Parenthood

Caring for a new mother’s body and mind is one of the most important foundations of your parenting journey.

Parenting is hard. It’s relentless, exhausting, and sometimes terrifying. So why do we make it harder by judging each other? We’re all familiar with the prevalence of parents being judged by non-parents, of parents judging each other, of online mum shaming and the apparently endless Mummy Wars.

There’s a well-known African proverb, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ But let’s be honest, no matter where you are in the world, parenting is a tough gig and we often find ourselves pretty isolated and not part of a tribe at all.

As the traditional definition of parenthood continues to be redefined, the very notion of fatherhood – and its relevance in a child’s life – it a hot topic for debate. Much like families, has its definition evolved so much that it’s now simply a role parents choose to take on?

When it comes to giving – or, a more verbose term: basic civilised charity – shouldn’t it start in the home? Shouldn’t it start when children are at that exceptional life stage of absorbing the most important life lessons?

Nearly half of Aussies die intestate (without a will). And while this can leave our surviving relatives with a headache when it comes to our finances, we rarely think about the catastrophic impact not appointing a legal guardian can have on orphaned children.

Our concept of family has broadened. We’re no longer restricted by the stifling idea that a family must share a marriage certificate, DNA and a surname. This leaves progressive-minded couples, blended, single-parent, same-sex and adoptive families free to consider their options when it comes to [...]

If so many of us are craving friendship, how do you take the first step? Where can you go to meet new people? Let’s explore the obvious options first and then look at some alternative methods that might work for you.

Grand-parenting from far, or near, can be both a meaningful and joyous role. Here I share some tips weaving in pleasure with practicality.