I’m a drowning prevention researcher, writes Amy Peden, and my kid’s school swimming carnival shocked me. It is swimming carnival season in Australia. This typically means children from about Year 2 and up are asked to swim a distance of 50 metres or one length of...
Martha Wegner enrolled her son in circus school, but she didn’t expect him to become the class clown. When a child doesn’t thrive in competitive sport or traditional academics, it can leave parents worried. But creative outlets — from circus classes to drawing and performance —...
Kathy Sena finds a little self-realisation — and a lot of laughter — through improvisation. …we weren’t so much looking to run away from something as we were looking to embrace something else – our true selves; the kid inside who once rolled around on the...
New research by Callula Killingly and her colleagues shows that it’s never too late to help students learn to read – even in high school. There's a lot parents can do. Jonathan Cooper/ Unsplash Learning to read is a complex process. It requires children to master and...
Parent groups are meant to be supportive — but when your child develops differently, they can feel unexpectedly isolating. Erica Sharplin reflects on raising a gifted child, the awkwardness of standing out, and why finding “your people” can make all the difference. Parent Groups: Supportive —...
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...
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,...
