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

Memories from a childhood spent on the road

The long, squashy, seemingly endless annual family road trip was once a rite of passage for Aussie kids. Here Nova Weetman shares why those memories are worth more to her now than she could have imagined at the time.
Tropical Sand Dough

My kids love my Tropical Sand Dough - it's such a great sensory activity for little hands, as well as being inexpensive for parents.
Printable Australia Day activities for the kids

Still planning your Australia Day? Essential Kids have some free printable Australia Day activities to keep the kids entertained on the day.
5 strategies to cope when starting school solo

It's estimated 300,000 children will experience their first day of "big school" this year, however the reality for some is that they will be starting school solo, without the security of a familiar face.
Are best friend dramas starting younger?

“She’s not your best friend, she’s my best friend!” – was the first thing my four-year old heard upon entering her new classroom.

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Tropical Sand Dough

PAGING FUN MUMS My kids love my Tropical Sand Dough - it's such a great sensory activity for little hands, as well as being inexpensive for parents.

Are best friend dramas starting younger?

Lilani Goonesena “She’s not your best friend, she’s my best friend!” – was the first thing my four-year old heard upon entering her new classroom.

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When your child's best friend starts school without them

When your child won't stop lying

Bringing children up vegetarian

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

Printable Australia Day activities for the kids

Still planning your Australia Day? Essential Kids have some free printable Australia Day activities to keep the kids entertained on the day.

5 strategies to cope when starting school solo

Donna Webbeck It's estimated 300,000 children will experience their first day of "big school" this year, however the reality for some is that they will be starting school solo, without the security of a familiar face. My son is one.

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Focusing on healthy habits for the family this year

What to expect from the first year of school

Watch 7-year-old, Elias Phoenix's, impressive piano performance on Ellen

Is middle child syndrome a real thing?

Older Kids

How this mother's plea to her kids for a sleep-in worked

Sleeping in is almost impossible when you are a parent, but if this mum could make it happen, so can you.

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Surrogate grandparents are as real as they come

Alana Schetzer The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is a special one but what do you do if your child doesn't have any in their life?

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Giving girls the code to a life in computing and engineering

Teenager creates slam poem to deliver powerful message for girls the world over

EXCLUSIVE: Selective school fees five times higher than at other public schools

Half of teens outgrow depression and anxiety

Photo Galleries

Entertaining Kids

Watch Indian kid tear up the stage with mind-boggling moves

Staff writers 8-year-old Akshat Singh has become a viral sensation after storming the stage of ‘India’s Got Talent’ with his Bollywood moves and mind-boggling flexibility.

How this image is meant to help keep your child safe online

Staff writers A new ad campaign aimed at keeping kids safe online is using images of human faces distorted into giant Emojis to ask parents a very important question.

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New app allows parents to 'Ghost Call' their kids into submission

Why Flowers in the Attic still haunts us

Jolie good fun at Sydney's Luna Park

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

Family Life

Girl, 14, allegedly stabs sister to death in Mundelein, Illinois

A 14-year-old girl from the small town of Mundelein, Illinois, has been charged with murdering her little sister by stabbing her to death.

Cate Blanchett buys unit on harbour as investment for sons

Lucy Macken Cate Blanchett and her husband, Sydney Theatre Company artistic director Andrew Upton, have spent nearly $2million on a waterfront apartment in Elizabeth Bay.

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A big-hearted police officer took 2 minutes to make this kid's day

Could plastic surgery be the answer bullied teens are looking for?

Beachside Bondi staycation for families

A touching mother daughter photo series has gone viral

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