Conversations

Get access to our latest news by signing up for our newsletter.

business woman rubbing eyes
Parenthood

8 Ways to Clap Back at Unwanted Parenting Advice

Sometimes, parenting can be a minefield for judging. For those of us going for more than “fine” for our kids, here are eight ways to deflect unwanted advice.

Wellbeing New born test tube baby slepping in a laboratory

Parents in the NICU: What New Research Says About Your Long Term Happiness

Although your life may not look quite as you imagined, research suggests that the medical challenges ahead won't change your future happiness.

Playtime A kid shouting from a circular window

Research Shows Recess Might Be More Important Than We Think

Recent research suggests that for toddlers and preschoolers, recess might be key to childhood development.

Parenthood A baby watching out of a door

The Other Side

This is a submission in our monthly contest. October’s theme is Determination. We decided to get pregnant. As younger adults, my husband and I had thought about this for a three-year period. What w...

Learning A baby playing with blocks

Why Early Learning Environments Boost More Than Just Academic Performance

Early learning environments can help kids develop early cognitive and language skills that may lead to later academic success.

Parenthood A kid drawing lines over the wall using a marker

No, Your Kids Aren't Sociopaths, It's Just Hanlon's Razor

We can’t assume the world’s out to get us, even when it feels like it is, and in parenting, it often does.

Wellbeing blured image of a lady

How to Recognize if Your Teen Needs Mental Health Care

How is a parent to know the difference between normal developmental friction and mental illness? Here are some key things to look for.

Playtime A kid singing a song holding  a microphone

Karaoke Therapy is the Family Bonding You've Been Missing

Besides improving our mood, singing karaoke offers many physical, emotional, social, and educational benefits.

Parenthood dirty hand coing out of a swirl

The Hallelujah Moments

It was the first time he’d ever had dirt on his nose. I know this is not a big deal, or shouldn’t be. But my kid is not most kids.

Parenthood A waterproof baby carying wheel

The Day My Kids and I Ran Away From a Man With a Gun

We were only two blocks from our home, about to pass my son’s school when a woman ran around the corner screaming, “He has a gun! He has a gun! Run!”

Wellbeing A baby getting  injection

The Low Down on This Season's Flu Shot

Each year the vaccination is reviewed and updated to include the most common circulating strains. So what's the deal with this year?

Parenthood A kid about to kick a football

How to Set the Bar High Without Teaching That Performance Determines Identity

How do we, as parents, set the bar high for our children, all the while making it clear that what they can accomplish does not determine who they are?

Learning A girl hugging a boy

How to Transform Conflict Into a Learning Lesson for Your Kid

Relationships entirely free from conflict and disagreement do not exist. So how do you fight the good fight?

Parenthood A baby sleeping

Stop Trying to Find the “Perfect” Consequence

The use of consequences can include some hidden “baggage” for many parents.

Learning Cartoon of a person saw ghost

If Moving Feels Like the End of the World, Help Your Kid Adjust With These Books

Moving to a new home can be a difficult experience for a child, especially if it means uprooting them from a familiar town or school.

Parenthood Coffee mug marked on and off

Playgroup Isn't for Kids – It's a Parent's Lifeline

Whether it's talking about pregnancy, feeding , sleeping, or tantruming, playgroup mums really do form your squad.

Playtime Group of musical notes

Celebrate World Space Week With Space-Themed Music

World Space Week 2017 is an ideal time to introduce your family to space-themed orchestral music and the magic of astronomy. 

Deranged Quotes Declared by My Toddler in One Single Outing

Being the shepherd of a threenager allows me to act as curator of her finest moments, and provides a slice of levity in an otherwise dark world.

Parenthood A child playing with blocks

I Don't Play With My Kids, Here's Why

For adults, sitting down to role-play driving a car or making dinner is like sitting down to learn the alphabet – boring as all get out.

Parenthood Couples watching TV on a sofa

Date Nights in the Parenthood Era

I want to feel like my husband and I have left our date nights like we used to before we were parents.

Parenthood From the window, a mother is sitting with her child

Explaining the News to Our Kids

No matter how old your kids are, threatening or upsetting news can affect them emotionally.

Cracking Under the Monotony of Motherhood

Maybe I’m not cut out for this motherhood thing. Clearly, it is too late now but I really have my doubts.

Learning Kid made bun

Kid Made Recipe: Pumpkin Cream Puffs

Looking for a fun, fall, weekend baking project with a little pumpkin spice? Try these fluffy puffs filled with delicious pumpkin buttercream!

Wellbeing A hand

How to Make More Time to Tackle that Stack of Books on Your Nightstand

If all else fails, tell your kids you’ve given yourself reading homework. Chances are, they’ll be happy to hold you to it.