Kids' Parties more party ideas
First birthday party: Baby elephant theme
Staff writers This beautifully themed first birthday party can be tweaked to suit any taste, gender and style but the exquisite décor and Tanya’s attention to detail make this birthday celebration one to remember.
Six years of Suri
Six years ago today recently engaged superstars, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes welcomed their first daughter together, Suri Cruise, into the world.
Pirate party games
If you are throwing a pirate themed birthday party for your little adventurer we have the party games covered! From craft ideas to energy zapping games these will keep all their young guests entertained.
Family Home more articles
The little white lies we tell the kids
Richard Glover There's a good argument that Australia's mothers are not as nice as they seem. Here's a list of all the things that mothers say to their children - and what they really mean.
Gorgeous on the inside
Style your home like an expert
Practical and affordable tips from an interior designer.
Screen time and children
QUIRKY KID Concerned about how much time your kids are spending in front of screens? We have everything you need to know about time limits, why it's so inviting and how to cut back.
Family Travel more articles
The real story of the family who bought a zoo
Katie Carlin What started out as a mission to save the lives of hundreds of animals ended up being the very thing that helped hold Benjamin Mee and his family together when everything else seemed to be falling apart.
England
House that Lego built
The Legoland hotel doesn't do things by halves — even the chips are shaped like Lego bricks, writes Amelia Gentleman.
Top 10 family holiday destinations
We recently asked our readers on Facebook what their favourite family holiday destinations were and here are the top 10 places to escape to with the family
Family Finances more articles
Another dose of (undeserved) guilt
Justine Davies Justine Davies challenges the media reports today that are labelling working parents as guilty of not spending enough time with their children.
How the Federal Budget will affect you
Justine Davies Well, another federal budget has come and gone and the ripples from the various announcements will spread out through the economy for the next twelve months but what does this mean for your family?
School bonus a helping hand or voter buy back?
The federal government will rush legislation through parliament this week so 1.3 million low-income families receive a school kids bonus payment in June.
Family Deals and Competitions more competitions
Win a DC Superhero Prize Pack
Two lucky readers will win fantastic Batman and Superman prize packs, valued at $229.85 each!
WIN 1 of 3 $100 Coles Myer Vouchers
Tell us how we can make Essential Kids even better for your chance to win this awesome prize.
Win tickets to meet 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' author
To celebrate Jeff Kinney coming to Melbourne, the Wheeler Centre is giving away 3 x Family Passes (2 adults, 3 kids) to see Jeff Kinney at the Melbourne Town Hall.
