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

How not to raise a basher

Senseless violence on Aussie streets are leading many to question what has gone wrong with our men but Steve Biddulph says we already have the answer.
My mother hid her death from my children

My mum died eighteen months ago. She was the centre of my children’s universe. They adored her. And she them. Perhaps that was the reason she was never able to be honest with them when she was dying.
Back to school essentials

With holidays in full swing and a new school year closing in, now is the perfect time to organise everything your kids need for going back to school. Browse our gallery and make a list before you hit the shops. (Prices are correct at time of publishing)

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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.
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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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

“I firmly believe all children have a basic human right to be safe, happy and to learn in order to have a chance of fulfilling their true potential,” says Shaun.

Victim of homophobic bullying making schools safer

BROOKE LUMSDEN 5:06pm Shaun Dellenty was a victim of homophobic bullying at school but now, as an educator himself, he is giving children like 15-year-old Lachlan, the courage to stand up for change.

How I told my 7-year-old son he has Down Syndrome

Kari Wagner-Peck Can a child -- any child -- understand what that means?

2014 School Holiday Dates and School Term Dates

When your child's friends are bad news

Dealing with a spoilt child

The sacrifices we make for our kids

Older Kids

The pain of losing someone you love is even more confusing for children who are kept in the dark.

My mother hid her death from my children

Nova Weetman My mum died eighteen months ago. She was the centre of my children’s universe. They adored her. And she them. Perhaps that was the reason she was never able to be honest with them when she was dying.

Comments 5

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 32

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

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

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

Walt Disney Company proposed a Disney Resort in Sydney

Deborah Snow It was so secret it was discussed in whispers with a special code name inside the state government, and flew under the radar.

How not to raise a basher

Steve Biddulph Senseless violence on Aussie streets are leading many to question what has gone wrong with our men but Steve Biddulph says we already have the answer.

How the best DIY apps measure up

Seven tips for a more organised home in 2014

What my kids learnt while on holidays

Travel can be an education

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.

Reader reviews