Parenting & Family Life
How do Australian parents choose child care?
Researching and choosing the best child care for your child and family.
Choosing child care for special needs children
Strategies for finding and securing high quality child care services for children with additional or special needs and what to look out for when choosing care.
Slow parenting and the move towards mindfulness
By focusing on mindfulness and adopting a calmer, slower parenting style, parents may feel less stressed, more engaged with their children and generally happier.
How to choose the right OOSH service for your child
How to choose the best Outside Schools Hours Care for your family: including what to think about and look for and choosing the best service for child.
Could you become a specialised foster carer?
Leading child welfare agency, OzChild is dedicated to supporting vulnerable children, young people and families and is currently delivering TFCO in Australia.
Establishing a great night routine for your family
We often think of a night routine as involving tooth-brushing, book-reading, and lights out, however, a good routine can start from the moment your family gets home from work, school, or child care.
Babysitter tool kit for parents
A comprehensive babysitter toolkit which covers everything families need to know about interviewing, choosing and employing a babysitter for their children.
Helping your child adjust to child care
Tried and tested strategies for ensuring children make a successful transition to child care, what to expect and how to ease the adjustment process.
Single parents and child care
Single parents using child care services face different challenges to two parent families, this article aims to provide answers to common questions.
A new way to balance the child care workload between parents?
The baby-nup is shifting the focus from marriage to children, and aims to promote fairness and transparency around child care and chores.
A child care tool kit for first time parents
A toolkit to support parents as they transition back to work after parental leave including financial support, work life balance and adjusting to child care.
How to build resilience in your child
Supporting your child's resilience and their ability to cope when things go wrong and to overcome unexpected challenges in their life.
What the National Quality Standard Ratings mean for families
The National Quality Standard for early childhood education and care; what it is, what it does, how it is maintained and what it means for families using care.
Child care tool kit for families considering a move to Australia
Considering a move to Australia with young children? Read this to learn about the Australian child care system.
Top 3 job-winning tips for mums returning to work
Three tips for mums returning to work after a spell of parental leave.
Nanny tool kit for parents
A comprehensive toolkit to help families interview, choose and employ a nanny, including legal obligations and maintaining a successful relationship.
The great child care commute
Commuting to and from child care.
The work-life balance tool kit for parents
A toolkit of tips and tricks to help parents achieve a harmonious balance between work and family life including sick days, mother guilt and child care info.
How to reconnect with your child after care
Going to child care is a big event in your little one’s life, and although there's fun to be had and lots to learn, those hours at care can take their toll when pick-up rolls around.
Strategies for easing separation anxiety
How to deal with separation anxiety including tips and tricks to help parents and children cope on the first day of child care and in the longer term.
Using music as medicine to comfort your child | CareforKids.com.au
What if calming kids down was as simple as turning on some nature sounds? Using music as medicine to comfort your child is scientifically proven and free and easy to do!
Have you explored your local library? Here’s five reasons why you should…
The last few years cooped up at home have been tough for us all but as normality resumes and we enrol our kids in new activities, we suggest putting the library on top of your list. Read on to find out why…
Five easy ways to make mum's day!
Mother’s day is this Sunday… and if you’re anything like me, that snuck up on you… fast. You still may have time for a gift, or to book somewhere for lunch, but what about those other little things to make her day? (P.S. mums, send this to your partner).
How to show your child you love them
Four simple ideas for showing your child you love them on Valentine’s Day and every day.
Miscarriage support and compassionate leave for pregnancy loss
CEO and Co-Founder of The Pink Elephants Support Network Samantha Payne describes paid compassionate leave and how it supports families who lose a baby through miscarriage.
5 reasons to give your child a book this Christmas
Reading and storytelling is fantastic for their development, and over the holidays, a good book will excite and entertain long after Santa has left the building.
Rick Stein recipes to try at home
Rick Stein shares two delicious recipes from his gorgeous new recipe book Rick Stein at Home.
How to forge a gender equal future
Jamila Rizvi co-editor of Work.Love.Body explains why the child care load should be more fairly distributed in families and more.
The importance of self-care for mums
Simple and effective self-care reminders from life coach/mum Tanya Maree Biddle.
Join the #askaparentiftheyareok campaign
Circle In says eight in 10 care-givers admit that caring for family has resulted in financial, social, mental or physical setbacks, and this is why it’s so important that we look out for one another and join the #askaparentiftheyareok campaign.
How to build resilience as a parent
A lot is said about the importance of building resilience in children, and just because you’re an adult, it doesn’t mean resilience matters any less. To help you master your mindset and overcome adversity, three SAS veterans – Dr Dan Pronk, Ben Pronk DSC and Tim Curtis – have written a book called The Resilience Shield.
A creative way to remove your child’s dummy
Children's author Leisa Papa, explains how Daniel and the Dummy Fairy could help you and your child banish the dummy forever.
Research into mother-child pretend play and the impact of mental health
Research has found that mums with lower anxiety levels engage in more pretend play and how this benefits children.
10 fun (and easy) birthday cakes to make
10 awesome, inspiring, easy and delicious birthday cake ideas that will make your child’s special day that little bit more special.
New study links masculine traits with positive fathering
New research describes how old-fashioned masculine traits, such as competitiveness, may be compatible with positive fathering.
Fun new eSafety resources for under fives
New resources from the eSafety Commissioner aim to teach preschool-aged children how to stay safe in online environments and educate families about best practice.
8 ways families can heal the planet
8 simple, effective and empowering ideas for families who want to reduce the environmental impact on world Environment Day and every other day.
A spotlight on the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program
Learn about Triple P – the Positive Parenting Program, which provides parents of young children, older children and teens with proven parenting strategies.
Guilt-free TV: 10 enriching shows for under fives
With many parents worried and feeling guilty about excessive screen time, this article offers 10 excellent TV choices for children, which are age appropriate and educational.
Wooden toys to treasure
Chief toy maker from Milton Ashby. Shannon Ley, explains why wooden toys are such a precious and timeless gift and what is considered when designing toys for preschoolers.
Nutrition advice for parents-to-be and breastfeeding mums
Accredited Practising Dietitian at Nutrition Australia ACT Leanne Elliston, explains the importance of maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy and beyond and what nutrients are key.
How to safeguard your child’s wellbeing during the pandemic
Research by Camp Australia examined the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on children’s health and wellbeing.
How parents can teach early numeracy skills
A range of simple strategies for boosting your child’s early numeracy skills through every day interactions and conversations you can have at home of when out and about.
How to choose the right pet for your family
Six important factors to think about if you are considering buying a family pet, as suggested by Dr Kaylene Jones from the Australian Veterinary Association.
Expert tips to help parents stay calm and connected
Psychologist and author of Smart Mothering Dr Natalie Flynn explains how to stay calm and connected as we raise our children, nourish our relationships and look after ourselves.
Key ways to support your child’s mental health
How parents can take steps to supporting their child’s mental health and emotional wellbeing to build resilience in the early years and beyond.
The best STEM toys for Christmas
Christmas is just around the corner and this article offers parents and carers a range of educational and cost effective toys, which support the development of STEM skills in children.
It’s Guinness World Records Day – How to celebrate
Four World Record Breaking ideas to try with your family.
How ‘Elimination Communication’ can reduce nappy use
Elimination communication a toilet training strategy which removes/reduces the need for nappies and relies on parents reading their baby’s toileting cues.
The importance of good routines at home and in child care
Children thrive in consistent, predictable environments and with strong routines. This article explains how to streamline routines across home and child care.
What swimming skills should school-aged children have?
The Royal Life Saving Society’s National Swimming and Water Safety Framework provides a consistent approach for swim schools, and lists the swimming skills children should have at the age of six, 12 and 17.
The best children’s books of 2020
The top children’s books for 2020, in advance of Book Week, which runs from 17-23 October, also a range of suggestions for families who want to get involved in the celebrations.
6 ways to keep young children busy (and happy) indoors
6 ideas for keeping your child happy, busy and entertained when you are indoors and the 6 protective factors parents can employ to scaffold children during stressful times.
How preschoolers benefit from having a family dog
Learn about research from the Telethon Institute, which reveals a wide range of benefits for preschoolers of having a family dog, including increased exercise and prosocial behaviour.
How to optimise video calls between grandparents and under fives
Strategies for hosting a successful video chat with grandparents and staying connected for families who have been separated by COVID-19.
Research into child care use during COVID-19
The Australian Institute of Family Studies Life During COVID-19 report looks at the way Australian parents adapted to life and child care under the lockdown conditions caused by COVID-19.
Read, Learn, Empower: A life-changing fundraiser for children
Read, Learn, Empower: A life-changing fundraiser for children.
The power of praise
Learn how the power of praise can be used to enhance your child’s development and learning in the preschool years and how to incorporate praise and acknowledgement into your daily routine.
The benefits of ‘Dad play’ in a child’s first years
Father child play is not just for dads! Learn about research from Cambridge University, which shows father-child play from an early age can help children manage behavioural problems.
8 ways to make Dad smile this Father’s Day
9 simple, kid-friendly activity and craft activities to celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday 6 September and make all the dads feel loved on their special day.
Helping kids deal with grief in early childhood
Children experience grief as acutely as adults but it manifests in different ways. This article explains how parents and caregivers can support children through grief and lists resources available to provide information and advice.
The growing influence of Generation Alpha
The advantages and disadvantages facing Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024).
Planning for child care while pregnant
Pregnancy is the perfect time to start thinking and planning your child care strategy. This article looks at what you can do in advance, how to access government payments and how to choose a child care provider.
The rise of artificial intelligence in child care
Artificial intelligence is making great inroads in the early childhood education space read about some of the apps and technologies changing the face of parenting.
Burns prevention for young children
Strategies for keeping young children safe around fire and heat sources over the cooler months of winter. Including references and resources for future reading.
Have you been unschooling your child without knowing it?
Unschooling is an educational approach that puts children in charge of their own learning, based on what interests them at the time, learns how unschoolers fill their day and the role of parents.
News flash! It is possible to prevent the ‘terrible twos’
New research has shown that the terrible twos may not be an inevitable development stage that all children go through and that parenting style can influence toddler behaviour.
Online safety for under fives
Learn how to keep your preschooler safe and happy in the online world thanks to guidance from Australia’s e-Safety Commissioner.
Heading: Community Cubby: The new child care resource for families
Social distancing measures imposed by COVID-19 led many early childhood services to launch online resources such as G8's Community Cubby a permanent resource freely available to all families.
Recent trends in baby names
Every year the McCrindle Baby names report tallies up which names are most popular for newborns and identifies key trends among parents.
The role of oral language in raising happy kids
Speech pathologists Janice Zee and Tania Kelly offer insights on the importance of oral language in supporting the wellbeing of children and tips for boosting language development in preschoolers.
New research and advice around screen time
Many children spent more time than usual in front of screens during the COVID-19 lockdown. This article considers the impact of screens on a toddler’s self-regulation skills and offers a range of screen free family fun ideas.
How to keep the kitchen clean when cooking with young kids
Cooking with children is fun and educational but it can be a recipe for mess! Learn tried and tested strategies for cooking with kids while keeping the kitchen clean and tidy.
5 ways to connect with grandparents
5 ways children can stay in touch with grandparents regardless of distance.
The benefits of pretend play + Win a magnet activity board
Pretend play can turn a boring day at home into an exciting adventure. Learn how to take your child on a pretend camping trip.
Inside info on the Bluey book series + prize packs to win
The benefits of sharing books with your child on a daily basis.
Hello virtual babysitting!
Virtual babysitters offer child minding services via the internet, while the parents are close at hand. This article considers which children benefit and how it can support parents.
6 ways to celebrate your child’s birthday without a party
6 ideas for making your child’s birthday special, even if they can’t have a party with lots of friends and family there due to lockdown.
The emergence of virtual playgroup
Learn how lockdown and social distancing has caused a large number of virtual playgroups to spring up across the country.
6 ways to entertain under fives at home
5 fun, kid friendly ideas for making Mother’s Day special for all the hard working mums out there despite the lockdown imposed by COVID-19.
5 ways to make Mother’s Day special in isolation
5 ways to make Mother’s Day special in isolation.
Tips to help you balance work and child care at home
Tips to support the balance between parenting and productivity while working and homeschooling.
How to reduce separation anxiety for children in care
Separation anxiety is a normal developmental phase which can be distressing for children and their parents. This article describes strategies parents can employ to ease anxiety and help their child settle into care.
How to get on the same wavelength as your infant
Research has shown that the brain waves of babies and their parents synch up during play time helping to establish bonds between children and their care givers.
Why is ‘dialogic reading’ so helpful for under fives?
Dialogic reading why is it so helpful for under fives?
6 chocolate-free Easter egg hunt ideas
Six super ideas for a chocolate-free Easter egg hunt. These simple cost effective activity suggestions offer children the same thrill and excitement of a traditional Easter egg hunt, without the massive sugar consumption.
How fewer toys leads to higher quality play
Raise Early Years director, Mandy Richardson describes how decluttering your child’s toy box to include a few simple open-ended play objects leads to higher quality and more sustained play.
Positive ways to help your child with their homework
Learn four strategies to support your child to complete their homework, without completing it for them and how setting good habits early on can support children as they progress.
Playgroups + National Playgroup Week 2020
Playgroups come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and are located all over Australia. This article looks at the groups on offer, how to access them and what they offer.
6 picture books to read and share
6 gorgeous picture books for preschoolers which provide rich illustrations and engaging stories to inspire both children and parents.
How music-making benefits children
The developmental benefits for young children of making music and simple cost effective ideas for boosting musical experiences in your home.
How to organise child care when you travel for work
Learn how to plan for and execute work trips when you have small children at home including a range of tried and tested tips as well as ideas for staying connected while you are away.
How to celebrate International Women’s Day
It's International Women’s Day Sunday 8 March and this year’s theme is #Eachforequal which emphasises that each person’s actions, conversations and behaviours impact society on the whole.
The benefits of child care provided by fathers
Despite the many benefits of fathers taking leave to care for their young babies not many Australian dads advantage of leave provisions. This article considers the reasons why and looks to Iceland and Sweden for inspiration.
11 ways to make child care mornings easier | CareforKids.com.au
There are ways to establish a smooth morning routine and get to child care on time. Here are 11 top tips on making your morning routine easier.
How to end drop off drama
Three factors that contribute to a successful, stress free drop-off at child care.
Your end of year child care checklist
Whether your under five is launching into early learning or your big kid is beginning school, here are some things to do between now and 2020.
How 'technoference' impacts modern families
The impact of modern technology on families with young children.
Why you need a Customer Reference Number for child care & how to get one
If your child is starting in an early education and care service next year, now is the time to get some administrative affairs in order.
How to deal with pester power
How to resist pester power, no matter how big the tantrum.
The importance of questions during story time
Children benefit from answering sophisticated questions as well as easy ones, and educators and parents can incorporate different kinds of questions during story time to better challenge young brains.
Work-life balance and the high cost of child care
Parenting is a full-time job, and once paid employment is added to the mix, many families find themselves juggling schedules, weighing up child care costs and balancing work responsibilities with family commitments.
How can parents keep children safer in the car?
Car and transportation safety reminders for the parents of infants and preschool-aged children.
Settling your child into a good sleep routine at care
Maintaining a healthy sleep routine when your child starts care.
When should preschoolers transition to big school?
How to decide whether to send your four-year-old to school or re-enrol them in early childhood education.
The age old problem of nappy rash
How to identify and treat nappy rash.
Why is it important to build a good relationship with your child's educator?
How your children benefit from your good relationship with your early childhood education and care provider.
How to keep baby teeth healthy
Ideas to help you look after your child's baby teeth and empower them to do the same.
How to support your child's friendships in the early years
Supporting your preschoolers child care friendships outside child care.
What to do if your child doesn't want to go to child care
How to cope on those mornings when your child doesn't want to go to care and you have to go to work.
How to meet the challenges of before and after school care
We look at some ways your family can manage the before and after school care dilemma right now.
How to assemble a healthy lunch box
Good food is essential for the healthy growth and development of young children, learn how to pack a perfect lunch box.
The ins and outs of toilet-training
When it comes to toilet-training timing is everything, learn how to recognise the cues that your child is ready.
How Australian families are embracing online information
How online information supports families with young children.
How to be the best dad you can
From the moment a man becomes a dad, he has not just a responsibility to care for his child, but the privilege of loving, supporting and connecting with them as they grow.
Supporting children to thrive in care
How to support your child to grow and develop in the child care environment.
Ways for working mums to find a better balance
How working mums can achieve greater balance between their home and work responsibilities.
The strong bond between children and comfort objects
How comfort objects support babies and children as they rest, play and grow.
How to teach your child to be kind and grateful
How to raise respectful and responsible children.
9 gorgeous books about starting child care
9 lovely books about transitioning into child care or preschool after a life based at home.
Your end of year child care checklist
Your end of year child care checklist.
8 gift ideas for your amazing early childhood educator
8 gift ideas for your amazing early childhood educator.
Family dinners with the feel-good factor
Family dinners with the feel-good factor.
What is authoritative parenting?
What is authoritative parenting?
Intergenerational care and how it benefits all Australians
Intergenerational care and how it benefits all Australians.
Why is play so beneficial for young children?
Why is play so beneficial for young children?
13 positive behaviour management strategies
The latest Royal Children's Hospital poll has shown that guilt and stress levels are high among parents who are trying to get the best behaviour from their children yet unsure of where to go for help.
Is your child ready to start school?
Is your child ready to start school?
It's the little things
It's the little things.
Alternative solutions to outside school hours care
Alternative solutions to outside school hours care.
The latest research into infant colic
The latest research into infant colic.
Child care with wrap-around hours
Child care with wrap-around hours.
How the Additional Child Care Subsidy helps grandparents
How the Additional Child Care Subsidy helps grandparents.
What are the sleep needs of young children?
What are the sleep needs of young children?
13 ways to make mealtimes easier after child care
13 ways to make mealtimes easier after child care.
Is gun play a good or bad thing for children?
Is gun play a good or bad thing for children?
The truth about why children lie
The truth about why children lie.
Research shows the benefits of early solids
Research shows the benefits of early solids.
Book Giveaway My Incredible Creation! An IVF Journey
Book Giveaway My Incredible Creation! An IVF Journey.
Celebrating the role of dads in Australian families
Celebrating the role of dads in Australian families.
How to teach your child to win – and lose – gracefully
How to teach your child to win – and lose – gracefully.
How to help your child find their voice | CareforKids.com.au
Your child's first words and what you can do as a parent to help your child find their voice.
What type of storytelling is best for preschoolers?
What type of storytelling is best for preschoolers?
The benefits of breastfeeding for mums and bubs
The benefits of breastfeeding for mums and bubs.
How to reduce separation anxiety for children in care
How to reduce separation anxiety for children in care.
The important role that grandparents play in child care
The important role that grandparents play in child care.
The value of friendships in child care and beyond
The value of friendships in child care and beyond.
What to do if your child is afraid of the dark
What to do if your child is afraid of the dark.
What outcomes should parents expect from early childhood education and care?
Between the ages of three and five, preschoolers are taking leaps and bounds – and not just with their bodies, but with their minds as well.
How to teach your toddler to follow directions
How to teach your toddler to follow directions.
How to choose an educational app for your child
How to choose an educational app for your child.
Drop off and pick up solutions for parents working non-standard hours
Drop off and pick up solutions for parents working non-standard hours.
11 products parents should avoid
11 products CHOICE recommends you don't buy for your child.
18 ways to co-parent after a separation
18 ways to co-parent after a separation.
How to parent according to your child's temperament
Different kids call for different parenting approaches, the Raising Children Network offers helpful ways to adapt your parenting to support them as individuals.
The art of minimalist parenting
Sometimes less is more, and when it comes to raising a child, there is a school of thought that minimalist parenting is the way to go.
How parents can help young children gain independence
How parents take a hands-on role in keeping children healthy, safe and happy while boosting independence.
How can mums manage breastfeeding and child care?
Breastfeeding is chance to nourish and bond, and the good news is that just because you start your tot at child care, you don't necessarily need to stop the supply.
What to do if your child gets bitten in child care
What to do if your child is bitten while in their early education service.
How to raise a body-positive preschooler
By the time they start school, children's bodies have learned to run, jump, swim, dance, scoot, and more; so, it's startling to hear that kids as young as five say they don't like their bodies.
7 life skills that will help your child succeed
Essential life skills for children and how to develop them through day-to-day activities.
8 ways to find back-up child care in a flash
Sometimes the best-laid plans come unstuck. You're getting ready for work and your nanny calls in sick. Or your child wakes up with conjunctivitis and can't go to day care. What's a busy parent to do?
The new website that helps single parents share the load
Sharing is caring, and when it comes to life as a single parent, sharing a home with another single parent provides emotional support and eases financial pressures.
Say what? 10 phrases that will help you calm down your child
'Sometimes parenting isn't all giggles and smiley faces. And whether your toddler is having a tantrum at the checkout or your older child is complaining about everything, it can be hard to keep your cool.
What are the latest changes in the world of parenting?
Kidspot editor, Melissa Wilson says Aussie mums are, "Individual, empowered, fun, information seekers" and highlights some interesting points about child-raising.
The benefits of being bored | CareforKids.com.au
Boredom can be a good thing for kids. This article talks about what you should do as a parent and things to do when bored to suggest to your child.
5 ways for families to make the most of weeknights
By the time parents get home from work, family evenings can fall into the same old pattern of 'eat, sleep and repeat' – with baths and bedtime stories thrown in.
More dads pushing for flexible work
More dads pushing for flexible work.
A timely reminder on the importance of looking after yourself
A timely reminder on the importance of looking after yourself.
Reclaiming the romance this Valentine's Day
Reclaiming the romance this Valentine's Day.