Stephanie Brown has some homework for parents of children starting school. I wish someone had given me an honest and realistic list of things to be prepared for as I navigated the start of ‘big school’ alongside my five-year-old. So here’s my contribution to the greater...
Janine Armocida writes about bladder and bowel health and habits in young children. Sally* is worried. Her five-year-old son Zac* is starting school at the end of January and is still asking for a nappy when he wants to poo, even though he will happily urinate...
To help your kids become safe and responsible online users, check out these tips. Set the ground rules Establish rules about the types of content or information your child should report to an adult – for example, telling you about any swearing or bad words they find online.Set...
Pulling the plug was the only way for Penny Nelson to deal with her son’s obsession. It’s time to get off.” “Just a minute...
Leanne Torres finds her daughter’s first day of school is a big adventure for them both. If I try really hard, I can just about remember my first day of school. Maybe it’s the photo that triggers my memory – there I am with my big...
Sushi lovers will adore this lunchbox treat! These simple sushi sandwiches have become phenomenally popular in Japan over the last few years, particularly for packed lunches. Known in Japan as ‘Onigirazu’ they’re very simple to make, they don’t need to be made with vinegared sushi rice...
Parent-teacher relationships are an important factor in a child’s first year at school, writes Samantha Page, CEO of Early Childhood Australia. Starting school is a big adjustment for children. It entails a new routine, a new place to go every day, new people and a lot...
Children who have difficulty in making sense of speech and other sounds may suffer from a hard to diagnose disorder, the symptoms of which are often overlooked in the early years, writes Donna Reis. “Auditory processing disorder can mean that a child has trouble distinguishing sounds...
Jennifer Dudding was perplexed when her youngest son didn’t want a bar of school. “I’m not going; I’m going to prison” My youngest child Angus thought he was going to jail – at least that’s what he told everyone. It was excruciating to witness. He told the...
Clare Wishart finds the transition to school is harder for her than her son I remember the drive home from hospital six years ago with my newborn son. Suburbia looked so ordinary after my spiritual trip in the maternity ward. My euphoria at becoming a parent...
