Development

How to beat night terrors

Allison Tait Night terrors and nightmares - while both presenting as similarly noisy and sleep-depriving - are two different things.

Glued to the set - taming the television

Tania Andrusiak and Daniel Donahoo It could be any household, any evening, anywhere: fights over the remote, battles about unfinished homework, another skirmish lost against reality TV, tired parents wondering if it’s ever okay to use...

Depression found in 15% of preschoolers

Louise Hall Almost 15 per cent of preschoolers have abnormally high levels of depression and anxiety, and a difficult temperament at five months of age is the most important early warning sign, a study has found.

Environmentally-friendly toys: Is there such a thing?

Vicki Harding The busy world of parenting can make it virtually impossible to keep up with the latest news about the environment.

Early pointers to autism identified

Julie Robotham Toddlers who later go on to be diagnosed with autism use fewer gestures, such as pointing, Victorian researchers have discovered, in findings that may ultimately become part of an autism screening...

Malnutrition a fact of life for many

Robin Barker The news of two child deaths, allegedly involving malnutrition, arouses uncomfortable feelings of incredulity, dismay and shock.

Growing up no easy thing for those born before their time

Nick Miller Toddlers are more likely to get anxious, depressed or have eating or sleeping problems if they were born 10 or more weeks premature, research has found.

Toddlers might be better with Big Macs

Kate Tarala Cheeseburgers, Big Macs and chocolate biscuits are healthier than some foods designed for babies and toddlers, many of which contain more sugar, salt or fat than similar products marketed to adults.

First three years key to school success: study

Adele Horin How children are faring before they turn four is a strong guide to early school success, according to a major study.

Parents to count cost of better child care

Stephanie Peatling Social Affairs Correspondent The cost of child care is set to rise under recommendations being considered by the Federal Government that all staff be trained either to TAFE or university level and more staff be employed at each...

Toddler bootcamp

Stiven Pucar Exercise for adults is essential for a healthier lifestyle but parents might find it hard to fathom that your toddler needs exercise also!

Teaching your baby a foreign language

Teaching children a foreign language helps with brain development and lays the foundation for lifelong academic achievement, with the impact greatest the earlier the language is learnt.

Child-care centres to focus on preparing children for school

Stephanie Peatling All child-care centres will be required to begin baby learning and child development programs from July as part of a Federal Government push to make sure children are ready to learn when they start...

Bridging the gap between home and childcare

Claire Gordon I’m sure it’s not a generalisation to say that the vast majority of children experience some degree of anxiety when starting daycare.

Toddlers: developmental milestones

It is important to realise that a child’s developmental progress does vary greatly, and is not a race! Some children may miss out on developmental milestones all together – such as crawling.

Toilet training - is your child ready?

Richie Young Toilet training is a major part of your child's development and it involves commitment! While that may sound daunting, the key is ensuring you stay supportive and offer encouragement.

Tackling childhood obesity - get Mum fit too

Erin O'Dwyer Last year Anna Barwick was 95 kilograms and too embarrassed by her post-baby weight to join a gym. Tomorrow she will compete in her first team triathlon - at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast - along...

P-plates for child centres

Phillip Hudson All new child-care centres would be put on "P-plates" for up to two years and the number of babies looked after by any one carer may be reduced from five to three under an overhaul of early childhood...

Early insight into autism

Sherril Nixon Children are being diagnosed with autism before their second birthday in a breakthrough trial that identified crucial developmental delays.