School holidays and school ovals and playgrounds have been sitting unused. Why aren’t more available to the community? Asks Paul Kidson Schools are full of extremely useful and valuable facilities. These include playing fields, play equipment, sandpits, netball courts, concert halls, libraries and even pools. But these...
Jennifer Aberhart recalls what homework meant when she was a child and wonders what today’s version is really teaching children. The Evolution of Homework Most grandparents would agree that the concept of homework has undergone a complete transformation. Naturally, parenting styles and socioeconomic factors influence child-rearing, but...
Daryl Higgins and Gabrielle Hunt report on why sleepovers can be a fun part of childhood, and can foster independence, friendship, and resilience. Feeling unsure about your child going to a sleepover is completely normal. You might be worried about how well you know the host family,...
Xbox and Minecraft’s Initiative: Sharing “Top 5 Tips for Safe Gaming” to support families in Australia and New Zealand. Safer Internet Day & Online Gaming Safety High Gaming Engagement: Australia: 89% of children (8-17) play online; 40% interact with strangers. New Zealand: 80% of children (8-17)...
The Art Gallery of New South Wales invites budding artists between the ages of 5 and 18 to submit a portrait for the Young Archie competition. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is calling for entries for the much-loved annual competition. Budding young artists from...
Kate Atherton’s motherly resolve is somewhat weakened by sequins – until she sees the sparkle in her daughter’s eyes. There were certain roles I clearly understood would be part of becoming a mother – nurse, cook, cleaner and so on…But ‘sequin sewer’ was certainly never mentioned...
Watch shows together, talk about them and have dance parties, writes Jennifer Stokes As January lingers, families may find themselves struggling with what a friend of mine has labelled the “electronic nanny”. Children have been out of their normal routines for weeks during the holidays. Some have...
Tech can help kids to go outdoors, write Kellie Vella and Madeleine Dobson and here are some tips to make it work Young children’s lives are increasingly spent indoors. They have less access to green spaces, their parents are concerned about safety, and there’s also the...
Fit kids have better mental and physical health. Ben Singh and Grace McKeon look at the why, how and when for parents. The mental health benefits of exercise for adults are well known, easing depression and reducing anxiety. Now, emerging research highlights its rising importance for children’s...
