Kids Information Index

Build your child's esteem and independence

Ilsa Cunningham A little bit of trust and independence builds our children's self esteem and could help them out of a sticky situation.

Teaching kids about good money management

Analaura Luna Although the piggy bank is the first thing that springs to mind when we think about teaching kids money management skills, the reality is that these days, the money box should just be the first step in the process.

Healthy children actively involved

To make a change for the better, parents and children have to become actively involved in changing their lifestyles. They need to support and encourage each other.

Kids' food for busy grown-ups

Paula Goodyer With childhood health and obesity featuring heavily in the news of late here is a simple three day food plan to help you get through the week!

Eating out with kids

By Julie Chatto with Carol Fallows Kids love dining out even though you might not think so at the time, especially when they are throwing a tantrum in the restaurant or have just dumped a bowl of pasta on the floor in front of the waiter.

Keep the kids' rooms tidy

There'll come a time when you can shift some responsibility to your children!

Support for Mum when Dad works away

Department of Communities (WA) Does your partner spend time away for work? More and more families are developing their own strategies to deal with the challenges of the home and away lifestyle and are making it work for them.

Choosing a car that will suit your family

Essential Baby talks to Drive.com.au Editor Toby Hagon about safe cars and what to consider when purchasing a family vehicle.

Tips for choosing a family-friendly car

You've agonised over the stroller, now it's time to figure out which car is going to fit you, your new baby, other children and stroller with ease, style and safety.

Choosing a holiday

Getting away on a family holiday is as easy as picking a destination and packing, right?

Teaching kids about good money management

Analaura Luna Although the piggy bank is the first thing that springs to mind when we think about teaching kids money management skills, the reality is that these days, the money box should just be the first step in the process.

Nannies can be a super option

Lisa Wachsmuth The nanny is not just limited to the wealthy anymore. With many families having both the mother and father working, hiring a nanny is becoming a more popular option, writes Lisa Wachsmuth.

Finding the right babysitter or nanny

Gill South The first time we leave our babies with someone other than close family, is always a big step. So how do you go about finding the right babysitter?

Preparing a sibling for the new arrival

Gill South When my mother was seven, her baby sister was born, to her absolute shock and horror. She had been having a perfectly nice time getting full attention from both her parents and this new arrival was there to spoil the party as far as she was concerned.

Thrifty tips for tough times

Saving Mum When two rural Aussie mums started a humble website to help themselves and other parents save time, save money and be planet friendly, they never dreamed that within two years it would be published into a book.

Tips for step families

Alison Cameron Stepfamilies Australia has the following tips for step parents.

Christmas tips for step families

Dolla S Merrillees Christmas Day for many families is an exercise in controlled chaos, for stepfamilies the demands of the holiday season can be doubled or tripled.

Fact sheets

Your child's education

Australian children attend school from around 5 years of age for approximately 12 years, depending on which State or Territory you live in. Each State and Territory is responsible for its own education system.

Keeping kids on track during the holidays

Sonja Walker While holiday fun offers welcome relief from the structure of a busy school year, teachers agree that some children struggle to get back into the routine of learning when school begins again.

The really big guide to holiday activities for kids

There's no excuse for cries of "I'm bored" this school holidays with myriad things to do across the country. We've scoured Australia high and low for the best activities – some where you can drop the kids off and others that are a great way to share some "quality time" as a family.

21 things to do in the school holidays - on a budget!

Sophie Blanc How does one entertain children and visitors on a restricted budget during the school holidays?

Entertaining kids on a rainy day

Elissa Baxter It's raining, the kids are stir-crazy and you're all out of ideas to keep them amused. If you have an internet connection and a printer, there are stacks of resources on the web that can help you keep the kids amused. Read our rainy day rescue!