![A sample of the Aussie Legends alphabet.](/web/20170327122435im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/7/8/s/9/image.related.landscape.380x253.gv5qbv.png/1490600091942.jpg)
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Lunchbox slices, biscuits, cookies
What can I bake for the kids school playlunch? Looking for a little sweet treat for after school snack? Here is a collection of yummy bickies, cookies, slices to pop into their lunchboxes.
![What one mother wishes she knew when she sent her son off to 'big' school last year ...](/web/20170327122435im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/3/1/8/d/s/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.3189h.gjzq8j.png/1485828670476.jpg)
What to expect from the first year of school
What one mother wishes she knew when she sent her son off to 'big' school last year.
![Is your child school ready?](/web/20170327122435im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/2/o/k/p/q/image.related.landscape.120x80.2okln.gjzq8j.png/1444103411520.jpg)
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![The joy of covering school books](/web/20170327122435im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/a/6/d/c/image.related.landscape.300x200.gua57y.png/1487098665414.jpg)
I've avoided having to cover my kid's school books - until now!
The green cover is printed on the front with the school's name so cutting it down makes it look silly. I don't know how my life came to this.
![Facebook: Melinda Tankard Reist](/web/20170327122435im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/6/b/t/m/image.related.landscape.300x200.gu6bsv.png/1486346068446.jpg)
Preschooler's lunchbox treat prompts scathing note home
A South Australian mum of eight got a rude shock last week when she received a note home about a piece of home made chocolate slice she sent in her preschooler's lunchbox, opening up a lively discussion about healthy lunchboxes and communication between schools and parents.
![Starting school is a momentous occasion for both child and parent.](/web/20170327122435im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/4/p/m/u/image.related.landscape.300x200.gu4njy.png/1486083670232.jpg)
Mum writes beautiful poem on the eve of her child starting school
It's a feeling parents of school-aged children know all too well. The night before, the morning of, or even just before pick up on the very first day; we don't know when the intense feelings are going to hit, but it's a given that they will. Our babies are off to school; the next big phase of life.
![One teacher gave her class a very special welcome.](/web/20170327122435im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/1/d/4/r/image.related.landscape.300x200.gu1945.png/1485842898037.jpg)
How one teacher made her students feel extra welcome this year
A Year Four teacher at a Queensland primary school went above and beyond to ensure her students were ready to start their school year - giving them goodie bags full of meaningful items.
![Five-year-old Colton shares his shoelace tying hack in a viral tutorial.](/web/20170327122435im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/y/8/c/n/image.related.landscape.300x200.gty7s9.png/1485305458856.png)
Boy, 5, shares shoelace tying tutorial and it's must see back-to-school viewing
If you have a little one starting school this year and they haven't quite mastered the tricky art of tying their own shoelaces, let us introduce you to five-year-old Colton.
![Apple Martin and Blue Ivy Carter, two kids who get out and about with their parents (and a bucket load of body guards ...](/web/20170327122435im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/p/h/o/i/image.related.landscape.300x200.gscenq.png/1482383872739.jpg)
Getting outdoors with your kids is overrated
I love my kids, but from now on, I will be strapping them into my car to drive them three minutes down the road.
![Please don't pick these flowers. Warnings. instagram @dredreak "Well, OK then."](/web/20170327122435im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/q/q/3/b/4/image.related.landscape.300x200.gqpy5z.png/1470958348331.jpg)
Honest letters from kids
When children learn how to write, it unlocks a whole new world of self-expression. Whether it's happiness, gratitude, sadness or anger – the little notes they pen can certainly tug on our heartstrings, give us the guilts, and make us laugh.
![Boys are more likely to start school later.](/web/20170327122435im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/x/t/x/0/image.related.landscape.300x200.goxu75.png/1485477662389.jpg)
Why are more parents choosing to delay when their child starts school?
Many parents worry about when is the right time for their child to start school. While some use their child's individual characteristics to judge school readiness, others have philosophical beliefs that lead them to delay their child's school entry.
![his 'You shall not pass' sign gives kids a visual for how much toilet paper they should take. <a ...](/web/20170327122435im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/b/s/t/b/image.related.landscape.300x200.gobss9.png/1461230616270.jpg)
11 great parenting hacks
Making your life easier is simple, especially if you have these handy parenting hacks up your sleeve
![The Kid holding a copy of Battlebird's latest album, Life Is Good.](/web/20170327122435im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/7/6/r/x/image.related.landscape.300x200.go76lp.png/1460688076980.jpg)
Father and son duo make kids music cool
After Luke Ferguson's son got too old to listen to The Wiggles and Yo Gabba Gabba, the Aussie dad wondered what he could turn to next.
![David Beckham with sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz.](/web/20170327122435im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/1/2/e/v/f/w/image.related.landscape.300x200.go719g.png/1460682235304.jpg)
Is Cruz Beckham the new Justin Bieber?
Fans are comparing the 11-year-old to Justin Bieber after his mum shared a video of him singing.
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