Older kids: Parenting information, articles and advice on children 8-12 years old

Health & Nutrition more articles

The non-stop eating machine

Dr Joanna McMillan Does your child's hunger seem to know no bounds? Dr Joanna McMillan tells you how you can differentiate between an overactive appetite and true hunger.

Soft drinks linked to child heart disease

Melissa Davey Initial signs of heart disease can be seen in children as young as 12 who have a high intake of sugary drinks, Sydney researchers have found, which could have implications for death rates in the future.

Australian children are mainly being driven to school these days instead of walking or riding.

Cycling tips for family trips

Samantha Currie Top tips for families thinking of ditching the car and taking up cyling to school.

Behaviour & Discipline more articles

Breaking through the wall

Kimberley O’Brien Feel like you’re fighting a losing battle with your stubborn child? Child psychologist Kimberley O’Brien tells you how to get their attention.

Playing favourites

Antonia Kidman Sometimes the favourite child is the one who is easiest to be around at that moment, writes Antonia Kidman.

Friends or frenemies

Kimberley O'Brien Is your child being treated badly by their school friends? Child psychologist Kimberley O’Brien shares her tips on how you can help.

Development more articles

A daughter's passage of time

Staff writers Time passes quickly but when you have edited your daughter’s life down to less than three minutes it quite literally flies by.

Out of the box: TV better than childcare

Emma Macdonald Children who spend time in front of the television or computer may benefit cognitively more than if they were hanging out with friends, alone at home or in after-school care.

Rubbish for their minds?

Justine Davies Competitive atmospheres, plenty of bitchiness and floods of tears – is reality television a diet that we should be feeding our kids?

Education more articles

Preparing for NAPLAN

Children around Australia are brushing up on their reading, writing, language and numeracy skills this week in preparation for NAPLAN but how can you help them perform on the day?

The case for NAPLAN

Barry McGaw Other learning depends on literacy and numeracy, a strong foundation is essential.

Growing healthier children one school at a time

Katie Carlin A love of food, gardening and children inspired renowned cook Stephanie Alexander to attempt to change the future health of a generation one child at a time.