From childcare and paid parental leave to child support, health costs and tax relief, the 2026–27 Federal Budget includes several measures that may affect parents, carers and children. Here’s what families need to know. The 2026–27 Federal Budget has put family cost-of-living pressure firmly in the...
Experts say gifted children need better recognition and support at school — and more teacher training may be the key....
Family dinners with young children can be messy, noisy and exhausting. Rebecca James finds herself reaching for an old family saying — and realising she may be turning into her grandfather after all. The nightly chaos of feeding children “I don’t like this!” Jimmy makes a face...
Getting the kids out the door for school can feel like herding cats in the rain, write researchers Fiona Boylan and Amelia Ruscoe Just when one child is ready, another can’t find a shoe, someone remembers homework, and someone else starts crying because they want more...
Feeling guilty after a tough parenting moment? You’re not alone, writes Lisa Taylor. Her expert guide explains why those reactions happen—and how small shifts, not perfection, can help you build stronger, more connected relationships with your child. There's a moment I see in so many parents...
Homework Without the Hassle: You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect study nook or a spare room to help kids stay organised with homework. A few practical systems — even in busy family homes — can make schoolwork feel far less stressful for everyone. Homework can quickly become...
A warm, easy pudding using pantry basics and any tired fruit in the bowl This is a good one for families because it feels like dessert, but it’s mostly fruit, oats and pantry staples. It is also forgiving — you can use apples, pears, frozen berries,...
For many working mums, the hardest critic isn’t a boss, a teacher or another parent — it’s the voice in their own head. Emma Robertson reflects on motherhood, guilt, grandmothers and the impossible standard of being everywhere at once. What makes a “real” mother? Mention childcare and...
Chicken Drumstick Rice Bake: a budget family dinner that cooks in one dish Chicken drumsticks are often much cheaper than chicken breast, and because they cook on the bone, they add plenty of flavour without needing expensive extras. This simple rice bake is warm, filling and...
More than 500 early learning and outside school hours care services across NSW and Victoria were visited without warning this week as regulators stepped up efforts to strengthen child safety in childcare settings. Here’s what parents need to know about the latest compliance blitz —...
