Our study shows younger siblings spend more time on screens than big sisters and brothers
Atlantic Ambience/ Pexels Where kids are born in a family can be important. But it is not just about who gets more grown-up privileges or parental pressure. Research tells us firstborn children, on average, tend to do better on a range of outcomes. This includes doing better at school and being more likely to be […]
How much would you pay for school to provide your child with lunch every day?
Peter Cade/Getty Images Most Australian children bring their lunch to school through a “lunchbox system”. But there is a growing push for schools to provide students with lunch. Despite decades of efforts to promote better nutrition, it is estimated nearly half (44%) of the foods Australian children eat at school are energy-dense and nutrient-poor (or […]
Swap muesli bars for homemade popcorn: 5 ways to pack a lower-waste lunch box
Antoni Shkraba Studio/ Pexels If you pack school lunchboxes for your children, you’ll know it can sometimes feel like a real slog. It needs to be easy to prepare, nutritious and something children will actually eat. On top of this, there is increasing awareness it should be friendly for the environment and not generate food […]
Did the kids stay up late in the holidays? 3 ways to get sleep routines back
Catherine Falls Commercial/ Getty Images For many families, the holidays mean sleep routines go out the window. Bedtimes drift later, screens stay on into the late evening, sleep-ins become the norm. But as term time rolls around, parents start to dread what’s coming – getting overtired, half-asleep kids up, dressed and out the door on […]
Practise using bags and lunchboxes: how to build your child’s confidence as they start school
Wander Women Collective/ Getty Images Starting school is a big moment in a child’s life. It is a time filled with new routines, new people and new places. These changes can also mean it is sometimes a stressful time. But it doesn’t have to be. Our recent research explored what helps children’s confidence as they […]
Thinking of a tutor for your child? 5 things to consider first
SolStock/ Getty Images As the new school year approaches, many parents may be thinking about getting a tutor for their child. Media reporting estimates one in six Australian students get tutoring at some point in their schooling, to help them catch up, qualify for specific schools or prepare for important exams. But how should parents […]
Australia needs a school lunch program – like many other high-income countries
Photo by Ben Birchall/PA Images via Getty Images Many Australian parents of school-age children will be looking forward to a break from the routine of packing school lunch boxes over the summer holidays. But in some other countries, lunch boxes are increasingly being replaced by school lunch programs. Around 80% of primary school children in […]
Emma Johnston was a visionary scientist, environmentalist and leader, with an abiding hope for humanity
Emma Johnston, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne who has died aged 52, was a marine ecologist, a visionary leader in science and research, a passionate champion of the environment, a brilliant and engaging communicator, and a caring mentor. Emma was also our friend. Born in 1973 and raised in Melbourne, Emma’s star rose […]
I love my friends … I do not love their kids
At this time of the year, with lots of parties, family catch-ups and holiday plans, you might be reminded of how much you love your friends. But as their kids pester for screen time, drop chips everywhere and run screaming around the house, you may also be reminded of how you don’t have the same […]
It’s (not) a new bike! How to manage kids’ gift expectations at Christmas
Alexandr Kolesnikov/ Getty Images Holiday celebrations involving gift giving can be roller coasters. The excitement of tearing into gifts is often mixed with intense anticipation – and sometimes, disappointment. After investing time, thought and money into creating a magical day, it can feel confronting when your child reacts negatively to a present. If it’s a […]