News archive

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.

Dad's Diary blog

Kids and Finance: What do you teach them?

JOSEPH KELLY Is it wrong to try and burden kids with the concept of financial responsibility, or is it wrong not to provide a good financial base for your kids? Is it something better left to the free market to decide?

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.

Healthy eating

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!

Features archive

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.

Fact sheets

Keep the kids' rooms tidy

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

Teaching kids to get organised

SONJA WALKER Parents and teachers commonly complain about kids’ inability to plan and execute even the simplest of tasks. But how often do you find yourself doing things for your child because it’s quicker, easier and more efficient?

Nagging and Shouting

CAROLE DISSELDORP You realise that your 4 year old is capable of tidying her room and you don’t want to do it yourself as you have a lot of cleaning of your own to do.

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.

Meet & Discuss

Forums for growing families

No matter what type of family you are you can meet like-minded members on Essential Baby. Here’s a showcase of just a few of the 180 forums we have on offer at EB!

News archive

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 sibiling 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.

Features archive

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.

News archive

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.

Features archive

Is your child ready for school?

AMBER ROBINSON Your pre-schooler might know their alphabet and be able to count to 20, but are they ready for school?

Choosing a school

CAROL FALLOWS You may think you have plenty of time to decide what you are going to do about schooling, your little one may only be six months/one year/ a toddler. Think again. If you don’t already have your child’s name down at the school of your choice you may miss out. Carol Fallows has put together a checklist of things to consider when choosing a school for your child.

News archive

Preparing kindergarten children for school

CAROLINE MILBURN A study's surprising findings may lead educators to rethink how they prepare children for school.

school readiness

Off to school we go

CAROL FALLOWS Starting school can be a rather emotional time for everyone - some of those mums at the school gate even have a tear trickling down their cheeks. EB has some advice to help all first timers - from kids to mums and dads.

Features archive

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 raising, 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!

Features archive

Fun girls' party themes

I’m not sure who gets more excited about planning a little girl’s birthday party – mum or the Birthday Girl. There are just so many spectacularly gorgeous things to buy for a little girl!

Features archive

Fun boys' party themes

Little boys are generally pretty easy to please and it’s not much different when it comes to party planning! Generally party themes fall into three categories: sports, transport or things that fight or bite!

Features archive

Boys party themes

Little boys are generally pretty easy to please and it’s not much different when it comes to party planning.

Features archive

Unisex party themes

So often birthday party themes are split down gender lines but as a mum, and particularly when your kids are very young, it can feel a little arbitrary doing a “traditional” girls’ or boys’ party theme.

Party games for toddlers and children

Increasingly, we’re spending more time planning our children’s parties. Something often agonised over is the type of games to provide. Here are some suggestions to keep your little party animals happy!

Features archive

Are we there yet?

OUT & ABOUT WITH KIDS With summer fast approaching, it's time to start planning your family holiday. We share our top twenty tips for staying sane on your next family road trip.

Features archive

Great books for kids under five

FIONA KYLE-RUSSELL Hit the library or bookshop and stock up on Essential Baby's list of great books for kids under five.

Features archive

Videogames and your kids

RICHIE YOUNG Videogames have come a long way since the days of Space Invaders and are now increasingly important in the lives of children, both from an entertainment and educational standpoint. Discovering practical guidelines can help you responsibly integrate gaming into your household.

Features archive

Safe websites for kids

LIA TIMSON With thousands of sites on offer it's no wonder parents are confused and troubled about which websites to let their children visit. Read more about popular and safe sites for kids to use.