Tom Whelan reflects on the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren—and the timeless lessons passed between generations. The Land of Whatever You Want My children’s grandmother lives by the sea in a place we call The Land of Whatever You Want.“Ice-cream for breakfast? Sure, smother it in...
As the year ends, it’s the perfect time to reassess friendships. Mental-health author Elizabeth Jane says one-sided relationships can quietly drain energy and confidence. Recognising the signs and setting boundaries can protect wellbeing and create space for healthier, reciprocal connections. As the year winds down, many...
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...
Soaring house prices may be locking people into marriages, reports Stephen Whelan and Luke Hartigan House prices continued to rise across Australia in June, recent data shows. Nationally, prices have risen about 38% in the past five years. Higher housing prices are simply one contributor, albeit a...
Martha Wegner is often a reluctant audience to her family of extroverts. A Constant Stream of Stories “Mum, are you listening to me?” I turn around once again to face my youngest child. “Of course I’m listening to you. Aren’t I always listening to you?” Undaunted by...
Katrina Germein writes about her son’s shyness and her efforts to help him socialise. The Lightning-Bolt Realisation A friend once told me that when her son turned three, she realised he wasn’t sporty. He preferred books and indoor play over running and kicking balls. That moment stayed...
Carla Raynes and Jenna Wilson are two women who always knew they had a greater purpose in life. Never satisfied with the 9-5 daily grind, they both dreamed about creating something bigger. It’s a passion they say they’ve shared since they were children. “As kids we were out...
Teenagers no longer answer the phone: is it a lack of manners or a new trend? Asks Anne Cordier Teenagers can seem to have their phones glued to their hands – yet they won’t answer them when they ring. This scenario, which is all too familiar...
Barbara Fraser recalls how desperate she felt after the birth of her son… some 40 years ago. The Crying That Never Stopped From birth, he cried, drawing his little legs up in agony. Medical checks showed nothing wrong, and our GP put it down to colic. Medication...
And it could be harming them, write researchers Liz Spry and Craig Olsson Teenagers are increasingly turning to AI companions for friendship, support, and even romance. But these apps could be changing how young people connect to others, both online and off. New research by Common Sense...
