Joe Adamson* shares his own experiences, in order to reach others who feel that they have failed or haven’t lived up to the “Walt Disney” version of such blended relationships. There has been much discussion in recent times regarding the increasingly growing phenomenon of stepfamilies or...
Teachers, parents and particularly other students are responsible for helping to prevent bullying, says Sam Chadwick. "I was only joking, I didn’t mean it!” How many times have I heard that in my 10 years of teaching? These words are so often spoken by children when...
The roller-coaster ride of parenting becomes more challenging when Amanda McLeod is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I lost friends and colleagues who found it difficult to deal with my highs, lows and erratic behaviour. After 12 months of trying to conceive, I was overjoyed when the pregnancy...
A teenager’s plea for help takes Rebecca Chaney back to a place she rarely visits – her childhood. There was a knock at my front door the other night. It was late, and I was upstairs checking on our sleeping children before calling it a day....
Pulling the plug was the only way for Penny Nelson to deal with her son’s obsession. It’s time to get off.” “Just a minute...
More and more employers are aware of their obligations to assist mothers returning to work. This advice from the Australian Breastfeeding Association provides the latest updated information to help parents to make their best choices. Many mothers successfully combine work and breastfeeding. Our work environment continues...
Sheree Gleeson reflects on her desire for her children to have the idle hours that are so often at the heart of our most meaningful moments The nature of screens screen them Are my children making memories that count? That’s something I agonise over as I watch...
When someone your child loves has died or is dying, Di McKissock O.A.M from A Friend’s Place, provides this advice. 1) Make sure your child has access to truthful information in age-appropriate language. 2) Assure your child that no questions are taboo, and that you will find...
8 low-cost ways to identify and develop your child’s talents and abilities beyond the school gates: Praise your child for being a hard worker, to reinforce the idea that effort affects ability. Discuss the merits of one book or film over another to build up...
In this article, Anju Regis + Shivonne Cammell share their thoughts on what parents can do to help their child move through this traumatic time in their young lives. “I know Mummy and Daddy are fighting, even when they think I don’t, and it makes me feel...
