The recent Four Corners investigation into Australia’s childcare system has uncovered deeply troubling gaps in child safety. Experts say it’s a wake-up call for all of us — parents, carers and educators — to do more to protect children from harm. When Systems Fail, Communities Must...
Do kids cost more now? Asks expert, Ben Phillips. Calculating the cost of raising kids is complicated. Australians are having fewer children than ever. At 1.5 babies per woman, the fertility rate is at a record low. Many attribute this to the cost of having and...
A UK hack shows Australia needs to be very careful about its CCTV trial for daycare centres, reports Lauren Brocki, Alicia Phillips and Kelli-Anne Price It has been a horror year for early childhood education and care in Australia, amid ongoing reports and allegations of abuse...
Many children who resist school aren’t being defiant — they’re overwhelmed. Learn how to spot the signs of school refusal and support your child with empathy and early help. When school mornings turn into battles As Term 4 begins, many parents are bracing for the return of...
Ideal for younger readers, these books combine warmth, rhythm, and colour to keep little ones engaged from start to finish. Whether read at bedtime or playtime, it’s a lovely way to introduce babies and toddlers to the joy of books and shared reading. The Drought Kangaroo by...
Parents play an important role in teaching their children about sex and relationships, write researchers Jennifer Power, Alexandra James and Thomas Norman. But their new report shows many parents – fathers in particular – find it mortifying. Our national survey of 1,918 parents shows they are...
If you spend time around little kids, writes Catherine E. Wood, you may notice one topic seems to be more interesting and hilarious than any other. Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images Children of all ages love to make comments and jokes about bums and poos (as...
Her songs are simple, repetitive and often interactive, writes Elizabeth Coombes. They encourage children to respond, copy gestures or sing along. For many parents of babies and toddlers, there is one YouTube channel that is a household name. Ms Rachel and her Songs for Littles has attracted...
Carmel Hobbs reports that Australian teens need adults to help them recognise red flags for potentially abusive relationships. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates 2.2 million adults have been victims of physical and/or sexual violence from a partner since the age of 15. Almost one in three...
Not every parent has family or friends close by, but there are simple ways to create the support network your children—and you—need. Why a Village Matters Parenting can feel overwhelming when you don’t have people to lean on. While some families have grandparents, neighbours and friends close...
