Some couples make conceiving a child look like a walk in the park. They decide they want to become parents, and the process happens very quickly. But for others, it can be a long and complicated … [Read more...]
Mother of Murdered Teen working with AFP to keep kids safe online
Sonya Ryan, the mother of Carly Ryan who was murdered in 2007 by an online predator, stood alongside the AFP’s (Australian Federal Police) victim-based crime prevention teams at the Royal Canberra … [Read more...]
What you need to know about child custody when separating
By Karen Cho, Lawyer, Owen Hodge Lawyers As anyone who has been through separation and divorce will tell you, navigating child custody issues can be very daunting. However, child custody … [Read more...]
Top Tips to Help Teenagers make a smooth transition back to school
Returning to school after the summer holidays is rarely something students look forward to. For those beginning high school, starting at a new school, or entering year 11 or 12, the anxiety and … [Read more...]
Positive Female Fictional Characters Who Can Inspire Kids
In today's constantly connected world, children are exposed to more than you might like. It can be hard to know what books, movies and television shows have a positive influence on your kid’s life, … [Read more...]
My Tips for Losing that Baby Weight
The joy of having a new baby can be slightly tempered by the media’s insistence that a new mother lose the baby weight as soon as possible. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Victoria Beckham are … [Read more...]
5 Quirky School Holiday Activities on a Budget
Rejoice! The Christmas holidays are almost upon us and for some, that means time off work, summer reading and travel! However, the holidays mean something very different to those rearing a gaggle of … [Read more...]
Tips on How to Celebrate Baby’s Very First Christmas
The Christmas period is a magical time of the year. This is particularly the case if you have just welcomed a new baby into your family. A baby's first Christmas is very special and undoubtedly a … [Read more...]
Strategies for Protecting the Mental Health of New Parents
In Australia 10-13% of women will experience depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth. A woman’s mental health at this time can be affected by many things including … [Read more...]
Jean Hailes launches blogging platform for new parents
Ahead of Postnatal Depression Awareness Week (16-22 November) Jean Hailes for Women's Health has launched "What Were We Thinking", a new blogging platform where new mums and dads can discuss their … [Read more...]
How Changes in Paid Parental Leave Will Affect Working Mums in Australia
There was a bad time, long ago, when a woman who was pregnant covered up, strapped in and did everything necessary to hide her blooming figure because, once discovered, she lost her job. Ask your mum, … [Read more...]
Bonds Baby Search 2014
Bonds Baby Search, Australia’s largest talent search for the most adorable babies in the nation, closes on Tuesday March 3 at 4pm. Bonds have been featuring Aussie babies in their advertising … [Read more...]
Is this the best parental leave scheme for retail workers in Australia?
It's a widely held view that the retail sector isn't very generous when it comes to pay and working conditions for it's employees - most of whom are women. So we reckon IKEA's parental leave scheme … [Read more...]
Support for new parents is vital for better mental health
November 17-23 is Postnatal Depression Awareness Week. In the excitement following a birth, the baby often becomes the focus of attention; and the needs of new parents can be overlooked – even by … [Read more...]
Advice for Career Mums: Juggling a career and family
Through managing a successful multi‐million dollar business and a family of three, Christine Tylee (pictured with her husband Paul) has become a master at organisation, setting goals and making time … [Read more...]
‘Home is no longer a sanctuary’ for children says Princess Mary
Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark were the guests of honour yesterday at the official launch of eSmart Homes, a new cybersafety initiative by The Alannah and Madeline … [Read more...]
Nicky Buckley joins the search for Australia’s Supermum
Australian TV personality and mother of 3 boys, Nicky Buckley, will be the face of a national campaign by mattress protector company, Protect·A·Bed® to find Australia's Supermums, with the national … [Read more...]
Opt-Out Internet Filter: What is Australia afraid of?
I'm not ashamed to admit it. I've always been a supporter of 'opt-out' internet filtering because I genuinely believe it's the only effective way to prevent children from accessing adult content on … [Read more...]
A Father’s Love for his Daughter wins hearts around the globe
An Australian short film celebrating the role of fathers in their daughters’ lives, has captured the hearts and minds of a global audience on the video sharing site, Vimeo. The film, ‘A Father’s … [Read more...]
Five Things Organisations Can Do Better to Manage Maternity Leave
Employees going on maternity (or paternity) leave is an organisational reality and business leaders shouldn’t stick their heads in the sand and think the process will manage itself – it … [Read more...]
My Life Changing Phone Call
Naomi Prescott (pictured) faced a heart-breaking struggle to fall pregnant. Her journey included four costly and unsuccessful fertility treatments including ovulation induction and IVF. One day she … [Read more...]
Hasbro unveils the New Furby Boom and it’s soooo Cute!
Hasbro has unveiled the new FURBY BOOM featuring twice the content of its predecessor and more digital play via a free app for mobile devices. Using the free Furby Boom app owners can personalise, … [Read more...]
New Resource for Parents to combat Underage Drinking and Drug Use
The Australian Drug Foundation has launched a new online resource today to help parents to have ‘The Other Talk’ with their children about alcohol and other drugs. Research shows that one in five 16 … [Read more...]
Treatment for Child Obesity by local GP’s proves Unsuccessful
A ‘shared care’ obesity treatment trial, in which hospital-based obesity specialists and local GP’s shared the management and treatment of obese children, has proved ineffective, according to new … [Read more...]
From Bombs and Bullets to Australia’s Mother of the Year 2013
Bosnia War survivor and small business owner, Hasiba Cesko from South Australia, has been named Barnardos Australia’s Mother of the Year 2013. Hasiba Cesko has led a remarkable life. Born in Bosnia, … [Read more...]
How You Can Best Protect Your Child Against Cyberbullies
Those of us who are parents or carers know that we will do just about anything to ensure the good health and wellbeing of our children. We want the best for our kids and for them to have more … [Read more...]
Health Workers Should Respect Decision Not to Breastfeed
We all know 'breast is best' but if a mother decides not to breastfeed, the revised Infant Feeding Guidelines recommends that a mother's informed decision not to breastfeed should be respected by … [Read more...]
Parental Grief and the Dreaded First Holiday
Many families in our neighborhoods are suffering through their first holiday season without a loved one. Four years ago, I had my first dreadful holiday without my son, Mikey. He ended his own life on … [Read more...]
Scientists answer parent’s questions about Immunisation
The Australian Academy of Science has published a comprehensive booklet in an effort to dispel common myths about the immunisation of children. Devised by a national panel of experts in response to … [Read more...]
Smart Travel Tips for Road Trips with the Kids
A road trip with your children can be a rollicking good time, traumatic, chaotic, boring and exciting. In other words, it is a microcosm of life itself. Often, how you prepare and plan for your trip … [Read more...]
Cathy Freeman blogs about her experiences as a mum
Australian Olympic gold medalist and proud mum Cathy Freeman, has signed on as the new brand ambassador for the Coles Baby & Toddler Club. In addition to appearing in the advertising campaign, Cathy … [Read more...]
Parents invited to online get together for National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
Australian radio and tv personalities Ruby Rose, Dylan Lewis and James Mason talk about their own experiences of being bullied at school in a new video launched by headspace to coincide with … [Read more...]
Inspiration: Q and A with Paralympian, Hannah MacDougall
Hannah MacDougall is an inspiring young athlete who has not only achieved bronze medals in the 2004 Athens Paralympics, but she is now aiming for the 2012 Paralympics in cycling. Born with a … [Read more...]
Some Secrets should Never Be Kept
Three years ago, when I was on my children’s school council, I broached the subject of sexual abuse prevention education. I asked my fellow committee members why we did not have such program in our … [Read more...]
Study: Aussie governments spend $71.5 billion on education
As education costs continue to rise, Australian governments spend $71.5 billion on education and childcare services, according to a new report. School is back and parents across the country are busy … [Read more...]
Overwhelmed? How old are you? By Emma Grey
With a thirteen-year-old heading into Year Eight this week, I’m reminded that many of us first learn how to ‘do overwhelm’ when we’re confronted with a higher workload than we’re used to, at high … [Read more...]
Women having kids later in life: AIHW
Women are waiting longer to have children with many choosing to start a family at the age of 28 or above. Aussie women are ready to take on the world and embark on overseas adventures, study at … [Read more...]
Penny Wong announces birth of baby Alexandra
Finance minister Penny Wong announces birth of first child . The finance minister and her partner Sophie Allouache have publicly announced the birth of their first daughter. Earlier this week the … [Read more...]
Parents and kids to benefit from new decision making program
Decision making is part and parcel of being an adult - fast responses help people complete tasks, build relationships and resolve conflicts. But many young people are growing up without knowing how to … [Read more...]
Mums take more time out to volunteer than their peers: ABS
Mums with part-time jobs make up 55 per cent of all volunteers in Australia, with the highest rate of unpaid work in the country. If you have recently attended a charity function or bought raffle … [Read more...]