For many of us, pets are more than just animals. They are family. So, when a beloved pet dies, the grief can feel overwhelming, writes Erin Smith For some, like me, it does more than break your heart. The death of a pet can reopen old...
The words we all use matter, explains Matthew Harrison, Jessica Riordan, Sarah Timperley and Jess Rowlings. When it comes to neurodiversity – they shape how communities understand difference, who is believed and who feels safe to ask for support. For people with Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),...
If school lunch programs are going to work in Australia, families’ support will be crucial, report researchers Brittany Johnson, Alexandra Manson and Rebecca Golley Most Australian children bring their lunch to school through a “lunchbox system”. But there is a growing push for schools to provide students...
No diagnoses and no gap fees for physios and speechies. What else do we know about Thriving Kids? Asks Helen Dickinson and Molly Saunders. Thriving Kids is back in the spotlight, after the states and territories agreed last week to match the federal government’s A$2 billion...
Some schools now offer breakfast to students before the school day begins — while many others do not. In recent years, a growing number of Australian schools have introduced breakfast clubs or morning meal programs, often supported by community groups and charities. The trend reflects...
If you think your child might have developmental delays, having them assessed early can make a lasting difference. In this personal story, Helen D* reflects on the moment her family stopped wondering — and started seeking support. “Thousands of young children have developmental delays, but it is...
School is back and, with it, the daily task of packing a lunchbox, writes Margaret Murray. If your child is coming home with uneaten sandwiches, you’re not alone. They’re easy to make and transport, but sometimes the last thing kids (or adults) want to eat. The food...
With the wealthiest kids most likely to be medicated, report Brenton Prosser and Yogi Vidyattama The number of young people in Australia prescribed medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increased more that tenfold in 20 years, our new research shows, while it is no longer most...
Chelsea Mobbs reports that physio at 3 months old – or even earlier – can really help babies with cerebral palsy Physiotherapy isn’t just for adults recovering from injuries. Physiotherapists can help babies and children, too – including babies with, or at high risk of, cerebral...
Teenagers aren’t lazy—their brains are wired to run later. New neuroscience explains why early school start times clash with teens' sleep, mental health, and learning, and why some Australian schools are rethinking the school day. If your teenager struggles to get out of bed before school,...
