by the Editor     Nutritionists and other health professionals are encouraging parents to cook with their children.  Helping with meals at home is a great foundation for kids, helping them to learn life skills and good nutrition habits.  ...read more »

by the Editor     As long summer days of fun in the sun and family holidays come to an end, families are preparing for the start of a new school year.  ‘Back to school’ is a frantic time for parents with so many things to organise, but the start of a new school year is also a great time to start afresh with healthy resolutions.   ...read more »

by Helen Davidson     At this time of year many children – and their parents - will have not only a new school year to look forward to but also perhaps starting at a new school.  Maybe the family have moved neighbourhoods, states or even country and so in December it was ‘Goodbye’ to old classmates, well known corridors and familiarity with the school rules,  ...read more »

by Angie Wilcock, High Hopes     Whether our children are moving from pre-school to 'big school', primary to secondary, or secondary to tertiary or the work place, parents ALWAYS have a role to play - significantly different in each phase, but a role nonetheless.  ...read more »

by Dr. Paula Barrett     In the western world we are seeing alarming statistics showing that many families are now spending most of their free time indoors in front of screens.  Sadly, this has become a common form of relaxation for many children and their parents.  Screen relaxation activities are at the expense of time spent in nature, being involved in activities in natural environments and spending time with and conversing as a family.   ...read more »

by the Editor     Pets can play an important role in children’s lives and they are often referred to as 'one of the family'. As well as providing a constant source of enjoyment, friendship and fun, many pets thrive in a family and household environment, and provide many benefits and learning opportunities for children.  ...read more »

by Andrew Lendnal     Your teen is probably asking you for money even as you’re reading these words.  Raise your hand if you’ve never told a child money doesn’t grow on trees.  And if you don’t like the idea of money management or financial planning, chances are that child you’re thinking about right now doesn’t care for it much either.    ...read more »

by the Editor     Families are in a transition period, one in which parents recognize the importance of technology in their children's learning and future success, but don't always grant them access to the newer forms of media transforming their own adult lives.  ...read more »

by Andrew Lendnal     Do you consider giving your children pocket money or an allowance essential? Is it bribery to ensure basic chores get done, or does it teach them budgeting, saving and basic money management skills? In truth, it’s probably a bit of both, and I don’t think either is a bad thing.  ...read more »

by Helen Davidson, Kidzmix     School is not only about learning the 3 ‘R’s’ – reading, writing and arithmetic – it is also a new chapter in learning about that other ‘R’ – the 4th one -  ‘Relationships’; where the child steps outside the family into their largest community of new acquaintances to date, and without a family member  ...read more »