Karen Casey used to wander the world… now she revels in routine. For aspects of family life that we are repeatedly told require routine, kids sure are well rehearsed at taking orders and launching them out the window. When you want them to sleep, they don’t....
Kylie Ladd considers the impact of parenthood on friendships. It was the seagulls that clinched it. I was holidaying with a relatively new friend, someone I’d met through our children’s creche. We’d been chatting together at the creche Christmas party, discussing our plans for the summer,...
Exhausted, disconnected and fed up – what is ‘parental burnout'? asks researcher Alan Ralph. For many parents, the reality of juggling the demands of caring responsibilities on their time, energy and resources leave them with little time to take care of their own well-being. This can...
Asia capable initiatives that only target adults and young adults leaves it far too late – it has to start in our schools, writes Chris Higgins As the world becomes progressively more connected and interconnected, it’s increasingly important for all people to develop the skills and...
And what should parents do about it? Ask Natalie Gately and Shane Rogers When children steal, naturally, parents can be very concerned. They might wonder if they’ve taught their child correctly, whether it’s just a phase or whether they’re going to have a young offender...
Personalised learning is billed as the ‘future’ of schooling, writes Maya Gunawardena: what is it, and could it work? It is not uncommon for kids to complain about school, but studies show significant numbers of Australian students are actually disengaged with their education. A 2017 Grattan Institute...
Anyone can save a life, including kids, report Janet Bray and Kathryn Eastwood With over 26,000 cardiac arrests occurring every year in Australia and over 76% of them occurring in the home, some of our youngest Australians are learning how to help. But why kids? It’s simple....
I’m at my wit’s end, what can I do? Clinical child psychologist, John McAloon has some thoughts for families aiming to achieve a desirable outcome Everyone with young children experiences parenting challenges. And these are often exacerbated by parental exhaustion, financial or relationship difficulties, and work stress. I’m...
Toy libraries across Australia are booming as more families turn to borrowing toys to save money, reduce waste and reconnect with their communities after COVID-19. Memberships at Australia’s 380-plus toy libraries have surged over the past two years, with new figures showing that over 130,000 families...
Catherine Wade looks at what parents can do during their child's 'tweenage' years The teenage years can be among the trickiest times for a parent. You have been used to being your child’s voice of reason. Then, all of a sudden, your authority is challenged by...
