New research suggests it can also help mental health, reports Fotini Vasilopoulos, Pretend play is a significant and often magical part of childhood. Children have huge imaginations and use these to turn rocks into spaceships, tables into forts or pens into fairies. They might pretend to be...
Teenagers are growing fast, learning more independence and often making more of their own food choices. But many Australian teens are missing out on the nutritious foods they need, reports Catharine Fleming. Here’s what parents can do to help — without making every meal a...
Researchers, Kelly Garton and Boyd Swinburn report that ultra-processed foods are specifically engineered to be irresistible — using flavour, texture, packaging and marketing tactics that encourage us (and especially children) to keep eating...
From 1–31 May 2026, customers can buy a specially created Starlight Muffin at their local Muffin Break, with $1 from every muffin sold donated to Starlight. Customers can also make a $2 donation in-store....
Australia’s under-16 social media ban has only been in place since December 2025, but families are already feeling the impact. For some, it’s brought relief and clearer rules. For others, it’s complicated how kids connect — and how parents enforce the limits. A circuit-breaker for family conflict...
When you have young children, writes Nick Fuller, it can be tempting to feed them early, then sit down to a separate meal once they’re in bed. But setting a routine where you eat as a family, for even a couple of nights a week, can...
Parents are hearing louder calls to limit kids’ screen time, especially with platforms like TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube under scrutiny. But new Australian research suggests the answer may not be as simple as “less is best.”...
Australian children appear to be growing up with far fewer moles than kids did in the early 1990s — a promising sign for future melanoma risk. Researchers David Duffy and Nick Martin say the shift may reflect decades of sun-smart messaging, but it’s also a reminder...
Families with kids juggling full-time work may have been alarmed by media reporting this week, suggesting “too much” time in early childhood education and care could harm their child’s development....
When the budget’s tight but you still want something fresh and satisfying, this Thai basil chicken delivers. It’s fast, flexible, and easy to bulk out with extra veg—perfect for busy weeknights....
