Christine Wellfare steps back and lets her children learn on their own. I first learned about plagiarism in Year 3. My homework task was to write a poem about an Australian animal. It’s funny, but 26 years later I can still remember the poem (“The ringtail...
Genetic testing can give you vital information if you're planning a family, advises Dr Di Milnes Not so long ago, diagnosis of a recessive condition such as adrenoleukodystrophy was only possible after a child developed symptoms. For many rare conditions, the time from onset of...
Philippa Macken explains how our own genetic cocktail can have fatal consequences for our children. Part of the fun of pregnancy is imagining what traits you’ll pass down to your baby. Perhaps they will inherit your dark curls or your partner’s wicked sense of humour. But...
Since housing affordability and availability pressures are likely to lead to more children living in apartments, Liz de Chastel believes that urban policy and development must accommodate their needs. If we asked our grandparents what sort of housing they thought their grandchildren would be living in,...
Kylie Ladd considers the true colours of childhood competition. I’m not sure that 'The Declaration of Independence' got it right: all men aren’t created equal, at least when it comes to chasey or lunchboxes or even colouring in. If they were, they would all win the...
Lily Pavlovic introduces a new local kids’ program called Hardball, which premiered on the ABC Me App on 1 April. A recent study by Viacom of 8,000 dads across 22 countries found today’s fathers are more emotionally attached, embracing greater responsibility and investing in children’s learning...
5 questions every parent must ask of their childcare, school or club about their child’s safety, says Melinda Peers Statistics show that 1 in 5 children are sexually abused before the age of 18 in Australia. Whilst most abuse happens in homes a percentage does happen in...
Victorian barrister Celia Conlan, advocates for separated parents to take a conciliatory approach when dealing with arrangements relating to their children. In our society, in which almost everything has a price, most of us cling tightly to our investments. Some parents even view their children as...
Tara-Jade Brown’s family is walking an unexpected path with determination and hope. It feels as though everyone in the entire shopping centre is staring at me. “Shhh baby, calm down,” I croon while rocking the child backwards and forwards. His eyes are unfocused, and he is...
As she deals with her son’s diagnosis with a brain tumour, Lisa Cole concludes we all need to believe in something or someone. Why is it that when you really need something it’s suddenly hard to find? I’d been searching for Coco everywhere that night, but...
