Fire pits, tools tools for kindy kids
While real tools and open fires aren't things you'd normally expect to find at an early childhood centre, new research suggests that perhaps they should be.
'Bad mums' may be just like you
OPINION: Judging people is easy. What about trying to understand their lives?
Harder to name boys or girls?
Choosing the right baby name is always tough. But is one gender harder than the other?
Baby born in mall toilets
Baby was rushed to hospital with its mum, in critical condition, after she gave birth on Friday.
Latching on to health message
The number of mothers choosing to breast feed their babies has almost doubled in the past 14 years thanks in part to a new initiative.
Beyonce used Kim's doctor for birth
It turns out Beyonce's twins Sir and Rumi are connected to the Kardashian kids by way of their gynaecologist.
'Crazy' response to egg donor plea
Couple wanting Maori donor egg amazed by "gobsmacking" offers of help.
Serena not hiding pregnancy lips
"Pregnancy lips are finally here!" the tennis star wrote on Snapchat.
Fire pits good for preschoolers
While real tools and open fires aren't things you'd normally expect to find at an early childhood centre, new research suggests that perhaps they should be.
Pirate tale 'a holiday must'
Oh, for a pirate party! Here's one to entertain the family.
Kim slammed for North's dress
Has the reality star gone too far in dressing her four-year-old in an outfit better suited for an adult?
The little prince at four
Prince George, the future King of England, turns four on Sunday. Enjoy some of the highlights of his 4th year.
Splash Planet's bumper summer
The water and amusement park hosted 113,000 guests over summer
Actor harangs rainbow family
James Woods, once crowed over the death of his "enemy", now he's bullying a family raising a gender creative son.
In praise of the family digital detox
It's a risk, I know, but worth it if I can reel my family back in and return them all to their proverbial factory settings.
The life of a NZ dance mum
OPINION: I can't do a ballet bun, and my hand shakes as I try to paint on liquid eyeliner.
Anything but child's play
Expo hopes to take stress out of kids' party planning.
Admit it, looking after kids is boring
OPINION: There's one truth that remains one of the biggest parenting taboos of all... the sheer, excruciating boredom.
I said 'yes' to my kids for a full day
There's an argument that saying no to kids will breed resentment. But can saying yes more make a family happier?
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.