Grandma!” The teacher and I paused, looked at each other, and smiled. She...
Researcher Nusrat Homaira looks at what this means and what you can do about it. We may think of air pollution as an outdoor problem caused by car exhaust and smog. But if the air inside our homes is polluted, this can also affect our health. In...
Or is there a better way to talk about achievement? Asks Sarah Jefferson It’s become a ritual in our family – after a long day at his rowing regatta, my 17-year-old son and I get fast food on the way home. I am sure there are...
Lisa M. Given looks at how it would work The South Australian government is moving ahead with plans to ban children under 14 from social media. Under the proposal, teens aged 14 and 15 would also need parental consent to have social media accounts. South Australian Premier...
Wendy James considers the lifetime commitment that is parenthood. When the receptionist asks for my daughter’s date of birth I am slow to respond. Is it the 23rd or the 24th? May or June? The woman laughs, shakes her head and clucks: “How could Mummy forget...
And without having a massive fight every time? Elizabeth Westrupp, Christiane Kehoe and Gabriella King have some great ideas. If you’ve ever opened the door to your child’s room only to be greeted by a sea of clothes, toys and who knows what else, you’re not...
After a parent is killed due to domestic violence, writes Hannah Morrice, children aren’t given enough opportunity to express their opinions on decisions that directly affect their lives In Australia, children’s rights – as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child...
Karley Beckman, Claire Rogerson and Tiffani Apps look at how kids under 13 use social media. Earlier this week (September 2024), the federal government announced it is going to introduce a social media ban for children. It hasn’t nominated a minimum age yet, but the focus of...
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,...
