Volunteering Is Good for You – and Surprisingly, Your Kids Want to Do It Too!

By: Linda Lou

If you ever have trouble getting your kids to help out at home, you might be surprised by what you read next. Of 180,000 Australians students surveyed by Resilient Youth, 90% actually want to contribute to society. Read more

school bus

When Are Kids Old Enough to Take Public Transport Alone

By: Rachel Doherty | Tweens 2 Teen

Having your child use public transport for the first time without you is one of those moments that can creep up on a parent. To work out when the time is right, I’m sharing a simple parenting rule. Read more

lunchbox

The Five Essential Ingredients for a Great School Lunchbox

By: Clare Bruce

If you’re daunted by the prospect of another year of school lunch-making, these tips from nutritionist and dietitian Cindy Williams will help get you inspired. Read more

sibling

10 Steps to Reducing Sibling Conflict

By: Dr Justin Coulson

I don’t remember who said it first but the best way to stop sibling rivalry and sibling squabbles is… to not have siblings.

Too late?

Same. Read more

self-centred

Me, Myself and I: The Self-Centred World of Teens

By: Rachel Doherty

Teenagers have a reputation for being selfish, but it’s better for parents to see this behaviour as self-centred instead. Read more

really listen to your child

7 Ways to Really Listen so Your Child Shares More

By: Dr Justin Coulson

Dear Dr Justin,

My husband and my 9 year-old son are constantly fighting. It’s little niggles here and there. But it is non stop. They are constantly talking past each other and he (my husband) has started getting really angry. How can we make things better between them? Read more

over-scheduling kids

Are We Over-scheduling Our Kids?

By: Dr Justin Coulson

Dear Dr Justin

My kids are in a lot of after-school activities. They swim and play a musical instrument each. Two of them do drama, and all three are in Saturday sport. My husband and I are arguing about how much is too much. It’s impacting on our time together as a family, and our budget. But the kids are tired and don’t seem to love much of what they’re doing even though they’ve chosen it. I want them to do less. My husband wants them to keep going and also wants to add maths tutoring. Is there any research to tell us what is right and wrong? When I was a kid, I played netball. That was it. I’d love some advice. My kids are 5, 7, and 10.

Exhausted. Read more

parenting advice

“The Most Valuable Advice I Received as a New Parent” – 70 Tips

By: Ally Barnes

My hubby and I are expecting our first baby, and to help get us prepared, I’ve been asking friends for their best advice. Read more

schooling

13 Questions to Ask the Kids, Better Than ‘How Was School Today?’

By: Duncan Robinson

A year into my daughter’s schooling career, I’m realising something: asking the question ‘how was school today?’ gets about as much response as it does when my wife asks me, ‘how was work today?’ Read more

who our children become

Success: Why We Should Focus On Who (Not What) Our Children Become

By: Dr Justin Coulson | Happy Families

“I’ve got a question for you”, the cab driver stated expectantly. I was on my way to give a talk about parenting. He had asked where I was going and why, and his eyes lit up when he found out what I do for work. Read more