5 characteristics of great dads
![What makes a good dad?](/web/20150317203300im_/http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/3/7/n/8/5/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1458nk.png/1426581588863.jpg)
It’s great to see a generation of dads who are more actively involved with caring, nurturing and loving their kids.
Names on verge of extinction
9:00 AM If you're looking to revive an older name, or don’t want anything near the top 1000 list, check out these rare monikers for your unique baby.
Elton John calls for boycott over IVF comments
![Elton John [at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars Viewing Party]: "The boys stop by for a visit in the sweetest little black tie dinner suits. They are so happy to see Uncle Neil on the big screen!!@Ejaf #Oscars"](/web/20150317203300im_/http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/3/m/b/p/n/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1450mz.png/1424661533655.png)
Sir Elton John has called for a boycott of Italian fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana after the designers labelled children born through IVF "synthetic".
Man faces jail after giving woman abortion pill smoothie
A Norwegian man is facing jail after putting abortion pills in his ex-girlfriend's smoothie, causing her to have a miscarriage.
![Brittany Young and her fourth child, Miracle.](/web/20150317203300im_/http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/4/4/i/x/5/image.related.StuffLandscapeThreeByTwo.300x200.144k0o.png/1426407653630.jpg)
Early baby surprise for showering mum
A US woman stepped into the shower this week to help ease the discomfort of stomach pains and emerged holding a newborn.
'Creepy' Barbie talks with children
![The newest Barbie doll talks and records others talking.](/web/20150317203300im_/http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/4/5/0/q/l/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1450q0.png/1426486387927.jpg)
Privacy advocates are trying to stop Mattel from releasing "creepy" Hello Barbie.s
Disney can't Let It Go
The US studio Disney has announced plans for Frozen 2, the long awaited sequel to the blockbuster animated film.
![Matt Calman's daughter, Miss A.](/web/20150317203300im_/http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/3/r/7/p/t/image.related.StuffLandscapeThreeByTwo.300x200.143ksn.png/1425024992722.jpg)
The escape of the Houdini nappy
I hear about the tots that have a penchant for ripping their nappies off and the odd one that even smears the brown stuff on the walls and fine home furnishings, and I shudder.
Boys over 6 banned from ladies
![BATHROOM BAN: The viral image that has sparked debate over how old is too old.](/web/20150317203300im_/http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/4/3/x/c/k/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1440co.png/1426298939568.jpg)
Recently this image has been circulating around Facebook. And it makes me cross. Very cross.
Madonna OK with kids doing drugs
Madonna has told the world that it’s okay with her if her kids experiment with drugs but does she mean it or is it more a case of not wanting to be a hypocrite?
![Cassandra Lynn Hensley died in January 2014, leaving behind two children and her husband, Gary Hensley. Illustrates STEPDAD (category l), by Ellen McCarthy ? 2015, The Washington Post. Moved Thursday, March 12, 2015. (MUST CREDIT: Courtesy of the Hensley family)](/web/20150317203300im_/http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/4/2/w/u/f/image.related.StuffLandscapeThreeByTwo.300x200.142ws5.png/1426203514907.jpg)
She died: Her kids needed a dad
He was getting the kids ready for bed one night when a Facebook message showed up on his phone: "Is it true? Oh my god, I'm shaking..."
Heading back into the workforce
![Anna Guy](/web/20150317203300im_/http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/3/r/6/y/6/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1458rf.png/1425023443474.jpg)
I admit it’s a little scary going back to work. I’ve been at home now for 12 years and I know this “stay at home mum” job inside and out.
Answering kids’ questions about LGBT
When my son started school I knew he would be exposed to families different than ours and children different than himself.
![The Calman whanau.](/web/20150317203300im_/http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/3/h/x/7/q/image.related.StuffLandscapeThreeByTwo.300x200.144kyn.png/1424220579262.jpg)
A final love letter to my girls
This is blog #271: The final instalment. After more than two years of writing about life at home with my precious daughters.
Heading back into the workforce
![Anna Guy](/web/20150317203300im_/http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/3/r/6/y/6/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1458rf.png/1425023443474.jpg)
I admit it’s a little scary going back to work. I’ve been at home now for 12 years and I know this “stay at home mum” job inside and out.
Rules for sex as a divorced mum?
Divorced mums can have a sex life – it's just that they have to jump through a few hoops.
![Dear mum recovering from PND, you're not alone.](/web/20150317203300im_/http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/4/4/v/b/j/image.related.StuffLandscapeThreeByTwo.300x200.1450os.png/1426525131956.jpg)
I want PND mums to know this
If you've been diagnosed with postnatal depression and you're wondering what recovery feels like (or if it's even possible), I'm writing this for you. I've been there. e
Due date calculator
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant? Want to work out when your baby is (or would be) due? Calculate your expected due date with Essential Mums’ due date calculator.
Baby name finder
Do you need some baby name inspiration? We have thousands of baby girl names and baby boy names in our baby name finder — complete with their meanings and origins.
Ovulation calculator
Are you trying to conceive? You only have a small window each month to get pregnant. Increase your chances by working out your most fertile time each month with our ovulation calculator.