Children’s songs are meant to be comforting, imaginative and timeless. But during one ordinary bedtime singalong, John Hershey realises that some of our most beloved classics might be quietly preparing kids for a world of sealing wax, string… and very low expectations from dragons. A Bedtime...
When the school gate finally closes behind your youngest child, the emotions can be surprisingly complicated. Chaley Scott reflects on the quiet ache, shifting identity and unexpected question many parents face: what happens now? Everyone said it. “You’ll be fine.” “You won’t have enough hours in...
According to new research in the modern workplace, by Melissa A. Wheeler, Anne Bardoel, Asanka Gunasekara and Lindsie Arthur, flexible arrangements can be as important as salary for some. For many employees, flexibility is no longer a nice-to-have luxury. It has become a fundamental requirement for...
Sandy Leen finds that her idea of what constitutes a good babysitter is quite different from those of her children. When You Don’t Have “A Regular” The downside of living far from family and moving every couple of years or so is that we have never had...
Strategic thinking is essential today as we navigate social challenges, writes Nelly Liyanagamage If you’re tired of the same old Monopoly, perhaps it’s time to try Settlers of Catan. It’s a strategy board game for three to four players fighting to be the dominant force on Catan...
As families get ready for a new school year, many parents are snapping first-day photos and sharing them online. But child safety experts are urging families to pause before posting — warning that even innocent images can reveal far more than intended. Leading child protection organisation...
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...
