Treasured objects link the generations of a family, explains Kristen Hains. For my last birthday, I received a baby rattle. This rattle came delicately wrapped, with a note from my grandma: “This was given to your grandfather when he was born in 1922”. I’ve always thought...
Here’s what they said, writes researcher Sharon Bessell What does a “fair go” look like for Australian children? We asked 130 children aged between seven and 13 years what makes communities strong, supportive, and fair. Many felt communities are about care and connection. As one ten-year-old girl...
Cathy Watson examines her part-time job’s full-time effect on family life. “Mina is taking you to the park this morning,” I said brightly. “I don’t want to go to the park.” Fierce, small three-year-old face, looking defiant. “But it will be fun at the park! Mina...
Sexual sparks fly when partners do their share of chores – including calling the plumber, write researchers Simone Buzwell and Eva Johansen When a comic about “mental load” went viral in 2017, it sparked conversations about the invisible workload women carry. Even when women are in...
Kate King reflects as she starts to see herself in her kids. Sensible eating habits, sun safety, good manners, respect for the environment and positive relationships are some of the things I consciously model for my children. While it’s rewarding to see my little sponges absorb...
The research might surprise you, writes Sarah Blunden Clueless actor Alicia Silverstone recently told a podcast she co-sleeps with her 11-year-old son, explaining she is “just following nature”. “Bear and I still sleep together,” she told The Ellen Fisher Podcast last month. “I’ll be in trouble for...
COVID changed drop-off and pick ups – but parents can still have a strong relationship with their child’s educators, write researchers Katherine Bussey, Deborah Moore, Natalie Robertson and Shelli Giosis One of the most obvious changes COVID has made to early childhood education in Australia has...
“I’ve packed for you,” he said. A line of garbage bags sat beside him. A failed attempt at counselling led to this moment. I wanted to leave him and he thought he could “get the counsellor to change my mind”. I told the counsellor, “He’s kicked...
Cassandra Charlton’s daughter enjoys a close relationship with her distant cousins. My three-year-old daughter is separated from her cousins by thousands of kilometres – and sees them only once every two years when their family comes to Australia to visit us and their maternal grandparents. On...
This is why it matters – and we can do something about it, write researchers Linda J. Graham Callula Killingly Jenna Gillett-Swan and Penny Van Bergen “School SUX!” We’ve all heard it and some of us have felt it. It’s such a common sentiment that parents and teachers...
