Jo Hartley

Wellness Redefined | NEW Magazine

Gym on King opens its doors, technology driven and offering a complete package of fun, fitness, and community in Newcastle.

BB at The Table by Botanica Bird | NEW Magazine

Botanica Bird introduces sustainable homewares are like a nourishing meal, evoking warmth and comfort, and fostering togetherness.

Beauty Tips | NEW Magazine

So much to do, so little time. It's not surprising that beauty takes a backseat. But it doesn't have to with these beauty tips.

Wellness Redefined | NEW Magazine

Gym on King opens its doors, technology driven and offering a complete package of fun, fitness, and community in Newcastle.

Skin Cycling | NEW Magazine

So much to do, so little time. It's not surprising that beauty takes a backseat. But it doesn't have to...

What's the story with those weird chips flavours?

Novel chip flavours are being cooked up all the time, all around the world. Earlier this year, Smith's released "garlic bread" chips; in the US, Lay's chips announced the launch of their Tastes of America range, which incorporates eight tastebud-tingling flavours, from New England lobster roll to deep-dish pizza.

Are your cravings for winter comfort foods a reality or a myth?

Winter's only just around the corner and as the nights draw in and the chill seeps into our bones, there's only one thing to do: stock up on food and eat, eat, eat. Mashed potato, stews, casseroles with dumplings and chunky soups. Portion control is out, and comfort is in.

Prescribing antidepressants

After having children, Jenna Clarke re-entered the workforce. With her husband regularly working away, Clarke was juggling raising a three-year-old and a five-year-old, managing a household and working three days a week with no help. It quickly took its toll.

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder

For 36 years Sharon Wallace stood on the sidelines watching her daughter's life spiral out of control. It wasn't until two years ago she found out why. "When she started school, I knew Liz* was different," says Wallace, 59. "She was extremely obsessional, defiant and couldn't conform.

Coercive control and domestic abuse

In 2011, Georgina Challen, who is known as Sally, was convicted of murdering her husband of 31 years by bludgeoning him to death with a hammer. In the eyes of the law, she was a criminal. The years of mental abuse and coercive control she'd suffered at his hands meant nothing in court.

Rewards and fitness apps

Fitness-tracking apps are in the news after it was revealed Western military personnel on duty in the Middle East and elsewhere were using a socially shared analytics app named Strava, and heedlessly making public their running routes and routines around bases.

Comedy for mental health

Stand-up comedian Tim Bradford's bipolar disorder is no joke. It's stalked him for decades, causing periods of depression and suicidal ideation. But Bradford has found a way to use his bipolar in his work. Nowadays he, and audiences of hundreds, are, quite literally, laughing in its face.

Virtual reality for charities

Eleven-year-old Evelyn walks across the dusty Kenyan terrain, an empty container swinging from her arm. Her dress is brightly coloured and her feet are bare. Her melodic voice accompanies you on the long walk to fetch water for her family. "Every day I look at the sun as it rises," she says.

Boys and body image

It's 7am on a Monday. In the hallway, my son is doing push-ups and crunches. He finishes and announces it's time for his protein. He's only seven years old. Experts tell me he's not alone.

What the style of your home says about your personality

If research is to be believed, I'm a gym enthusiast, a passionate lover and meticulous about organisation. Two of those are true - I'll leave you to guess which ones. But what's the link with my home? Well, I make my bed daily, my bedroom is blue and I roll my socks.

The mental and physical benefits of gardening

Gardening and being in nature are known to be physically and mentally beneficial. Despite this, many of us are still not spending enough time outdoors. A meta-analysis of research examining the effects of gardening indicated a wide range of positive improvements in social, physical and psychological health.

As a mother of two children, this increasing trend worries me

As a mum to a seven and two-year-old, the day that my children move out of home is a lifetime away. However, when my children do move out, it may not be permanent. The boomerang trend is on the rise.

What I learnt from our renovation nightmare

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian homeowners are spending more than $8 billion a year on renovations. With experts predicting that this trend is set to continue, it's never been a better time to be a tradesperson. But that's exactly the problem for many first-time renovators.

'Magnets Saved My Sex Life'

Tara Langdale was 33 when she first started experiencing the excruciating pain of vulvodynia. The sharp, stabbing and burning pain in her pelvic area was so extreme that it was impossible to enjoy sex with her future husband.

Why Are You Secretly Happy When Your Friends Fail?

When Carla Wilden met and fell in love with the man who was to become her husband, her married friend, Jo, was quick to give her advice. "Ben and I had only been together a short time and Jo kept telling me that I'd regret rushing into things," says Wilden.

What Does My Boob Job Say To My Sons?

The year will be 2021. The date's yet to be confirmed. The event will be a breast reduction. The patient will be me. It's all planned out in my head. My youngest child will have started school, and I'll be free of 'carrying' duties and have time to recover in peace.

Australian schools and coronavirus: a parent's dilemma

OPINION I sent my boys off to school this morning with little hesitation. When I heard schools were still open, I felt reassured that things weren't so critical and, selfishly, was relieved not to have two energetic boys stuck at home.

Can exercise help with grief?

Michelle Steinke-Baumgard was 36 when her husband of nine years died in a small plane crash in October 2009. Widowed with two young children, Steinke-Baumgard turned to exercise as an outlet for her grief, enabling her to shift her focus to something positive.

The new embryo growing app for couples going through IVF would've stressed me out

New apps are being developed all the time and it's hard to imagine that there's anything left untouched. But Genea fertility's new app, Grow, might prove otherwise. The technology allows patients access to something never seen before - their growing embryos.

How my parents' divorce totally changed my relationship with my dad

My parents split when I was 23 years old and it shattered my world. My metaphorical security blanket was taken away and my belief and faith in marriage tested. There were many negative consequences of the divorce. One of the most difficult for me was how it impacted my relationship with my dad.

Why counting every calorie might not help you lose weight

For many Australians, trying to lose weight is an ongoing battle. But, navigating the numerous interactive weight tracking options available to assist can sometimes be the hardest part. Type in 'weight loss' into the App Store and you're faced with thousands of choices; diet plans, trackers, workout companions and tips.

Love behind bars: What it's like to still love your husband even after he becomes a prisoner

When Martine Burke* got married almost a decade ago, she didn't count on her husband's prison sentence being part of the deal. Now, a single parent to three young children, Burke faces the next three years loving him from the other side of the bars.

Why these QLD women are stripping down and glittering-up

It's not something you see every day in suburban Brisbane, Queensland. A group of naked women adorned in glittering body paint proudly celebrating their bodies and, more specifically, their breasts. Yet on the first weekend in April, 2017, that's exactly what's happening: a glitter extravaganza.

Why decision making and anxiety are no match made in heaven

Standing in the grocery store I stare vacantly at the products. I repeatedly question what I want, even though it's not important or life changing. Yet, I'm frozen in indecision and my brain has checked out. I'm in the grips of an anxiety attack. During these times, I'm known to wander aimlessly around the shops.

From bubbly highs to serious lows: My battle with bipolar

Susana Buwol was 21 when she had her first psychotic episode. Wrongly diagnosed as schizophrenic, she spent 10 months in bed ingesting a cocktail of drugs which resulted in significant weight gain and an attempt on her life. For years after, she rode an emotional rollercoaster.

I quit alcohol

When does a social drink with dinner turn into a health concern? According to Jo Hartley, when one glass merges into two and television is always watched with a wine in-hand. That's why six months ago, she quit alcohol. Here's how her abstinence played out.

Dating with a low libido? You can still find 'the one'

2date4love.com isn't your typical dating website. In fact, it's about as far removed from the likes of Tinder as you can get. While the premise is the same - single people looking for partners - this site comes with an unspoken agreement: sex is definitely off the table.

Could a period of abstinence help your relationship?

For most couples the idea of committing to a period of abstinence is not one they embrace. After all, we know that sex is one of the best ways of feeling connected to our partners and that orgasms are a great form of stress relief.

How No Packet November could help us all

Australia is growing in size annually, but it's not all positive. According to a 2015 report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 63.4% of Australian adults and 27.4% of children aged between five and 17 are overweight or obese. One of the biggest contributors to this problem is a reliance on convenience and packaged foods.

Contraception: How much choice do women actually have?

Like most matters of the body and heart, contraception is very much a personal choice. But are we fully aware of all the choices available to us? Reproductive and sexual health experts, Dr Mary Stewart and Dr Deborah Bateson, are currently asking health professionals to encourage patients to consider long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods.

Migrants and Indigenous Australians are among some of this nation's poorest peoples

Australia is ranked as one of the most expensive places to live in the world, and, consequently, much of the population is struggling to keep from falling below the poverty line. However, it seems that our culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities are struggling more than Australian-born residents.

What's really behind 'selfie' health campaigns?

Social media health campaigns have got us all talking. We've seen them in our news feeds, liked them, shared them and even participated in, but are they really about the disease? With the aim of raising awareness and funds for illnesses, admittedly there have been some notable success stories to-date.

The lockdown is forcing children to face boredom, and that's a good thing

My son comes out of his room. He's only been awake 10 minutes and already it's started. 'I'm bored' he says with his usual eye roll and slumped shoulders. Today he's banned from screens after bad behaviour. Now, apparently, there's nothing to do. The result? He just can't cope.

Why is it important to raise our children to be culturally aware and inclusive?

Australia is one of the world's most culturally diverse countries, so never has it been more important to raise our children to be both culturally aware and inclusive. But why is this so important? "Teaching children to value and respect diversity helps encourage acceptance of individual differences, and helps develop connections to promote socially cohesive communities," says Dr Lyn O'Grady, National Project Manager at KidsMatter.

Does Australian advertising reflect our changing multicultural nation?

Speaking at the recent Mumbrella 360 conference, Lion Brewery announced its decision to dump its iconic 'four white guys on a beach' as the face of its best-selling XXXX Gold brand. Marketing Director, Ben Slocombe, said that the adverts no longer reflected the changing face of multicultural Australia and, if changes weren't made, the values of XXXX Gold wouldn't stand the test of time.

Are we doing enough to support our ageing migrant population?

Australia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds making up a significant proportion of the population aged over 65. Government figures show that 20 per cent of people aged 65 and over were born outside of Australia, equating to more than 600,000 people.

The dark side of employee wellness tracking

According to research company, Gartner, around 2000 companies worldwide offered their staff fitness trackers in 2013. This figure rose to 10,000 in 2014, and the firm predicts that by 2016 most companies with more than 500 employees will do the same. America is already leading the way with this trend.

Should we be targeting obesity at an earlier age? | Health

As a nation Australia is growing. In fact, we're growing so much that over half of us are statistically classified as overweight and we currently rank as 25 th in the world for obesity. Worryingly, the problems are starting younger and younger.

Is photography helping to break the taboo that surrounds stillbirth?

For Trish Mohren, 17 October 2015 will always be ingrained in her heart. It was the day she gave birth to her third son, Finnley Jack Adams. Tragically for Mohren and her family, Finnley was born sleeping. "Finnley was actually alive and bouncing around during the labour, but in the final moments he passed," says Mohren.

Is imposter syndrome holding you back? | Health

"There are an awful lot of people out there who think I'm an expert. How do these people believe all this about me? I'm so much aware of all the things I don't know." These are the words of Dr Margaret Chan, CEO of the World Health Organisation.

Don't Be A Dumbell. Observe Gym Etiquette.

We've all been there -- jumping on a treadmill at the gym, only to find that the inconsiderate user beforehand has left behind most of his sweat. Yuck! Not cool, in more ways than one. But that's not the only thing that can be annoying in the gym.

Don't Be A Dumbell. Observe Gym Etiquette.

We've all been there -- jumping on a treadmill at the gym, only to find that the inconsiderate user beforehand has left behind most of his sweat. Yuck! Not cool, in more ways than one. But that's not the only thing that can be annoying in the gym.

Diet And Exercise Myths That Are Limiting Your Health

Many of us have misconceptions about health, and often while we think we're doing the right things, we could potentially be doing ourselves more harm than good. Here are some of the more common health misconceptions; While weight training will result in an increase in muscle mass, it's more likely to impact the body in other ways.

Being Too Healthy Can Be Unhealthy

Eating well is good for our health, both physically and mentally, and in the long run the benefits are far reaching. However, being too strict has its downfalls, too. Restricting yourself from certain foods or those you enjoy most can make being healthy even harder.

Why Child's Play Is Good For Adults

In today's busy and technologically driven society, it can be hard to unwind and relax. Yet, the continuing popularity of adult coloring books has shown that by doing something traditionally associated with children, we can truly switch off. Adult colouring books are now commonplace in many households throughout Australia, and it's not hard to understand why.

The Five Most Common Exercise Mistakes

Exercise, in some form or another, should be a part of our day-to-day lives. But, with so many apps and internet programmes available, we don't always seek out professional guidance or advice and that's when mistakes can happen. Personal trainer Leanne Hall says that we all make exercise mistakes from time to time, but most of these mistakes are easily corrected.

If You Think FOMO Is Making You Broke, You're On The Money

Many studies have shown just how much FOMO (fear of missing out) affects our mental health, but have you ever stopped to consider how much it's affecting your wealth? Partying, travelling and attending events are all costly pursuits. Yet, in our ongoing mission to experience as much as everyone else, we may be spending more than we should.

Fad Diets Do A Fat Lot Of Good

Every few weeks a new fad diet or health craze fills our news feeds with promises of making us slimmer, healthier and better than ever before. Good health is priceless, but in our ongoing quest for it, are we potentially doing our bodies more harm than good?

How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight (In A Nutshell)

For most of us eating out is a treat, a time when we can indulge in something special and forget about the calorific portions laden on our plates. But, if you regularly eat out -- whether it's for business or pleasure -- and are trying to be healthy or lose weight, it can be a total minefield and the end to all your good intentions.

How To Quit Sugar Slowly

With all the recent press around sugar and the negative impact it poses to our health, it's hard to ignore the reality that too much cake is no longer so sweet. But trying to cut down or quit cold turkey is challenging. So are there ways we can slowly wean ourselves off sugar?

5 frankly brilliant benefits of 'living apart together'

The modern relationship trend even has its own acronym - LAT. So what is there to gain from being joined at the heart but not at the hip? These days, relationship living arrangements take on all forms, some of which are far from traditional.

Could a virtual office buddy keep you sane when you work home?

Working from home can be awesome, or incredibly lonely. This woman says she's found the answer to doing it right. I've been working as a freelance journalist for close to four years now and with it come many perks. I'm able to fit my schedule around my workouts and coffee outings.

This is what happens when a ladies only gym member joins CrossFit

Clue: tears, calluses, and some CrossFit myth busting. A few months ago my local gym changed ownership and my heart sank. What was once a ladies only friendly environment was taken over by a bevy of bulked up, bicep curling meatheads - or so I thought.

I'm addicted to busy - are you?

Every morning is a whirlwind in my house. Getting the kids ready, tidying up, preparing my work schedule and trying to manage a puppy who's currently chewing everything. But, I love it and wouldn't have it any other way. When I have nothing in my schedule I become bored and restless.

Can you fix a bad kisser?

We all assume we’ll have to kiss a few frogs before we find our prince, and Cher famously once sang, “It’s in his kiss”. But, according to science, it may well be true.

Why the first year of marriage is the hardest

Common belief would have it that the first year of marriage is one of the hardest, and for me that was certainly true. The picture perfect image that I held of becoming a Mrs was quickly shattered almost as soon as the dress was off.

The six personality types you meet at the gym

If, like thousands of other Australians, your week’s not complete without a trip to your local gym, then you'll be all too aware of the ‘types' that visit on a regular basis. Whilst mythical opinion may place all exercise types in the same box, it’s far from true. And just because you may go to the gym to purely workout, doesn’t necessarily mean others do the same.

Are you a cyber chondriac?

We’re all guilty of doing it. We start to feel a bit ill, have a niggling cough or have broken out in a rash. Yet, rather than go to the doctors we pick up our phone and tap into Dr Google’s office. While for some of us it can be relatively harmless, for others it’s not the case.

Hangxiety - the mourning after the night before

It’s 8am. Your head is banging, your stomach is churning and the only thing beckoning you out of bed is a greasy fry up and a strong coffee. That is… until you remember the night before.

Comparing yourself to others is stealing your joy

We’ve all felt it at one point or another. That hideous, sinking feeling when you hear about someone else’s colossal success. Or, er, see it unfold on social media, in stunning high definition.

5 signs you could be depressed

In today’s busy and stressed out society, it’s likely that either you, or someone close to you, have suffered with a mental health issue. Beyond Blue estimates around 45 percent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, and one of the most common of these is depression - with around 1 million Australian adults experiencing it each year.

Laugh yourself to good health

ANECDOTALLY, we're all aware of the health benefits of having a hearty belly laugh but it always raises a smile when science supports what we know to be true. And the data is growing. In 2012, researchers at Victoria's Deakin University examined the psychological impact of laughter yoga on more than 400 corporate employees.

Is binge watching TV really that bad for us?

With video streaming services such as Netflix entering the media marketplace, never has it been easier to access our favourite shows at the touch of a button and partake in TV viewing marathons. But, what does this mean for the health of us as viewers?

Fitness tips: Weekend binges could be sabotaging your health routine

Many of us do it - we spend all week being healthy and then undo all that good work by over-indulging on the weekend. Jo Hartley looks at simple ways to reverse this behaviour It's that common scene of exercising, eating well and ensuring we're in bed at a reasonable time on weekdays, then letting it all fly out the window as soon as Friday arrives.

Is your quest for the perfect night's rest doing more harm than good?

Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Waking up, I roll over and click on my watch. Last night was a good night. My watch tells me I slept for eight hours straight and was restless for a minimal time.

Women are more prone to burnout (no surprise to exhausted me)

We just don't get a break.

How one little acronym could be harming your health

FOFO - the fear of finding out - affects the majority of us.

The other healthcare gap affecting women

Why is women's pain devalued and even dismissed by medical professionals?

The secret eaters who come out after dark

Experts are concerned some health trends may be glamorising behaviour that historically would have been diagnosed as an eating disorder,

Are you a cyberchondriac?

When Michelle Savile feels ill, she immediately visits the doctors. The virtual ones.

'Why do you take those pills, Mummy?' Explaining mental illness to my six-year-old

Every morning, I get up. I shower, brush my teeth, prepare lunch boxes and school uniforms. Then I take my medication. It's an ingrained routine that I could do in my sleep - a streamlined process that ensures everyone's out the door on time and my sanity is in check, my bipolar disorder held at bay.

I emigrated to Australia to try and save a dead-end relationship. It didn't work.

I was with my previous partner for seven years, the last four of which weren't happy for me. I wasn't really in love with him any more. I became aggravated by little things that I used to find endearing and wished he was a lot of things he wasn't.

Looking after young children is boring, and more of us should admit it

Looking after young kids is boring - we don't say it enough. Sitting on the rug with my 18-month-old son, I scoot another car through the explosion of toy debris. Making the obligatory 'brrrmmmm' sounds, I listen to his alien garbles in response. I take a moment to stop, only to his displeasure.

No, I'm not 'lucky' that my husband helps out around the house

"You're really lucky that your husband cooks", "You're really lucky that your husband gets up to the kids in the night", and, "You're really lucky that your husband let's you go away on a girls weekend." Lucky! Apparently that's what I am.

Why more women need to learn the art of the 'no sandwich'

Standing in the crowded room clutching my drink, I take a sneaky glance at the time. I've only been here 30 minutes, but I'm already wondering when I can leave. I'm at a work social event and I don't want to be.

Why I had a breast reduction

Jo Hartley can identify with Modern Family actress Ariel Winter's decision to have breast reduction surgery. Photo: Getty For once, Ariel Winter is happy for her breasts to be the talk of the town. And I can't say I blame her.

Why men underestimate how much women want sex

Why are men in long-term relationships missing the signals when it comes to sex? Photo: Stocksy It's an age-old stereotype that when it comes to sex, men want it more than women. However, a study is challenging that thinking.

Anorgasmia - the condition affecting more women than you may think

"I feel like I'm less of a woman and that I'm missing out on something that's a natural human feeling. It's splashed across books, movies, and conversations all over the world, yet it's something I can't experience myself." These are the words of Jo Turner*, a 38 year old women who has never experienced an orgasm.

Is our selfie obsession eradicating our sense of respect for tragedy and death?

In a world that is obsessed with social media and, more increasingly, selfies, it's no surprise that respect is becoming something of a foreign concept. Earlier this week a UK tourist posed for a selfie on a beach in Tunisia. The beach that a mere 24 hours earlier was the site of terror and death.

Comment: Could a disclaimer on all media images help alleviate body image issues?

The prevalence of body image issues is a growing concern amongst Australians, particularly amongst the young. According to Better Health, Victoria, approximately nine out of ten young Australian women have dieted at least once in their lives, and around one in four men in the healthy weight range believes themselves to be fat.

MiNDFOOD - Wellness gone wild: the dark side of Fitspo

The obsession for eating, drinking, and doing everything we can to be healthy is sweeping society and pressuring adherents to greater heights. But is the quest for the ultimate state of wellbeing in fact creating more harm than good? Wellness is to 2015 like free love was to the '70s - nobody can feel good without it.

New test could help lessen the guilt many women feel after miscarriage

According to SANDS, which offers miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death support, an estimated one in four Australian pregnancies ends in miscarriage, the equivalent of more than 103,000 pregnancies each year. Following miscarriage, many women suffer feelings of grief accompanied by guilt.

Could over-breathing be damaging your health?

Jo Hartley explains how taking slow, quiet breaths may improve your wellbeing.

Why it's time to revive the art of hygge

How can we implement hygge across all areas of our lives? Jo Hartley finds out.

Being diagnosed with bipolar II saved my crumbling marriage

I can't do this any more," my husband sighed, his head in his hands. "We can't do this any more. We quit. We're done." "What do you mean 'we' are done?" I questioned, my voice wavering and a lump rising in my throat. The "we" he was referring to was my family.

Why finding the right personal trainer is the key to achieving your fitness goals

When Leanne Martin decided she wanted to get fit, she enlisted the help of a personal trainer. Like many of us, she felt expert guidance would help her achieve her goals. Her initial choice of trainer proved otherwise. "Tim would criticise my weight and put me down," says Martin.

How to shake off the Sunday night blues and beat Monday-itis

It's 4pm on Sunday. The evening lies ahead and you should be making the most of the last of the weekend. Instead, you're gripped with an unshakeable feeling of gloom. Health psychologist Dr Marny Lishman says that those most affected by these "Sunday night blues" experience feelings of hopelessness, apathy and irritability, as well as depression and insomnia.

Going Solo

Nicky Lavigne, 47, from Sydney, is a single mum to twins Asher and Milo, born in March last year. Nicky travelled to Greece for IVF treatment, using donor sperm and eggs and, until recently, has been living with her parents.

Here's the Drill

When Brigette Najjar started meditating for 45 minutes a day she had no idea how much it would improve her life.

Grey Matter

Type “brain training” into the App Store, and you can choose from more than 2200 results. There are apps that claim to test and improve verbal reasoning, concentration, spatial awareness and memory, and some that even claim to help prevent the onset of dementia.

Second Hand Stress

When her husband became irritable and negative due to stress, editor Kelly Exeter thought she could handle it. Initially she acted as the buffer for the staff within their joint business, as well as to her two children at home. But it wasn’t long before it started to take its toll.

Stepping off the corporate ladder

Case in point: travel inspired Anna Sinclair to start her own business. Photo: Nic Walker In today's society, women are more successful than ever before, taking on leadership roles, joining boards and often out-earning their partners.

My mother-in-law hates me

Mother knows best: conflict between couples and their in-laws has the power to end marriages. Photo: Getty Images (posed by model) When Julie* met her future mother-in-law, she was immediately under no illusion that they were ever going to be friends.

Dress Sense

When 42-year-old Sydneysider Danielle Armstrong gets dressed in the morning, her outfit is cheerful and bright, even if she is not.

Can the 5:2 principle be applied to all areas of your life?

Many of us are doing the 5:2 diet, or know someone who is. It's dieting without starving - eat well five days a week, but don't consume much for the other two. Fans of the regime say it keeps the weight off without impacting on energy levels or social lives.

Living with your partner's weird obsession

Life & Love Love, sex & Relationships For the love of Alice: Julijana Trifunovic with her husband Paul Joseph. Love him, love Alice Cooper Julijana Trifunovic, 46, lives in Sydney with her husband Paul Joseph, 46. Paul is a dedicated Alice Cooper fan. For the love of Lego: Dean Katsavos with his wife Sarah.

Is Netflix binge watching causing anti-social behaviour

It's hard to remember a time when we weren't glued to our screens - walking down the road, sitting on the train and even eating out with friends. But, since the boom of Netflix, being glued to the screen has taken on a whole new level of addiction.

Could moderate complaining be beneficial to health?

Sitting in the hairdresser's chair I look at the depressing reflection looking back. The bounce I'd requested in my blow dry is reminiscent of a 60's icon. The shaggy look I was imagining is more 'dragged through bush backwards' than 'just got out of bed sex'.

Could this be the exercise that dreams are made of?

If your ideal 45 minute workout involves nothing more than a pillow, a doona and the chance to shut your eyes, you might just be in luck. Napercise has arrived on our shores and is the newest wellness trend being trialled in Brisbane.

Could a 'wellbeing' bra help you stay calm?

While all bras have the same primary purpose, to offer support, they also have something else in common. A feeling of relief to the wearer when taken off. But, if a new bra hitting the market is anything to go by, we may feel much better by keeping it on.

When to take a mental health day

Mental health issues are one of the most common forms of illness in Australia with 3 million of us currently living with anxiety or depression alone. But it's not just our personal lives that are affected by mental health. It's our work and careers, too.

Is the 'alien yoga' trend really healthy?

As far as Instagram trends go there's not much that's been left untouched - who can forget the thigh gap, the Cara Devigne eyebrows and the turmeric latte? But, just when you thought trends couldn't get any weirder, our feeds are filing up with stomachs contorted into unrecognisable shapes.

Activated Charcoal: the new black of health crazes

Body cleanse: Americans are turning to activated charcoal. Photo: Getty If you thought that health crazes had got about as 'out there' as they possibly could, then think again. In what is fast becoming popular as the new way to 'cleanse' your body of toxins, Americans are 'one upping' Pete Evans in the activation stakes and turning to activated charcoal.

Start your day with a buzz ... a clitoral one that is!

Early riser: alarm clock with a difference. Ladies - If waking up in the mornings is a struggle, then a new alarm clock might just be the thing you need to get you going....in more ways than one.

Kim Sears' outburst at the Australian Open just proves why we should swear more

Kim Sears' recent outburst of expletives at the Australian Open has caused controversy the world over, with many claiming to be outraged and disgusted by her language. But is it really all that bad? Well, apparently not, because research has shown that swearing can actually be good for you.

When one person's a spender and the other is a saver

Sharing the same sense of humour, interest, friends and bed should automatically qualify you to share the same bank account. Right? Wrong! According to a RAMS Savings Satisfaction survey last year, women tend to be better savers than men, are more likely to have a high-interest savings account, and be happy to sacrifice something to be able to save.

The Grade app sorts the A+ dates from the Ds

A new app aims to set new standards in online dating. Photo: Getty Images Do you roll your eyes in exasperation every time you see someone misspelling a word, misusing punctuation or choosing to meet you "their" instead of "there" Well, you are probably not alone.

A very personal trainer aims to assist and monitor exercise scientifically

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to get up close and personal with your very own personal trainer, then you could soon have a chance to find out. To be released in March 2015, Elvie is a wearable fitness product like no other.

Jo Hartley has some tried and tested methods to quit drinking

TWO years ago, back when I was a hardened drinker, I committed to Dry July. My body, and particularly my liver, needed a well earnt break from alcoholic lubrication and I longed for weekends without raging hangovers and carb laden foods.

Hangovers don't just come from alcohol

AS the plane touched down in Sydney my stomach churned and my head hurt. Facing reality was going to be tough. I was severely hung over. But not in the alcoholic sense. My two-month round the world trip had gone all too fast. There'd been parties, tours, culture and drinking.

Could blow-up dolls help curb prison violence?

IMAGINE the scenario: A gathering of incarcerated men with crimes ranging from murder to domestic violence all waiting expectantly on their next mail delivery. This time they're not waiting on a letter from a loved one or even a collection of photos for their walls. They're waiting for their blow-up doll.

Why I had to finally quit drinking

IN THE last year I can probably count on one hand the times I've been to a social event that didn't revolve around drinking. As someone who quit alcohol 10 months ago this is both challenging and eye opening. Refusing a drink is blasphemous to our drinking religion.

Vibrating exercise machines might actually work

IT'S the 'as seen on TV' promise that has many of us sucked in. A toned, taut body with minimal effort, time or cost. The promise that in a matter of weeks we can achieve a rippling six pack and buns of steel. And all for a one-off limited price.

'A comment at parent teacher night sent me to therapy'

Getting information out of my son was like pulling teeth so, given this lack of insight, I was keen to find out what he was learning, his academic abilities and his social skills. "He's doing well. He's popular, and he likes to be involved," his teacher told me.

Plastic surgery livestreamed on Snapchat

His scrubs are on, his tools are in place and his patient is anaesthetised. All that remains to be said is 'lights, camera, action'. Today Dr Dona is filming his surgery ready to upload to social media. "I started live streaming my surgeries on Snapchat in September," says Dr Dona.

Weird things happen to some people after orgasm

FORGET about pleasure, for some people orgasms bring pain. For approximately one in 100 people, sex headaches, also known as orgasmic cephalgia, are very real. And this isn't the only reason some people avoid sex. In a recently published paper, "Did you climax or are you just laughing at me," researchers explored the rare phenomenas that are associated with orgasm.

Modern Families

These days families come in different shapes and sizes, and the ‘traditional’ family is not what it used to be. families are a wonderful combination of step-children and biological babies. Here, three families tell us about their own set-ups. They describe what makes it work, what challenges they face, and what the joys are for them in their role as mums. Some women choose to have a family all on their own. Some families consist of a mum and a dad, two mums or two dads, and some

Dads in the Spotlight

Daddies have so much more to offer – and we’re not just talking about big, snuggly bear hugs. From stay-at-home dads who run the house, to same-sex dads working together and single dads doing it on their own, this Father’s Day we’re celebrating all the great things fathers do by taking a look at three different family set-ups... › rom soaring their bubs through the air like Superman to telling

When Everyone's an Expert

Have you noticed when you become a mum, suddenly everyone around you is an expert on how you should care for and bring up your little one?

Shower with Love

f you’re done organising the nursery, stocked up on adorable outfits, and you’re still in conflict with your baby shower looks like. But of course not everyone hosts the same style of party. Some women are moving away from the more traditional baby shower and instead choosing to host a different kind of celebration. Whilst some are opting for co-ed showers which enables their partners to join in on the day, other mamas-to-be are choosing to put the celebrations on hold altogether until...

Baby Sleep 101

It’s 3am and you’re navigating furniture in the dark en route to Your eyes feel like they have been rolled in sand, and you can’t remember the last full night’s sleep you had. Sound familiar?

How to choose a team bonding activity that works

Providing a workplace that encourages wellbeing, creativity and enjoyment increases the likely success of any organization and its employees. According to Deakin researchers who examined the psychological impact of Laughter Yoga on more than 400 corporate workers last year, significant improvements in wellbeing were seen in just one month.

Is befriending your boss good or bad for your career?

It's a fact of life that at some point each of us will encounter a work colleague who we don't click with. But, it seems, for a growing number of people the problem isn't co-workers whom they don't click with, but those who they do.

Promotion, great! But what about those office buddies?

Receiving a promotion is a time that is exciting and rewarding, a cause for celebration and a time for colleagues to pat you on the back in recognition of your achievement. Or is it? For some, receiving a promotion is a time associated with stress and tension, and not for the reasons you might first imagine.

After work drinks: How to make it a night not to forget

The tradition of Friday night work drinks is one that has long held its place in Australian culture, and is no doubt here to stay. In fact, many companies now promote this as a social event of the week, and supply alcohol to employees to encourage friendships and bonding in a more informal setting.

When women out-earn men at home do relationships suffer?

Female breadwinners are challenging traditional thinking regarding the role of men at home, with women now the major wage earner in more than half a million Australian households, an increase of 140,000 since a decade ago. So how is this shifting trend affecting the relationship balance within Australian households?

Your boss treats you like a personal assistant. What next?

Have you ever been in a position at work where you're suddenly found yourself paying your boss' bills, picking up his or her dry cleaning, or running out each day on their behalf to fulfill a personal errand? If so, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone.

The ridiculous things I've done to avoid toddler meltdowns

When it comes to toddler tantrums, we all know that they can come from nowhere. One minute all is calm and the next, it's action stations. Much like an erupting volcano, it can take you by surprise and be very frightening. Toys, food and little fists are angrily launched in quick succession, and small pets take cover.

Why a bit more empathy could have helped after my first birth

New mums need guidance and help, but they also need room to make mistakes without judgment and receive support without dictatorship.

Without realising it, I became a control freak mum when my son was born

When my first son was born I was smitten. From the moment he arrived, I wanted to eat him all up. Those tiny fingers and toes, that little button nose and

My second son is a bit deprived ... but does it really matter?

When my first son was born, I was your typical first time mum. I wanted to do everything by the book. I stressed about things that I now know don't matter (will he ever get off the bottle or sleep through the night) and I was convinced that he needed to be entertained all the time.

Nudity rules: why your toddler is obsessed with being naked

In the time that it took Jennifer Boysen to grab a shower, her two-year-old son had bared all to the world...quite literally. When she got out the shower, Boysen picked up her phone and saw that a number of texts had come in from her neighbour.

We just want to take our baby home: The rare syndrome keeping four-month-old Jasper in hospital

Baby Jasper Lyon is snuggled up in his hospital bed guarded by a multi-coloured zoo of toys. His dad, Matt, plants a tender kiss on his cheek and softly strokes his head. "It chokes me up how I'll never get Jasper's birth back again," he says. "I'll always remember it as traumatic and scary.

An open letter to my threenager: please cut me some slack

Dear Threenager, For the last two years you've been the light in my day. You've been the giggle in the hallway, the running feet to my arrival at daycare and the warm arms wrapped around my neck. But I've been here before. And I knew it wouldn't last.

When breastfeeding is a big problem

When my first son was born I was determined to breastfeed - or at least give it a go. But, as with all the best laid plans, it wasn't meant to be. Lying in the hospital bed I was manhandled by multiple nurses.

5 classic nappy changing scenarios all parents face

How hard can it be, you think? Changing nappies is for babies ... quite literally. Even the most uncoordinated amongst us can manage that, can't we? Um, wrong. Nappy changing is not always as easy as it looks, and once babies start to move, things get challenging and patience can be tested to the max.

As a mum, it's hard to ask for help. And that needs to change

Yesterday was a bad day for me. I started feeling ill a couple of days ago but battled on, as us mums do. I thought the feeling would pass and relied on pain relief washed down with strong cups of tea. I continued to fight the morning battles, packing lunch boxes and offering homework bribes.

5 classic nappy changing scenarios all parents face

How hard can it be, you think? Changing nappies is for babies ... quite literally. Even the most uncoordinated amongst us can manage that, can't we? Um, wrong. Nappy changing is not always as easy as it looks, and once babies start to move, things get challenging and patience can be tested to the max.

Why baby crying studies are helping no one

New research claims that if you want your child to grow up into a normal, and well-adjusted adult, they should be picked up every time they cry as babies. "What parents do in those early months and years are really affecting the way the brain is going to grow the rest of their lives, so lots of holding, touching and rocking, that is what babies expect," Prof Narvaez told Tribine Media.

When every baby 'first' becomes a 'last'

Sorting through my youngest son's baby clothes at the weekend, I felt a wave of sadness. It was hard to remember when these teeny tiny clothes had fit. It feels like a lifetime ago, even though it's only been a year. Had he ever really been small enough that these miniscule onesies fastened up over his little chubby legs?

To VBAC or not to VBAC? What you need to know about vaginal birth after caesarean

When Erin Reynolds fell pregnant with her second child, she immediately knew that she wanted to try for a VBAC - that is, a vaginal birth after having a caesarean with another birth. "I had an emergency c-section with my first child, and the pain was horrible for months after," Erin says.

Mother of all battles: who should take leave to care for sick kids?

I'm very lucky that I work for myself so I'm able to work hours that I dictate and have the flexibility to do the school runs. But whose responsibility is it to stay home to be the carer when both parents work full time out of the home?

I think my toddler is gifted - what now?

Kaliyah Taruvinga is 20 months old. At the age of one, she started developing a particular interest in - and flair for - drawing and writing. This passion has only increased with age, and her father, Prosper Taruvinga, believes it's a sign that she's gifted.

Dealing with new mum insomnia

It's 10pm. Lucie Hood, mum to two young children, is heading to bed. he's tired and can't wait to succumb to sleep .. that is, if only she could. Since having Harvey, who's now three, I've never really been able to get into a deep sleep, and now with Maddie things are worse," she says.

How do our stress levels influence our baby?

Since having my second baby a number of people have commented on how placid, content and settled he is and, similarly, many have commented on how this is a reflection of how I am with him. Whilst it's still early days (he's only 9 weeks old), I'm inclined to agree that my parenting approach is definitely calmer and more relaxed this time.

Infertility is no laughing matter - until you see these pictures

Infertility is certainly not a funny topic. However, a couple who have been through it themselves are sharing their journey through a series of social media 'announcements' similar to that seen for pregnancies - and the results are unexpectedly amusing.

Had a 'Real Mum Moment' lately?

Since the advent of blogging and social media, mums don't have to look too far to find comfort and support from others travelling the same tumultuous path of parenting. Our feeds are filled with relatable parenting stories of humour, stress and anxiety, and the honesty in the posts of many offers us a glimpse behind their perceived perfect lives.

When babies confuse night and day

Photo: Getty Images When Candice Meisel had her first child, not only was she hit with the change of lifestyle that comes with becoming a parent, but she was also challenged with what many of us experience: a child who didn't know their day from night.

My ridiculous 'weight loss' journey post pregnancy

Photo: Getty Images If someone were to ask me if I'm ambitious, if I set myself big goals and if I'm extremely disappointed if I don't achieve them, then the answer would have to be a resounding yes.

5 things you do differently with your second baby

Caring for Baby Photo: Getty Images Having a baby and becoming a mum changes your life, and no amount of reading, advice or babysitting can ever prepare you for that reality - no matter what anyone tells you.

Things I had forgotten about babies

It is possible to spend hours just staring at your new baby. Photo: Getty Images Given the five year age gap between my first and second child, it's fair to say that I'd forgotten a lot about babies.

8 big milestones for new mums

Caring for Baby Photo: iStock From the moment your baby arrives in the world, they'll be hitting milestones before you even have the chance to blink. There's the first smile, the first laugh, the first crawl and the first tottering walk. But it's not just your baby who's reaching new milestones - you will be too.

When your sixth sense says you're pregnant

Pregnancy Symptoms Some women say they knew they were pregnant before a test showed positive. Photo: Getty Images When Anna Spargo-Ryan went shopping to buy things for dinner one night, she noticed that there seemed to be pregnant women 'everywhere'. "Prior to that it hadn't occurred to me that I might be 'in the club' too," she says.

Shopping with kids: breaking the pester-power cycle

Caring for Toddler Photo: Getty Images We've all been there: you're out shopping with your little one and they're incessantly whining that they want lollies, ice-cream or a magazine with a toy. It's easy enough to say no ... the first time.

The top 5 reasons your toddler throws a tantrum

Caring for Toddler Just looking at your toddler the wrong way is sometimes enough to spark a meltdown. Photo: Getty Images Whilst to the outside world little people may appear to have it easy, it's actually not always the case - just ask any toddler who's had their toast cut up the wrong way in the morning and they'll be the first to reassure you of that.

Womb to world: transitioning your new baby

After Birth Photo: Getty Images For newborns, there is very little adjustment time from womb to world; one minute they're contentedly snuggled in the sanctuary of their mum's tummy, and the next they arrive into an overwhelming reality of lights, cameras and action.

The mourning after pregnancy is over

Photo: Getty Images For many women the last trimester of pregnancy marks a time when they are uncomfortable, tired and ready to welcome their new baby into the world. The joy of carrying a human being has worn off and, as the last days drag into weeks, the countdown to feeling less like a duck is officially on.

Baby's first holiday: a travel guide for new parents

Family Travel Photo: Getty Images SPONSORED FEATURE Life with a new bub can feel overwhelming enough, and it's no exception when it comes to organising your first holiday together as a family. Here we take the stress out of planning and packing so you can spend more time relaxing.

When Mama Bear strikes

Photo: Getty Images When we become mums, our instinct to protect our children and keep them safe from harm is so strong we're often likened to a Mama Bear protecting her cubs. We consider nothing of doing things that put ourselves in danger, and are the first to leap into action - without any thought of consequence - should they be put in risk or harms way.

Should guests have to pay to attend baby showers?

When baby showers first became a "thing", the norm was to go to the expectant mum's house. You'd enjoy a glass of champers or a cup of tea, partake in a few games and then eat your body weight in sugar. But, as with all things baby related, these once simple celebrations are getting bigger and bigger.

5 ideas for telling your partner you're pregnant

Stages of Pregnancy Photo: Getty Images Social media newsfeeds can seem to be filled with friends' pregnancy announcements, and it seems that more and more of these announcements are clever or different. Long gone are the days when Facebook updates simply said 'we are expecting'; instead, we're now treated to videos, songs and pictures of a cryptic nature.

Should fertility checks become the norm?

Photo: Getty Images Most of us take for granted that when we want a baby it will happen naturally. Yet it's becoming increasingly apparent that this is no longer the case. As larger numbers of couples are having children later in life, infertility issues are becoming more common.

How to make decisions while pregnant - don't ask me

Pregnancy Health There's something about pregnancy which can hinder the decision making process. Photo: Cultura/Attia-Fotografie Standing in the shops yesterday, I stared aimlessly at the array of baby goods in front of me. I'd come in prepared, I had my list in hand and I envisaged that I would be in and out within at least half an hour.

My new fashion and beauty routine as a mum

Beauty & Fashion Photo: Getty Images We all know that becoming a mum changes your life significantly. For so many of us, sleep-ins become a thing of the past, partying consists of dancing to Frozen for what seems like the 10 millionth time, and a late night is categorised as 'wild' if you see the clock strike 10pm.

Tocophobia - the fear of giving birth

Birth Options Photo: Stocksy/Francesc Bolunya For many women, giving birth is a right of passage. They consider that it's what their body was made for and trust that nature will take its course when it comes to meeting their baby.

When you can't agree on a baby name

Prepare for Baby Photo: Getty Images Having reached the halfway mark of my second pregnancy, things are starting to get real. I've started digging out baby clothes and toys to wash and dust them off, I've gotten back into reading baby-related materials, and I've accepted that my old jeans won't fit me again for a very long time.

The dangers - and benefits - of Dr Google

Family Home Photo: Getty Images Thanks to the wonderful world of the web and the magnitude of information freely available at our fingertips, by the age of 16 months my son had been 'Google diagnosed' with lots of things.

Baby Joshua born in dad's ute

Birth Stories Baby Joshua didn't want to wait until his parents arrived at hospital. Photo: Supplied We all know that babies come exactly when they want, but for Kerri and Anthony Tarabay that was much sooner than anticipated. Baby Joshua was born on the morning of the 1st February in the family's ute whilst en route to the hospital.

Why one expert says young men need to freeze their sperm

Photo: Getty Images On a weekly basis we read articles advising women not to put off having a family until later in life. We're warned of the risks, dangers and problems associated with 'older eggs', and because of this, egg freezing is now increasingly popular amongst younger women.

When you regret having children

Photo: Getty Images On a good day, I love my son wholeheartedly, enjoy the luxury of being a stay-at-home mum, and can't get enough of spending time with him. On a bad day, I don't always like him, feel stifled by staying at home and wonder if preschool has another day free.

How the media can shape our decisions when it comes to labour

Photo: Getty Images We all like to think that we make our choices in fair, reasoned and well-thought out ways. Not many of us would admit that we allowed the media to influence us in our life choices.

Baby temperature: what's normal, how to help, and when to see a doctor

Baby Health Photo: Getty Images The first time that your baby gets sick with a temperature can be just as upsetting for you as it is for your baby. But being in the know about what is considered normal, when to be concerned, and how you can lower their temperature can help you to be prepared.

Be careful what you wish for

Caring for Toddler Photo: Getty Images Stepping through the door into the world of parenting is daunting. The corridor stretches as far as the eye can see, there are sharp, pointy obstacles to overcome, and as you close the door on one challenge, another seems to open.

Gauze seeding: the bacteria-breeding birth trend

Birth Options Photo: Getty Images According to scientists, one of the most important things to play a role in human health and vitality is the human microbiome - the collection of trillions of bacteria that lives on us and in us. The 'seeds' of this are established at birth.

Guilt is my new shadow

Photo: Getty Images While guilt has always been in my life to some degree, I never really noticed its magnitude until I became a mum - a status which seems only to have fuelled its appetite. No one warned me that when I gave birth there would be an additional side order of guilt.

The funny things kids say when you're pregnant

Prepare for Baby Photo: Getty Images Since becoming noticeably pregnant, my son has taken more of an interest in the sibling he'll soon have. He'll often grasp my tummy with his hands and blow a raspberry into my belly button.

Why tweaking your pregnancy test isn't a great idea

Trying to Conceive Photo: Getty Images Just when you thought that you'd seen and heard it all when it comes to photoshopping images, think again. Because, in what is fast becoming a growing trend, women are now editing their pregnancy test photos in order to obtain an early result.

Womb to world: transitioning your new baby

After Birth Photo: Getty Images For newborns, there is very little adjustment time from womb to world; one minute they're contentedly snuggled in the sanctuary of their mum's tummy, and the next they arrive into an overwhelming reality of lights, cameras and action.

'I had a lotus birth and I loved it'

After Birth Lotus birthing is an option for mums who want a "more tranquil" start to their baby's life outside the womb. Lotus birthing is not all that common - in fact, many of us haven't even heard of it.

The cookbook for bizarre pregnancy cravings

Pregnancy Nutrition & Wellbeing Recipes from Eating for Two include mashed potato with caramel sauce, Oreos and toothpaste, and Mars Mar bacon burgers. Photo: eatingfortwocookbook.com In the early days of pregnancy, I was obsessed with carbs. I woke up thinking about carbs, spent my day eating carbs, then went to bed at night dreaming of carbs.

When your child doesn't want you to have a baby

Caring for Toddler Photo: Getty Imaes For most parents, breaking the news to their child that they are going to have a sibling is a time of joy. And for some children, the idea that they will soon have a sibling to play with fills them with excited anticipation.

Noodles, peanuts, wee wees and lady bits

Caring for Toddler Photo: Getty Images Maybe it's because I am British. Maybe it's because I am a prude. Or maybe it's just because when I was growing up my parents didn't refer to their genitals in the anatomically correct way. Whatever, the case, I find it really hard to use the words 'vagina' and 'penis'.

When having a baby means losing old friends

Relationships Having a baby means big changes to many relationships - including friendships you'd previously thought unbreakable. Photo: Getty Images When I had my son I was lucky enough to have a few friends who were all at a similar stage of life as me.

The trials of being a repetitive mum

Cue the 'repetitive mother'. Because have you noticed that only about 10 per cent of your commands are met with cooperation or 'listening ears'? For the other 90 per cent of the time it's all about repetition, repetition, repetition. Who says the definition of insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result?!

When those you love judge your parenting

Photo: Getty Images In today's society, never has it been harder to parent without judgment. With the advent of social media and the boom in parenting sites and blogs, everyone is an expert on parenting these days. In fact, if you believe everything you read, you're damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

How breastfeeding can affect your libido

Breastfeeding Photo: Getty Images When you've just had a baby, having sex isn't usually top priority. In fact, for a lot of women it rates about as appealing as changing another dirty nappy. But it's not just the adjustment to motherhood and the subsequent tiredness that lowers our desire for sex: for some women, it can also be linked to breastfeeding.

Babies 'benefit from iPads at a young age': study

Baby Education & Play Photo: Chad Springer Scroll through any parenting website or pick up a parenting magazine and chances are you'll come across an article about screen time and technology. More often than not, you'll read that screen time for children should be kept to a minimum - and the advice for babies is that they should not be exposed to technology at all.

Is it reasonable to expect your partner to give up drinking in pregnancy?

Pregnancy Nutrition & Wellbeing Photo: Getty Images From the moment that I fell pregnant with my son, I realised just how much my life had already started to change. In growing a little human, I became super aware of the right and wrong foods to eat, was conscious about gettin enough rest, and was extra vigilant about staying away from alcohol.

When your pregnancy announcement is met with negativity

Stages of Pregnancy Photo: Getty Images When we share the news that we're expecting a bundle of joy we usually expect a positive response. We assume that people will be happy for us - whether it is friends or family - and don't expect to get a negative response.

9 things not to say to a sleep-deprived parent

Caring for Baby You might want to think twice before making a flippant comment to an exhausted parent. Photo: Getty Images Any mum will tell you that sleep deprivation is one of the most challenging things about bringing home a new baby. So what could be even worse than dealing with it?

Three-person baby-making: how it works and why it's needed

Current Affairs Three-person babies may not be far away. Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images A controversial new technique was yesterday debated in the UK House of Commons, deciding whether or not to allow the creation of babies from three people. It got the go-ahead.

Overeating in pregnancy: no more 'eating for two'

When you're pregnant it's easy to use the age-old cliché of 'I'm eating for two' to justify increased portions and the overwhelming consumption of particular foods, such as chocolate.

The certificate helping parents deal with pregnancy loss

Photo: Getty Images Parents in the state of NSW who experience early pregnancy loss can apply for a "Recognition of Loss" certificate. The certificate, which can be obtained by anyone who has lost a baby before 20 weeks, aims to assist parents in dealing with their grief.

Food for thought: looking after yourself as a new mum

After having a baby, women more than ever need energy to get them through the day. When my son arrived, my life became a whirlwind of first time motherhood.

Meet the 'start over dads'

They have been affectionately dubbed the 'start over dads' - the fathers who start a new family at a time when a lot of their friends are thinking about retiring, taking a well earned overseas break or getting the snip.

Should pregnant women be allowed to use 'parent and child' car parking spots?

Stages of Pregnancy Controversial spots: to park or not to park in pregnancy? Photo: Getty Images I am the first to admit that when I was heavily pregnant I used the mother and baby car parking space at the supermarket ... probably more than once.

How breastfeeding can affect your libido

Breastfeeding Photo: Getty Images When you've just had a baby, having sex isn't usually top priority. In fact, for a lot of women it rates about as appealing as changing another dirty nappy. But it's not just the adjustment to motherhood and the subsequent tiredness that lowers our desire for sex: for some women, it can also be linked to breastfeeding.

Have a baby or your money back - but there's a catch

Photo: Getty Images Sadly, one of the biggest considerations for anyone thinking of or going through IVF is cost. Couples can really want a baby but be put off by the bills - or literally not be able to afford even trying for the one thing they might want most.

When pregnancy makes you sad

More than 1900 expecting and new parents are estimated to be struggling with perinatal depression each week. Awareness around postnatal depression has thankfully increased over the past few years, with more women opening up about their experiences of the illness and asking for help from those around them.

When parenthood makes you anxious

Photo: Graham Oliver/iStock As a naturally anxious person, I've always worried about silly things. I stress about the mundane: "Did I leave my hair straightener on?", "How much is my library fine going to be?". I stress about the more extreme: "How would I ever get by if something happened to my husband?"

Trusting your instincts

Some will tell you that we, as women, are born with it; others say it's something that kicks in at the birth of our child. Either way, most believe that it's this sensitive honing device that enables us to tune into our child in a way no one else can.

Hands off: the etiquette of touching a pregnant belly

Pregnancy Nutrition & Wellbeing Photo: Getty Images Did you notice during pregnancy how interested other people became in your bump? Did you notice that some of them become so fascinated that they couldn't help but reach out and touch it?

The beautiful cervix project

Having gone through the process of IVF in order to conceive my son, I am a total advocate for anything that promotes fertility awareness. As far as I was concerned, I just 'assumed' that I would fall pregnant the minute that I so decided.

Why a diagnosis of unexplained infertility isn't all bad news

Getting a diagnosis of unexplained fertility can be difficult and frustrating, but it's not all bad news. "So, what we can conclude from all our tests, is that you have what is known as unexplained infertility," explained the doctor. It was a shock to both of us.

Preparing your child to attend a sibling's birth

Birth Options Thinking about having your kids at the birth of your baby? There are some things to consider. Photo: Getty Images Charlotte Mead* tucked her four-year-old daughter into bed and whispered, "Get as much sleep as you can, because there's a very good chance I will be waking you again soon to go to the hospital."

Losing (then refinding) my 'me'

When I became pregnant I knew that being a parent was going to be tough, but, like most naïve first-time parents, I never quite realised just how tough.

No, having a dog is not like having a human child

Family Entertainment Yes, they're both cute, but there are few other similarities. Photo: Getty Images When I had my son, like many other mothers, I received much unsolicited advice and heard many ridiculous statements about parenthood. People with children would nod at me and say helpful things like "it will only get harder, you know", and "cuddling him will make him spoilt".

Can 'Daughter Water' help close the gender pay gap?

Family Finances Research shows that pay inequality between the sexes begins to shrink when the boss has a daughter. Photo: Getty Images More than 3000 bottles of 'Daughter Water' were yesterday delivered to the desks of chief executives across the country - all in an effort to help equalise pay for men and women.

The Very Hungover Caterpillar: a parody many can relate to

The Very Hungover Caterpillar: a parody The Very Hungover Caterpillar, a new book released in the UK this month, will be sure to have parents nodding and giggling in recognition the world over. The parody, a take on Eric Carle's famous The Very Hungry Caterpillar, tells the story of a day in the life of a parent with a hangover.

The push present trend

With an increasing trend for new fathers and partners to buy 'push presents', it's not just babies being given to new mothers in delivery rooms the world over.

The new way to meet your baby's other parent

A number of members keep in touch with their donors, and some even have co-parenting agreements to raise the child together. Photo: Getty Images The future of parenting may be set to change, with thousands of men and women turning to dating-like websites to find a partner to have a baby with through artificial insemination.

How to set up the perfect nursery for your baby

The day you get to meet your baby is fast approaching. Your bump is getting bigger, you're losing sight of your feet and you are definitely waddling when you walk.

Why dreams are so vivid and weird in pregnancy

Pregnancy Nutrition & Wellbeing Dreams can be pleasant, scary or just plain weird - even more so in pregnancy. Photo: Getty Images When I was pregnant, my dreams were regular, vivid and scary. I woke in cold sweats, convinced I was being chased by a 10-foot spider, terrorized by a 20-foot shark, and falling off the edge of high buildings with nothing below to save me.

6 ways to bond with your unborn baby

Prepare for Baby Bonding can start even before birth. Photo: Getty Falling pregnant is the start of a new journey. Excitement and anticipation builds as you wait for the day that you get to meet your bundle of joy and bond as only a parent can.

The simple things for which I am now grateful

When you become a parent there are many new experiences you encounter for which you are totally grateful. There are the cuddles, the kisses, and the adorable little sayings. There is the joy of being able to watch kids' movies unashamedly, creating imaginative cities from Lego, painting, drawing and colouring to your hearts content.

Wine the 'little helper' of choice for mums

It's affectionately been dubbed 'Mummy's little helper'; it's the thing that helps many woman get through the trials of motherhood, and the thing that offers light at the end of a long day. No, I'm not referring to chocolate (although that certainly helps).

What's so wrong with looking 'mumsy', anyway?

Beauty & Fashion "It's really not fair to think that being mumsy is such a bad thing." Photo: Getty Images "She's had her hair cut and it's kinda ... well ... mumsy." When I overheard this conversation last week in a café I instinctively reached for my own mop, casually glancing at my reflection in the glass.

I only enjoyed pregnancy after booking my caesarean

Birth Options "To say I became obsessed is something of an understatement." Photo: Getty Images When I fell pregnant I was ecstatic. We had been travelling a long and emotional road to get to our destination: pit stops had been taken en route at doctors and fertility specialists, and an unplanned stopover or two saw us parked for longer periods of time in the clinic of an IVF doctor.

Eating disorders in pregnancy

A recent study published in the European Eating Disorders Review found that eating disorders in pregnant woman are more common than we think. The results of the study revealed that out of a total of over 700 pregnant women assessed, around a quarter were found to be highly concerned about their weight and shape.

Facebook and Apple offer to pay female staff to freeze their eggs

It's no secret that large corporates compete to attract and retain female talent through a multitude of incentives. And now, in what is a new and never-before-seen scheme, both Facebook and Apple look to be setting the bar ever higher. We're not talking extra holidays, inflated bonuses or champagne lunches here.

Pigmentation in pregnancy

Pregnancy Health Pigmentation is thought to affect up to three-quarters of pregnant women. Photo: Getty Images When I was pregnant, there were many changes that happened to my body for which I was not prepared. But one of the changes that left me feeling most self-conscious was the change that happened to my skin.

Baby World: all you need, and a whole lot more

As an expectant parent, one of the most daunting yet unavoidable tasks that you undertake prior to the arrival of your little cherub is the trip to 'The Baby Store'.

The makings of a toddler tantrum

As a parent I know that I am guilty of very often placing completely unreasonable expectations on my child. For example, I often can be heard telling Mr Almost 3 that he needs to eat something other than chocolate and chips on a daily basis, or that he needs to go to bed at night because he needs his sleep (and I need my wine).

Second time lucky: conceiving naturally after IVF

According to a recent study published in The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, one in three Australian women who have their first baby with the help of assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF fall pregnant again without treatment within two years. Noelle Sadinsky, 43, is one of these women.

Children are the top distraction for drivers

It will come as no surprise to many parents that recent research has revealed that having children in the car is more distracting than chatting on a mobile phone.

Would $300 be enough to make you breastfeed?

When it comes to feeding your baby, the evidence is conclusive that breast is definitely the best. There is little argument to be had against the numerous health benefits that breastfeeding offers both mother and child. Knowing all that we do about breastfeeding and its advantages, is it really necessary to provide a financial incentive in order to encourage breastfeeding?

When your dad starts a new family

When a man decides to start another family later in life with a second wife, it can often come as a shock to his existing children. But does a large gap between half-siblings mean they naturally get on, or are older children left feeling like it's a case of 'out with the old and in with the new'?

When 'mumnesia' attacks

You're pregnant - congratulations! The road ahead is exciting: a blossoming bump, the feeling of life inside of you, the joy of heading to the shops to pick out little outfits.

Introducing your dog to your baby

Dogs and kids can be the best of friends, but it's important they get off to a good start - right from when you bring your baby home after birth. An expert and mums give their advice on making the transition smooth and fun for everyone.

Ear piercing: what age is best?

As a young girl I couldn't wait to get my ears pierced. When I wasn't nagging Mum relentlessly about it, I was parading around wearing a pair of hideously oversized clip-ons. I thought I looked so glamorous and grown up; the idea of getting those permanent little holes in my ears just seemed so exciting and, let's be honest, a little bit rebellious and trendsetting.

How a pregnancy contract could work for you and your partner

Prepare for Baby A pregnancy contract can help make the transition to parenthood a lot smoother. Photo: Getty Images The nursery is painted, the nappies are in stock, and your calendar shows only days until baby's arrival. So there's nothing left to do but wait ...

The truth about IVF

From the moment you walk into the doctor's office, nothing is considered too personal to share. The journey to the conception of our beautiful little boy was long and arduous but truly worth every tear, laugh and bit of pain.

What to say (and what not to say) to someone with depression

In light of the sad news that this weekend Charlotte Dawson died, we are once again, as a nation, turning our attention and focus on the terrible illness that is depression. And so we should. Depression is a debilitating disease that affects hundreds and thousands each year.

When pregnancy messes with your self-esteem

Pregnancy Nutrition & Wellbeing Pregnancy doesn't make all women feel beautiful. It certainly doesn't raise every woman's self-esteem. Photo: Getty Images We've all heard about that pregnancy 'glow', with ads and TV often depicting it through flawless women gently cradling their bumps.

I opened my mouth and my mother came out

"Now that I'm a parent myself, it's become very apparent that I'm more like my mum than I had ever realised" ...

Keeping kids safe in the right car seat

Family Home (Image shows an American car seat) Photo: iStock In Australia, 1000 children are seriously injured in motor vehicle incidents each year, with car crashes remaining the most common cause of injury and death for children aged between one and 14 years.

Gifts for the mum-to-be or new mother who has everything

Onesies, bibs, blankets, toys, rattles, nappies and bottles; you name it, anything you can think of as a gift for a pregnant woman or new mum, someone else has too. In addition, the nursery has probably already been fully kitted out and decorated.

When you're under pressure to have a baby

With news stories from all over the world regularly dictating at what age a woman should have a child, it's no wonder that a lot of us feel a certain amount of pressure when it comes to starting a family.

The tattooed mum trend

Family Entertainment Photo: Getty Images Take a walk along the beach or through the local shops in some parts of Australia, and you'd be forgiven for thinking that you're the odd one out if you don't have a tattoo adorning your body.

The military wives who give birth without their partners

According to the Department of Defence 2011 Census Public Report, there are 58,768 permanent members and 21,554 active reservists serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

'Won't an only be lonely?' and other comments a mum of one doesn't need to hear

To a certain degree, the majority of parents follow somewhat of a pre-destined path in life in that we meet 'the one', get married, then have children. I, for one, have certainly followed this path to a tee, and am, for the larger percentage of time, happy and content.

Changing tastes in pregnancy

There's no denying that our bodies go through some massive changes when we're pregnant, most of which are apparent to the naked eye. But what about those changes which aren't so obvious to others?

Mother knows best ... or does she?

There's an age old saying that claims 'mother knows best', but is it the case when it comes to our own parenting skills? Do we turn to our own mums for advice, or does the wealth of information available to us in today's society override this need?

How a comforter or transitional object helps your toddler

For many young children, the transition from being cared for at home to attending daycare or preschool can be a time of anxiety.

The women balancing babies with new businesses

Mum in Business Amy Palmer-Millin started her business, Kookery, after becoming a mum. Photo: kookery.com.au For most of us, having children opens our eyes up to a whole new world. We look at things from another perspective and see ourselves in a different light, and we come to recognise skills and attributes in ourselves that we had never before acknowledged.

When should you tell your child you're having a baby?

Caring for Toddler Photo: Getty Images Making the decision to expand your family can be both exciting and daunting all at the same time, not only for you and your partner, but also for your child or children. After all, becoming a big brother or sister isn't a responsibility to be taken lightly.

A guide to choosing godparents

No can deny that there are so many decisions to make when it comes to raising children, and most of them start the minute that you bring that precious cargo home with you.

Should bars offer free pregnancy tests?

Researchers from the University of Alaska have recently launched a study exploring whether the placement of free pregnancy tests in bar restrooms, alongside information about foetal alcohol syndrome (FASD), will help raise awareness.

10 things to consider when buying a stroller

With so many choices out on the market today, is it any surprise that most parents feel totally overwhelmed when it comes to choosing a stroller? For example, there are strollers for jogging and strollers for walking, lightweight strollers and 4WD strollers.

Free-birthing on the rise

Birth Options "I wanted to follow my inner guidance and not be affected by other people's opinions, ideas, or beliefs about what they thought was right for me" ... Roxanne Bayliss, freebirthing mum. Photo: Getty Images It's a controversial practice that has been branded both dangerous and irresponsible by experts.

Misery loves Facebook

Facebook and other social media sites are often criticised for their false portrayal of people's lives. For example, if the majority of Facebook was to be believed, it would seem that most of our friends have the best job, the best partner and the best kids in the world.

A grandparent by any other name

Becoming a grandparent is exciting and rewarding for many people.

What not to say to a new parent

Nutrition & Wellbeing Before becoming a parent I admit that I was a parenting expert. You only had to ask me a parenting question and I would, without doubt, know the answer. I simply knew everything there was to know, and had a set list of rules in my head that I promised myself I would adhere to once my very own parenting journey began.

I was addicted to pregnancy tests

For anyone trying to conceive, the two-week wait between conception and your period due date can be anguishing. It can feel like the longest 14 days in the world, and you can easily convince yourself that any small bodily twinge is a positive sign that this really could be THE month.

When good kids say bad words

"Oh, bugger!" exclaimed my three-year-old son. The determination on his face was intense, and his eyebrows furrowed as he let out the expletive. The challenge at hand was trying to insert an oversized Lego man through the tiny window of a toy car, and clearly things weren't going to plan.

Understanding the teenage brain

Parenting teens: circadian rhythms alter with puberty. Photo: Getty It seems like only yesterday your child smiled up at you adoringly and mimicked everything you did. Yet, almost overnight, they have morphed into an unrecognisable stranger.

When your child's friends are bad news

The age-old saying goes 'You can choose your friends but you can't choose your family'. But when you are a child, does that rule still apply? Or is it the case that your family have the right to choose your friends?

If rules were made by toddlers

When viewed through the eyes of a toddler, the world can seem like a pretty bizarre, scary place. But imagine how much scarier it would be if they were to run it ... The Cookie Jar Ruling There is to be easy and unrivalled access to the cookie jar and treats tin at all times.

Never ask a childless woman this question

As a teenager and well into my 20's, my wish list for life read much like a fairy tale shopping list. Achieve dream job - check; buy a new car - check, travel the world - check, meet Mr Right (or at least Mr Right for Friday night) - check, and wear the latest trends - check.

It's OK to mute your WhatsApp, in fact it's good for you

The stress levels in our house - like millions of others the world over - are currently at an all-time high. Juggling home schooling, with a non-stop timetable of activities and snacks, trying to work and generally, you know, stay sane feels almost impossible. As I write this, my two boys are having a bath together.

The catch-22 of school holidays

The Christmas rush is over, reality has resumed, and I face the next three weeks of school holidays with a slight grimace on my face. By the end of last year, I couldn't wait for the break. Like most parents and kids, I was over it.

"Love matching with my mini me!" Is twinning narcissistic or cute?

UK high street retailer, River Island, has just launched a 'mini me' collection of clothes aimed at mums and daughters. Working with celebrity hair stylist Lou Teasdale and blogger Emi Ozmen, the seventies inspired collection includes a range of slogan t-shirts, jeans and jackets and is aptly named Silver & Lux after their daughters.

Should you be worried about gaming supplements?

Just when you thought that the Fortnite video game was worrying enough, think again. Supplement companies are now making caffeine-loaded gaming stimulants and drinks. The most worrying thing? These companies are using popular Instagrammers to target young people.

Why I bonded with my son over retro gaming

The other day my friend posted a Facebook picture of her son playing on his new games console that he'd received for his birthday. Surprisingly, it wasn't an Xbox or PlayStation. It was something of a relic - an old school Sega mega drive.

What happened when I cut my social media from my life

Much like the next person I've been known to spend an unhealthy amount of time looking at social media. The draw (and addiction) of Facebook and Instagram is real, even if most of its content is not. Social media is the equivalent of a movie's highlights reel.

Lunchbox wars: why kids don't need Instagram-worthy food at school

Thanks to social media, lunchbox art and design is now a 'thing'. Accounts featuring intricately themed lunchbox creations are on the rise and parents are feeling the pressure to conform. However, nutritionists say this pressure is unnecessary, and a healthy lunchbox is in the contents and not the design.

Is it okay to reprimand a stranger's child?

Yesterday was a normal Sunday afternoon. The boys were undoing my housework as quickly as I was doing it. Repetitive fighting and general boredom had kicked, and we were ready for some much-needed fresh air. Cue a trip to the park.

Why you have to pick your parenting battles

Every morning is the same in our house. I battle with my son about him taking a shower. We then battle about him getting dressed. Following this come the battles to clean his teeth, pack his bag and put on his shoes.

8 phrases parents least want to hear from their kids

As parents our little cherubs are with us a lot of the time. Some days we hear "Mum" more times than we care to count, and it certainly gets tiring to hear "again again again" when they're small. But there are some phrases we just really don't want to hear regularly (but often do!).

How giving up alcohol made me a better parent

This used to be me: Friday afternoon would come around and I'd be hanging for a wine. I'd start looking forward to it from 3pm and justified 4pm as an acceptable time to drink. I'd crack open a bottle to mark the end of another week; a liquid reward, if you like.

Would you put your six-year-old in a taxi alone?

Imagine the scene if you will. It's Thursday night. Your six-year-old is due at a music lesson and you've had a busy day. The lesson is only 10 minutes away, but the thought of leaving the house again is too much like hard work.

'Sick' Madeleine McCann merchandise pulled from sale as search continues for the missing girl

T-shirts, iPad covers and stickers featuring cruel slogans about the parents of missing British girl Madeleine McCann have been pulled from sale following complaints about the merchandise. The merchandise had been advertised on the Redbubble shopping site with the seller, known only as Seve, describing the products as "cruel but funny".

Mums are embracing Uber as a career option

Claire Ashman, mum to eight, always planned to return to work when her children were all in school. However, what she didn't imagine herself doing was becoming an Uber driver. "I already had a car, was new to Brisbane and thought it would be a great way to earn extra money, get to know my new city better and meet new people," she says.

Perth couple throw $50K Disney-themed party for three-year-old

Girls Party Themes Lauren's Disney-themed third birthday in Perth cost her parents, Eric Lembo and Trang Nguyen $50,000. Photo: Dave and Charlotte Photography When my son was three we had just moved to Newcastle and knew very few people, so his birthday 'party' that year was very minimalist.

Is banning chocolate fundraisers the answer to curbing childhood obesity?

For as long as most of us can remember, chocolate fundraising boxes have been synonymous with school life. Children have brought them home, trawled the neighbourhood door knocking to sell them and left them on the kitchen workbench to tempt even the strongest amongst us.

Kids like each other a whole lot more when you get them to dance, finds science

My son is very sociable and he loves to dance - and has done from a young age. Put on the tunes and he'll bust out a move or two - many of which interestingly seem to involve spinning on the floor - and when his friends come over it's not unusual to witness a room full of wiggling and jiving bodies.

Palcohol: experts raise alarm over powdered alcohol soon to be available online

Powdered alcohol spells trouble for teens. If you think you are doing well in protecting your children from alcohol, you might need to think again. Announcements from the US confirm that powdered alcohol will be on sale as early as June, and will be available to purchase online not long after.

Miley concert disgusts parents but why are they surprised?

Miley Cyrus performs at the opening night of her Bangerz Tour in Australia. Photo: Getty You would think it would be old news by now. Miley, her tongue, her outrageous outfits and props, and her rather interesting choice of language and references.

Feel like you've done a full day's work just getting the kids to school? That's because you have

Every morning I wake up. I don my battle armour and head to the inevitable war. Battle commences in the bathroom, migrates to the kitchen and culminates in blood curdling screams by the front door - usually mine. It's the "getting ready for school" battle and I'm yet to win.

Why commenting on your daughter's size carries long term weight

Commenting on your daughter's weight may seem harmless to you. Something you don't think about. Or something you feel is necessary in order to 'help' her trim down. But the impact on her may be much longer term than you realise - especially if the findings of a new study are anything to go by.

How to get kids involved in Pay It Forward Day

In an ideal world, everyone would be kind and caring, we would all put others first, and our children would be model citizens who would often be found helping out neighbours and baking cookies for the elderly.

School parenting fails not to worry about

As the school term gets well underway it's apparent that the year ahead will be busy - particularly so for those new school mums amongst us. As we adjust to a whole new routine and a whole new stage of life there are challenges ahead that we'll only know when we face them head on.

Why bedtime battles are worth the fight

By the end of a long day my patience, tolerance and general energy levels are at an all time low. I drag myself through those last couple of hours with my son, mindlessly making dinner, negotiating dessert and then putting on my battle armour to face the bedtime fight ahead.

Building a relationship with your step child's mum

EK Family Home Tense times: Overcoming tensions in blended families. Photo: Getty Becoming a step mum can be a confronting journey, filled with obstacles and challenges en route. But, whilst building a relationship with the stepchildren is one thing, doing the same with their biological mother can be completely another.

Do we need health warning pictures of obese children on fast food?

Kids Nutrition & Fitness A mock-up of what the health warning could look like was posted to health advocacy group, Game Changer's Facebook page and has since gone viral. Photo: Facebook If you are anything like me, and a bit addicted to social media then you will most likely have seen a mock up Big Mac image doing the rounds in the last few days.

Should children be invited to weddings?

To invite or not to invite? That is the question. Or, at least it is for hundreds of couples each year who are planning their weddings and making the call on whether or not to extend invitations to children as part of their celebrations.

Online dating for teens

It's no secret that teenagers are keen and able users of the internet, and with the continued growth and ever evolving trends in social media and social networking it looks like things are not set to change anytime in the near future.

Single mothers warned if dating convicted sex offender under new laws

Victorian police given new powers to warn unsuspecting single mothers that their child may be at risk. New laws being introduced by Victorian police will mean that child sex offenders are going to be scrutinised like never before.

When you're not your son's favourite

Preschooler Behaviour & Discipline Daddy's boy: when your son saves all his affections for his dad. Photo: Getty Running late for preschool it only took one quick glance in the car rear view mirror to confirm my suspicions. Yes I was looking worse for wear.

Lessons from my first weeks on the school scene

The last few weeks has seen many a mum embrace a milestone in the life of their little ones as they take their first steps into education and 'the real world'. Tears of sadness (and joy) have been shed, whilst coffee and wine has been drunk in equal measure either side of the day.

Why eating breakfast before school is non-negotiable

Kids Nutrition & Fitness The importance of breakfast. Photo: Getty The Dietitians Association in Australia is urging all parents to make eating breakfast 'non-negotiable' for school-aged children, following recent research that highlighted the detrimental effects for students who start school hungry.

Disney and Harrods delivering princess dream for $1700 a session

The Harrods' fairy godmother doesn't come cheap for parents wanting to give their children the princess experience. Photo: Disney Without wanting to make a generalised sweeping statement for fear of getting hammered by the gender neutral brigade, I think it would be fair to say that for the majority of little girls the dream of being a princess still remains very real and is ingrained in their identity from day dot.

When your child has a favourite parent

Children are nothing if not fickle. One day they love ham sandwiches, and the next they don't. One day they love the park and the next they don't, and one day they love chocolate and the next they ...

Helping kids through divorce

Not all marriages are made of 'happy ever after' and in recent years it is a sad but true fact that divorce between couples with children aged less than 18 years make up around half of all divorces in Australia.

Is your teen a smoker?

Latest health news How to encourage kids to say no or quit. Photo: Getty Despite the constant press surrounding the negative effects of smoking both short term and long term, the consistent death rates associated with smoke related diseases, and the social stigma that is very often attached to this undesirable habit, it would appear that nothing is going to deter the younger generations from picking up those cigarettes.

When you don't agree with your partner's parenting

The majority of us can agree to disagree on most things. After all, difference is what makes the world go round, right?

The cost of raising kids

No one can deny that raising children is an expensive business. In fact, for the majority of couples, the spending starts even before the baby is born as nurseries are kitted out with cots, change tables, and décor, and cupboards are filled with nappies, bottles and clothes.

Could we all benefit from parenting lessons?

EK Family Home Parenting support: calls for the government to provide better services. Photo: Getty A UK professor has called for all parents to be offered state funded classes in how to bring up their families. In an interview with the Telegraph, Prof John Ashton, President of the UK Faculty of Public Health, said "We need to give children a good start in life.

Billy Connolly is writing keepsake letters for his grandchildren to read when he dies

Diagnosed with both Parkinsons and cancer in the same week, Billy Connolly is certainly no stranger to being dealt a tough blow. However, does that make him even more determined not to be forgotten? You bet it does - and least of all by his young grandchildren.

How to take the silly spending out of the Christmas season

EK Family Finances How to not let the number of presents under the tree get out of hand this year. Photo: Getty It's called the silly season for a reason, and when it comes to Christmas shopping for the kids, there's no exception.

10 Backyard Activities for Kids

Keeping the kids entertained is not always easy, and thinking of new and interesting activities for them can be nothing short of exhausting.

Lessons from my first weeks on the school scene

The last few weeks has seen many a mum embrace a milestone in the life of their little ones as they take their first steps into education and 'the real world'. Tears of sadness (and joy) have been shed, whilst coffee and wine has been drunk in equal measure either side of the day.

Ridiculous baby products: 5 things parents really DON'T need

As new parents, it is understandable that we might be somewhat naïve when it comes to knowing exactly what our new baby will need and what they won't. We can only really go on our gut instinct, and the advice kindly offered by others.

Growing up with a dad who refused treatment for mental illness

Latest health news Mental illness: The father I used to know is no longer here. Photo: Getty Growing up, my dad was the epitome of perfection to me. He encompassed all that a dad should be, and was the opposite to my mum.

I don't like my friend's child

Kids Behaviour & Discipline Obnoxious child: dealing with the dread of having your friend's child visit. Photo: Getty We all know how much friendships can change when we have children. We migrate towards like-minded individuals - usually with children the same age as ours - and we tend to bond deeper with close friends also experiencing the same.

Campaign to give children right to remove personal online information

Games & Technology iRights: The solution to protecting children's future from online mistakes? Photo: Getty Whilst documenting things online is considered the norm in today's society, children and young people are not always aware of how their actions may impact on them longer term.

Should Santa's lap be off limits?

Preschooler Development Who would have thought Santa's lap would be so controversial? Photo: Getty My childhood memories of the lead up to Christmas are fun filled and happy. I remember decorating the tree with Mum.

Should you put your teen on the birth control pill?

Would you put your daughter on birth control pills? Photo: Getty Australia's most comprehensive sex survey has been published this week, shedding light on the sexual antics of our teens. The Australian Study of Health and Relationships, which was last conducted a decade ago, revealed that not all that much has changed.

Would you holiday without the kids?

Imagine the holiday scenario if you will. You are relaxing on a tropical island, with the breeze gently caressing your hair, and the tranquil waters lapping at your toes.

Should you send your child to etiquette lessons?

They cost nothing and will get you further in life, or at least that's the most common perception amongst today's parenthood. A recent study undertaken by the Disney Entertainment Company revealed that, out of 1000 Australian parents interviewed, 3 out of 4 felt that children of today are less well mannered than those of past generations.

Bringing children up vegetarian

Benefits of raising a vegetarian. Photo: Getty Images As parents it's only natural that we want what is best for our children and, as far as diet and nutrition goes, there are definitely no exceptions.

Solving the struggles of step parenting

Embarking on a new relationship can be tricky in itself, but when adding children into the mix, the challenges can often be taken to a whole new level.

I am not a Pinterest mum!

I don't paint or draw or sew. I don't make creative things out of scraps of materials or fabrics, nor do I have quirky storage systems for all manner of toys. The last time I tried to make cookies, they turned out looking like cowpats and were deemed inedible even by the dog.

When your child's hobby becomes your own

Maintaining your own identity as a parent can be a challenge when so much of your life revolves around the little people you are raising. However, it's not the same for everyone.

How to handle teen clothing battles

We know that teenagers are all about expressing themselves and pushing boundaries, and never is it more apparent than when it comes to their choice in clothing. As they begin to develop their own taste and style, so begins the start of ongoing conflicts for parents all over the country.

Growing up in generation mindfulness

Kids Education Mindfulness: helping children live in the moment. Photo: Getty As long as you haven't been living under a rock the past year, you will know that the buzzword on everyone's lips is 'mindfulness'. It's all about focusing on the now, being in the present moment and learning to be calm, and relaxed.

Healthy Kids Check scrapped but is it a good or bad move?

Latest health news Healthy Kids Check: worthwhile or waste of time? Photo: Getty During last week's budget, the federal government announced that they are scrapping Medicare funding for a comprehensive health check for children aged three to five. Despite the fact that around 154,000 children used the program last year, the decision to axe the service is driven by cost.

'We might not be ready for a Disney Princess abortion, but we need a plan'

People shared their disgust over a tweet that called for a Disney Princess who's had an abortion. But it made us think: how young is too young to have 'the chat'? Late last month an affiliate of Planned Parenthood uploaded a tweet that called for a Disney princess who's had an abortion.

'Why I'll be saying no to playdates this year'

One mum is putting her foot down on playdate culture. Every day without fail my son comes out of school and the first thing he says to me isn't "hello," or "how are you, Mum?" (optimistic I know). Instead, he says "can I have a playdate?"

My son is obsessed with watching other kids on YouTube

Am I missing something here? What is the appeal? My son loves the iPad as much as the next child and hangs out for the weekend when he's allowed to use it. During that time, he can play games, listen to music and watch movies.

Why homework can be harder for parents than it is for kids

Jo Hartley explains why she hates homework ... probably more than her son. Like many of us, Jo Hartley really despises homework. Image: supplied. Why I hate homework ... probably more than my son! Like millions of families across the country, the post-school routine in our house is the same every night.

Dear husband, THIS is what I did today

I say 'not much' but what I really mean is: 'I don't even know where to start'. Picture: supplied Dear Husband Every evening you walk in the door and ask, "How's your day been? What did you do?" My response is always the same, "Oh not much".

Swipe right... For a baby!

Is this app the answer for those seeking egg or sperm donors? This could be the answer for so many hopeful parents, but do the benefits outweigh the implications?

'Why I'll be saying no to playdates this year'

One mum is putting her foot down on playdate culture. Every day without fail my son comes out of school and the first thing he says to me isn't "hello," or "how are you, Mum?" (optimistic I know). Instead, he says "can I have a playdate?"

We need to talk to our teenagers about fertility

Jo Hartley tells us why she thinks all children should be taught about infertility as part of sex education in schools.

The weirdest baby keepsakes

It's a sad but true fact that my threenager has no baby left in him anymore. Podgy, cute rolls of fat have been replaced with skinny beanpole legs, fresh baby scent has been overpowered by little boy sweat, and itsy-bitsy animal outfits (naturally with accompanying booties) have been replaced with T-shirts bearing logos of monster trucks and dirty tracksuit pants with holes.

Shopping centre bans screaming children

We've come a long way since children were expected to be seen and not heard. Or at least I thought we had until I saw an article in today's news about a Sydney shopping centre banning screaming children.

Online antenatal classes: totally awesome or an awesomely bad idea?

Going to antenatal classes was quite stressful for us, and it wasn't for the usual reasons. It wasn't the fact that we had to sit in a room full of strangers week after week whilst being enlightened on the joys of birth and parenting that was the cause of our consternation, but rather the fact that we only had the option of attending a class that started at 5.10pm on a Monday night.

What Really Changes When You Have a Baby

Diary of a Breast Reduction

Is it bad that I love Peppa Pig?

Out of all the TV that my son watches on a daily basis (all strictly time managed and NEVER when he is having his dinner you understand....cough, cough), I would have to say that, without doubt, is my stand out favourite. I love Peppa Pig!

IVF and 12 things we do in the two-week wait

There are many things in life that are guaranteed. For example, a diet will always follow a weekend of binge eating, a vow of abstinence will always follow a hangover and, for anyone doing IVF, a two week wait will always follow an insemination.

The New Trend In Parenting Causing Kids To Become Quitters

The magic of skin to skin explained

Kidspot and Huggies are working together to support new parents and their newborns. Every parent knows that there's nothing more magical than the arrival of their newborn. Those perfect little fingers and toes, that irresistible newborn smell and that soft as a peach skin.

If You Have a Pram, You're Not Welcome Here

Dear Body: I feel the time has come for us to have words

Dear Body, I am writing to you as I have waited for as long as possible but, now feel, that the time has come for us to have words. I have noticed of late that you are truly starting to show your age.

Adults Only Guide to Parenting

Why I wish I hadn't had to use IVF

Imagine this scene, if you will: The lights are low, the music is tinkling in the background, the champagne is on ice and your husband is lovingly caressing you in all the right spots ready for a night of love making ahead. Love making that will naturally and inevitably result in the conception of a beautiful baby.

Today a pirate, tomorrow a princess: the wonderful world of "let's play pretend"

Game 1: The tow truck - Mum to the rescue! Having a boy who is highly passionate about cars, trucks, planes and, quite honestly, anything with an engine, it will come as no surprise to many that the most popular role-playing scenario of the moment is one which involves transportation.

The watermelon craze and other baby photography fads

Every day around the world, someone somewhere is coming up with some new fad, which sees innocent children and babies as (for want of a better word) 'victims'. And, with the continued growth in popularity of social media, it would appear that never has there been a better time for parents wanting to subject their kids to current embarrassing trends and crazes.

Mummy Double Wanted

Busting the Motherhood Myths

The couples who holiday separately

A survey revealed that 54 per cent of couples end up arguing on holiday. What's the solution? Take a break from each other and holiday separately, says Jo Hartley. Sitting on the plane, wine in hand, and basking in the glow of relaxation is the way that most couples like to start their holiday.