Essential Kids: Information for parents of preschoolers and school-age children

DIY Pool Noodle Sprinkler

This DIY sprinkler is easy to make using easily sourced materials, it's also lightweight and soft - making it perfect for kids to play with or to attach to a Trampoline safety net.
Why boys need a boyhood to become good men

Something is going wrong in the world of our boys and the senseless violence present on Australian streets at night is only one of the symptoms emerging from their stolen boyhood, writes Maggie Dent.
Photo series brings boy with muscular dystrophy to life

This photographer decided to bring all the things 12-year-old Lukas can't do to life.

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Old Spice ad of sad mums singing about their sons becoming men is hilariously creepy

Apparently Old Spice is making the mothers of the world lament the fact that their little boys have been “sprayed into a man”.
What my kids learnt while on holidays

Introducing children to new customs and cultures can be a tricky yet extremely rewarding task.

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Preschoolers

Stepfather creates children's book to propose to his childhood pen pal

KATIE CARLIN When American Rick Skalski decided it was time to propose to his childhood pen pal he knew he had to include one other very special person in the proposal – his stepson Evan – and the idea for a superhero proposal storybook was born.

Childcare workers asked to hand back wage rise

Jonathan Swan and Bianca Hall The Abbott government is asking childcare providers to ''do the right thing'' and hand back $62.5 million given to them to improve wages in the poorly paid sector.

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Childcare costs: families spending 9% of income after subsidies

When do your children need you most?

Prisoners' children are 'forgotten victims'

Why it matters that Angelina Jolie's white child plays with black dolls

Younger Kids

2014 school term dates and public holidays

Organise the school year with this guide for key semester dates and holidays in your state.

When your child's friends are bad news

JO HARTLEY The age-old saying goes ‘You can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family’. But when you are a child, does that rule still apply? Or is it the case that your family have the right to choose your friends?

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Dealing with a spoilt child

The sacrifices we make for our kids

When your child doesn't share your passion

Tribute site set up for victims of Carlingford school crash

Older Kids

Boys struggling to find their self-worth ...

Why boys need a boyhood to become good men

Maggie Dent Something is going wrong in the world of our boys and the senseless violence present on Australian streets at night is only one of the symptoms emerging from their stolen boyhood, writes Maggie Dent.

Comments 20

Old Spice ad of sad mums singing about their sons becoming men is hilariously creepy

KATIE CARLIN Apparently Old Spice is making the mothers of the world lament the fact that their little boys have been “sprayed into a man”.

Engaging students in history lessons

When being the first born is not a privilege

Meet Jake Schellenschlager, the 14-year-old who can lift twice his weight

A life lesson in teaching

Photo Galleries

Entertaining Kids

Jolie good fun at Sydney's Luna Park

Rachel Clun Angelina Jolie made the most of some more holiday time and sunshine in Sydney, taking her five-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox to Luna Park on Monday.

Sasha and Malia Obama: becoming young women in the White House

When they holidayed in Hawaii just before US President Barack Obama's first inauguration, Malia and Sasha were little girls doting on their dad - holding his hand on the beach, taking in a dolphin show and nuzzling up to him at the shave-ice shop.

I screen, you screen: the rise of children using technology

Beyonce grants ill fan's final wish

FiLIP Smartwatch helps parents track their child's location

Sesame street travels to middle earth in 'Lord of the Rings' parody

Family Life

How the best DIY apps measure up

Cassy Small DIY home renovation has had a techno makeover. Put down your measuring tape, pick up your smartphone and get to work.

Seven tips for a more organised home in 2014

Lisa Boone Los Angeles 'organisation consultant' Kim Anker-Paddon shares some simple tips on how to get organised in 2014.

What my kids learnt while on holidays

Travel can be an education

Man goes without sex for a year for charity that saves children from sex slavery

13 ways to enjoy family life more in 2014

Recipes

Sweet potato hash browns

Nicole Avery Sweet potato hash browns make a tasty breakfast or lunch for kids. They are gluten free and with eggs mixed in give a nice protein punch too.

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