Preschooler Behaviour & Discipline
Encouraging new experiences
Melanie Hearse Can you turn a naturally reluctant child into a spontaneous daredevil?
The age of intolerance
Victoria Birch Do you face the annoyed glares of childless people when you enter public spaces with your kids in tow? Victoria Birch asks whether it is such an unreasonable request to be able to enjoy outings with your kids.
Children banned from restaurant
A controversial US ban has Fenella Souter pondering the merits of a child-free cuppa.
The biggest parenting mistake you can ever make
Paul Chai Losing your toddler is less than ideal, but as PAUL CHAI discovers, there are worst parenting mistakes you can make ...
China's Precious Snowflakes: the spoilt children who never lift a finger
Malcolm Moore in Shanghai China's Little Emperors, a generation of chubby, spoiled children, have given way to a new era of Precious Snowflakes, youngsters so coddled they cannot tie their own shoelaces.
Six essential manners for kids
Justine Davies We all believe that our own kids are fantastic, but we also all know (secretly, deep down) that there’s probably room for improvement. So if you want your child to avoid the label of “the bratty one”, then here are six essential manners that your kids need to learn.
Forget the rod, it's irresponsible adults who spoil children
Stephanie Dowrick Thousands of Australians have now read Christos Tsiolkas's novel, The Slap. Some readers are likely to feel provoked rather than entertained by the questions the story raises, including what might be called ''the Hugo factor'' - how we should think about and act towards an unlikeable child.
Sound reasons to complain
ADELE HORIN It is the birthright of every Australian child to grow up in a house with a backyard, or so most of us believe. Like horses or dogs, children, it is assumed, need spacious grounds to exercise in.
If it's good enough for Suri …
Justine Davies “There was a time when we expected nothing of our children but obedience, as opposed to the present, when we expect everything of them but obedience.”
Dealing with angry children
Kimberley O'Brien The average four year old requires 4-5 hours of physical activity per day and tactile experiences are highly recommended.
Tears at drop-off
QUIRKY KID For young children it is quite normal that times of separation, like the preschool or childcare drop-off, can be loaded with separation anxiety and distress. Here's what you can do.
How noisy are your kids?
Justine Davies Fish and chips, moon and stars, fun and laughter, kids and noise. They are all things that just – somehow – go together. Most of the time …
Tiaras before bedtime
Rachel Browne Plans for a US-style child beauty contest in Australia have provoked public outcry, ever since a US group announced plans to hold its first Australian competition in Melbourne.
Lesbian parents
Two mums better than one?
Alyssa McDonald, Sunday Life A recent study finds lesbian couples are the best parents.
Violence against adults is assault, so why can we hit our kids?
Kate Gaffney Some people think using brute force to chastise children is a parental right.
School awards - have they gone overboard?
Kylie Orr Do we over-award children these days? Are we celebrating mediocrity here as a means of protecting our precious children’s feelings?
Do you smack?
Amity Dry Smacking is certainly a hot topic, as I discovered when I blogged about it last year and was shocked by the response. How wrong could I have been, presuming most parents are firmly in the 'no smacking' camp?
Do parents have a right to be more tired?
Kylie Orr It’s not a competition, but if it was, we would win. Us parents. Yes, this is one of those topics that creates clear division. Before you roll your eyes, yawn and head for bed, hear me out.
Children helped by imaginary friends
Parents may fret about children having imaginary friends, but researchers say unseen playmates are really teaching infants the art of communication.
