Kids on the coast

When parenting-styles clash!

by Kim Lahey

It’s not the first time. And you have an inkling it won’t be the last. But glance sideways and you’ll find another mum or dad in the same territory. Because locking horns over parenting-styles tests even the strongest partnerships--often.

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by Sarah Hindle

With single child households fast becoming the nuclear family for the 21st century, parents are beginning to consider the effects of being an ‘only’ child: Is their personality or level of happiness affected? And, are they really lonely?

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by Fran Maguire

As a child, Lena had her left hand tied behind her back, forcing her to use her right hand. If she attempted to use her naturally dominant left hand, her teachers slapped her. Lena is nearing 80, yet not surprisingly, those childhood memories loom large for her.

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NEGOTIATING A STEP-PARENTING RELATIONSHIP
by Sandra Smith

You’ve met a special someone, and you’re getting along like a house on fire. You commit to the dream relationship, but as the initial rosy glow fades, you are faced with the stepchildren. They may be noisy toddlers or they may be angst-ridden teenagers. They may be angry or sad, scared or confused. They’re not emotionally connected to you, and in fact, you may struggle to connect with them on any level.

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by Sandra Smith

Children are naturally curious, and every day is a new adventure. Simple things are a source of wonder and delight as our children explore the environment and learn about themselves, the world around them and their place in it.

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by Maxine Arthur

“Welcome to Holland” is one mother’s explanation of what it feels like to be told that your child has a disability. She said it’s a journey from the initial feeling of loss to acceptance to a determination to help your child lead a normal, fulfilling life.

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COPING WITH THE TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD
by Sarah Pye

It seems like only yesterday you were bringing them home from the hospital wrapped up in swaddling and smelling like baby powder. Now, looking at the child before you it’s easy to imagine they will be flying the nest before you blink. Where does all that time go? And don’t you sometimes wish you could slow it down and keep them as innocent children for ever?
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Helping Kids understand

by Sandra Smith

Grief and loss affect all of us at some time in our journey through life. We may have moved house and said goodbye to old friends. Some of us have experienced separation and divorce, or the death of a beloved family pet. Perhaps a grandparent or sibling has died.
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Balancing saving and spending

by Jane O’Hare

The New Year is here again. Many of us have spent more than we planned to over Christmas, and will be facing a lean January. If you are anything like me, it’s hard to resist with ‘buy now pay later’ marketing ploys, percent off sales and vouchers. Of course, we all love a bargain but where do we draw the line between what we need and what we want? How do we give our children advice about money, saving and spending in our consumer-driven world?
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by Maxine Arthur

Kids start out with the upper hand when it comes to embarrassing behaviour – a screaming tantrum can send parents fleeing the supermarket with crimson cheeks. Gradually, however, parents get the hang of it so that by the time the kids are teenagers, pulling an album of baby photos off the shelf is enough to make them flee the room, friends in tow. Embarrassing your kids is part of being a parent, just as thinking your parents are embarrassing is part of being a kid. Most kids expect it, some even enjoy it, and most will eventually enjoy embarrassing their own kids. What’s more, they often pinch your best techniques.
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