Melissa Barnes and Kate Lafferty introduce the academic skill of metacognition – and 4 ways to encourage it in children. When parents think about their child’s education, they probably focus on basic skills and exam results, the amount a child is trying and their wellbeing. But there...
A new study shows little kids who count on their fingers do better at maths, reports Jennifer Way and Katherin Cartwright If you ask a small child a simple maths question, such as 4+2, they may count on their fingers to work it out. Should we encourage...
Thumb and finger sucking are common self-soothing habits in babies and young children — but when they persist, they can start to affect teeth and jaw development. Paediatric dentist Dr Anna Buckeridge explains what’s happening in your child’s mouth, when parents should be concerned, and...
Children involved in legal proceedings are among the most vulnerable people in the justice system — and the way they are represented can shape outcomes that affect their lives for years to come. That’s why the Law Society of NSW has released an updated Fifth Edition...
While the lunch-box contents matter most, the container plays a big role in whether kids can open it, keep food fresh, and eat independently without help. Reviewers and family testers consistently highlight a few key design features: Kid-friendly latches and easy-open lids so children don’t need adult help at school. ...
Starting school was a far bigger wrench for me than it was for my son, writes Cathy Watson “Sending my second child – my ‘soft’ son – into the ruthless world of school was a harsh concept and I struggled with it far more than he...
Pool parties, icy poles, brightly coloured swimmers and backyard barbecues — for many Australian families, summer and water go hand in hand. But while water play is a cherished part of childhood, it also brings very real risks. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of...
We often see lists of ‘top’ schools. But what makes a good school for your child? Nicole Brownlie and Renee Desmarchelier look behind what makes a good school for your child. Lists of Australia’s “top” schools regularly make headlines. We see this every year with Year 12...
I love my friends… I do not love their kids, writes Catherine E. Wood At this time of the year, with lots of parties, family catch-ups and holiday plans, you might be reminded of how much you love your friends. But as their kids pester for screen...
Sarah Jefferson asks could a little bit of school work over the holidays help? As the summer holidays progress, parents may feel concerned their children will “forget how to spell their own names” during the long school break. Or there may be worries about forgetting times tables,...
