Bullying remains a significant issue in New Zealand, affecting the lives of many children and their families. With the rise of digital technology, the scope and impact of…
Remember that time the Starship Foundation had those adorable doggos collecting donations on Auckland streets? They raised a stack of cash while spreading good vibes! Creative fundraising like…
Mamas, if you work from home, there’s a good chance you know the guilt monster well. That feeling hits when you hear a frustrated cry from the other…
In kid’s sports, there’s no doubt parents are essential – they’re the free ferry service, the half-time orange supplier, and the local cheer squad. But when it comes…
You need something from the shops but your child insists they’re old enough to stay home alone. Your heart says “no”, but your brain wonders… maybe? It’s a…
As families across New Zealand welcome the new year, growing concern looms over the wellbeing of our children. And one of those concerns is around e-cigarette use, otherwise…
Are you looking for ways to earn money from the comfort of your own home? Well, you’ve come to the right place! As parents, we understand that making…
We’ve pulled together the top 20 educational websites for kids updated for 2024. These are educational websites full of games, video, content and activities to keep your kids…
How do we foster creativity in our children and in our parenting? Both require space and time. We all need ample time and a sense of abundant space…
It’s tricky, the whole ‘going back to work’ thing after or amidst your kids early years. I actually looked on Seek for a few jobs before listening to…
At this time of year, families are entertaining their kids by painting pictures or having an impromptu dance party. While these activities are fun, art and dance movement…
As tech evolves, children with easy access to the internet are being bombarded with inappropriate content. It’s understandable if you’re worried about what your kids are doing online.…
We’ve pulled together our selection of the best free Maths Games online for kids, updated for 2024. These are educational websites full of games to keep your kids entertained while…
Family movies are a great way to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy a fun and uplifting story. But did you know that family movies can…
I used my favourite ‘messy’ art technique making custom/upcycled coasters earlier in the year. I recently discovered blank baubles at Kmart and thought I could recreate it on…
For most of us these days, a trip to the supermarket can be a financially challenging experience. Saving money on the grocery and food bill is literally a…
What will happen when you die? What if you split with your partner? Why should you make a will? Do you even need one? We check out the…
Adding a geometric accent wall is a fantastic way to inject personality and visual interest into your living spaces. Here’s our step by step process for painting a…
Every year towns and cities throughout New Zealand host a range of events and activities based around Matariki. These range from art exhibitions, to festivals, to themed planetarium events. Each…
All around the country families are starting to prepare for their child’s return back to school or even starting school for the first time!
Are you tired of the same old boring garden sculptures from retail stores? Why don’t you create your own. With just a few supplies and some creativity, you…
Aotearoa-New Zealand has hundreds of walks and hikes for all members of the whānau, no matter how old they are. For young families easing into the hobby of…
I never maintain to have all the answers, in fact I spend a lot of my time helping parents realise they already have the answers, deep down inside…
Of all the learning difficulties, ADHD or Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder is perhaps one of the most difficult for teachers to manage in the classroom and for…
Luckily for families in Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau is packed with awesome outdoor adventures and some of the best day walks that are perfect for children and friendly on…
When can hypnotherapy help me or my child, and what are the benefits of hypnotherapy? Find out all you need to know about this growing practice and how…
Non-custodial parents definitely have rights too. Find out more about the key issues – the emotions, the legal and physical practicalities to work through. And find out what…
Teenage pregnancy rates have been trending down in most countries in the developed world since the early 1970’s. As education increases, availability of contraception becomes more accessible and…
Keeping your children safe in and around the home is not about stopping your child from being active and curious, it’s about providing the safest environment to explore…
It’s cold outside but this easy to make heating pad or wheat bag will help keep you toasty warm. Wheat bags are so easy to make, and they’re…
Next in our Side Hustle Series, Hannah Porter, Founder of Bear & Moo, takes us through her amazing journey from Shopify start-up, to 7-figure success story. Bear &…
With the number of social networks available today, it’s understandable you might be worried about your child using TikTok. You might feel even more concerned when you look…
The evidence is in: children who have a close bond with their parents, or primary caregivers, are more likely to have improved brain development. Find out the importance…
New Zealand has some amazing parenting experts, and some equally amazing writers. This combo makes for some really great family magazines. Check out our list of the 9…
There’s nothing quite like enjoying cafe-style breakfasts in your own home. Whether it’s breakfast-in-bed on a lazy Sunday, or al fresco breakfast in the early morning summer sun!…
Petplan in the UK tell us about the amazing research they conducted using Artificial Intelligence, or AI. They’ve scoured the web and social for pictures of owners and…
Dads have a special and important role in their children’s lives. We’ve compiled over 90 tips and ideas to help Dads show up, and be the Dads their…
After numerous, and sometimes disastrous, attempts at finding a consistent ad partner for our blog, we finally found Nirvana with Monumetric – probably the best ad network for…
‘Mum’. The small word carries a big meaning for most of us. That meaning partly depends on how we feel about our own mothers and grandmothers and also…
As cases of COVID-19 continue to grow around the world, governments and health professionals are increasingly turning their attention to managing the virus in the community. But this…
Let’s face it. Power bills are typically the biggest ones that New Zealand families face each month. Household energy costs tend to climb highest during the winter, but…
If there’s one thing we’ve learned last year, it’s that digital devices are key to ensuring learning continues in spite of lockdowns and disruptions.
Mother’s day, Father’s day, Christmas and Birthdays are always a great reason to think about, and give gifts to, those we love and hold special in our hearts.…
Most parents are equipped to get through the inevitable tantrums and meltdowns of little kids. As children grow they gain patience, develop more skills, learn problem solving and…
The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest public health threat that people around the world are facing right now. It calls for decisive, actionable plans on a broad scale…
Parenting can be a demanding and stressful job at any time, however parenting through a pandemic can pile additional pressure on parents, according to new research.
A rip is a narrow body of water moving out to sea like a river. These currents are caused by complex interactions between the ocean – such as…
As parents, the sense of worry and guilt that comes with offering your child the iPad or turning on the TV can feel all too familiar. Neuroscience Educator…
Shirley Pastiroff, Counsellor at Renew your Mind, Mindful Parent trainer, and mum of 5, talks mindfulness parenting and our kids’ emotions, and introduces the Mirror-Link-Pause, or MLP technique.
Potatoes are one of the best crops to plant if you’re new to gardening. Growing potatoes is easy, helps break up tough soil, and a good crop makes…
In the new world of navigating COVID-19, we’ve seen a surge in online healthcare and it’s certainly been welcomed by many. Kiwis across the country can see the…
We recently bought a new home, which is all very exciting, and we’re now turning our minds to getting all the rooms ready before we move in.
Men in general have fewer social and emotional support systems and these generally involve the sort of social activities that are Covid-19 has currently curtailed, such as meeting…
Family law varies in different countries and more often than not, the legislation is influenced by the tradition or religion that is practiced by the majority of people…
I have been struggling to find a space to hang up my hats and bags for a while now and I finally settled on creating a teepee bag…
Can you spend just 15 minutes a day doing whatever your kids want? It’s a Magic Number that means the world to them, and is a great commitment…
The first and most important learning in a child’s life happens within the family. Children learn from the way people treat them and from what they see, hear…
In this edition of our Side Hustle Series Cat Macnaughtan, Next Magazine Her Own Business Award nominee and creator of the massively popular card game Getting Lost Game, teaches…
Sexting is a really tricky topic for parents to deal with. How can you provide sexting advice when it literally didn’t exist when you were young? But a…
Next up in our Side Hustle Series the very awesome Olga Imbriano, a Telstra Businesswoman of the Year nominee, and creator of Snap & Extend, shares with us…
We have an old wooden toy chest that we acquired from my Poppy some time ago now. It’s been one of those must-get-around-to-doing projects for a long time.…
Julia Christie outlines the wonderful journey of starting a new business idea from scratch in our Side Hustle Series. From an idea, to a KickStarter campaign, to a…
Discover how to turn the $199 Kmart Cubby House into a playhouse palace fit for a princess (and prince). We inject a bit of Kiwi flavour into the Kmart Cubby House…
This is a wonderful story of one man’s trash, is his daughter’s treasure! Find out how we turned a broken old crate into a wonderful, educational garden sculpture.…
Instagram is a photo, video, and message sharing app with a huge following, especially among young people. Learn more about how you can keep your kids safe on…
This faux cactus stone garden is a great project to do with your kids, whatever their age. They are just perfect to brighten up an empty windowsill in your home.…
Christmas time can be a stressful time of year for Kiwi families. We’ve all been there; Christmas shopping in the madness of Christmas Eve, blowing the budget and buying…
Over the past few weeks I’ve been creating and making fun Christmas decorations to make my home feel more festive. With the right tools these whimsical wooden Christmas…
After losing her two-year-old daughter in a home pool drowning in 2017, Chantal Kerlin is sharing her story to encourage parents to educate themselves around pool safety.
This year I decided to starting decorating my home early with Christmas decorations. You see for the past 2 years we haven’t had the tree and decorations up…
My eyes were opened to the danger our society faces with online pornography and its influence on our young people. You may be your teen’s best source of information…
Well it’s Spring the perfect time to bring the birds into the garden. And what better way than with a bird bath. Here’s how to make one from…
Shopping for kids can sometimes be quite stressful as a parent; especially when you’re shopping for children on a budget. Try out some of our budget-busting tips the next…
Dads have a special and important role in their children’s lives. Children are lucky if they have a dad who is involved in their lives, who knows their…
I got the inspiration for this great little family craft project from my school, where the kids were making something similar for wood-working. These bright and colourful bird…
This has to be one of our most successful DIY projects we’ve made for our little one. We made this kid’s play kitchen using an old bedside table drawer…
No doubt we’re all on the same page when it comes to cyberbullying. It’s a terrible thing that some young people find themselves driven to take their own…
I don’t know about you, but I’m constantly looking for ways to store all my children’s toys. Luckily for me my husband is a hobby beer brewer, and…
If you’ve had a baby, you likely attended a 6-week postnatal check with your obstetrician, midwife, or GP. But you may not have had a postnatal check with a women’s…
Do dogs and new babies mix? If you have a dog, it’s worthwhile preparing early to ensure a safe and happy start to the relationship between your fur…
Teaching your kids money skills from a young age could be the difference between them living on a money treadmill, and living a life of abundance. The spend, save,…
I don’t know about you but we are always losing my daughters hair clips! So in a vain attempt to create some organisation I decided to make this…
The humble pallet has to be the most forgiving, and most fun material to work with. I’ve always wanted a really raw, and rustic looking, pallet table in…
In Part 1 of our under stairs kid’s study nook, we created a feature wall using magnetic paint. We also made some cool magnetic frames using washi tape.…
Ever since we renovated our 80s bungalow, we’ve wondered what to do with the wasted floor space under our stairs. Finally, we decided to create an under the…
We really can’t cope without our Mums can we? They’re always there for us, when we need a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to bend. And…
I’d just been thinking about making a cool decorative wall clock, when I was going through the aisle at Spotlight, only to see all the elements I need to make and…
These have to be one of the easiest recipes to whip up for the family. Mini bacon and egg toast cups can be eaten cold or hot and…
There’s nothing better than a bench seat under a sunny window on a Sunday morning. Curling up with a cup of coffee, and a good book, on a…
Christmas, oh Christmas! ‘Tis the season to be jolly! To offer presents of presence, slowing down with family to create everlasting memories and connections. While ideally inspiring gifts…
My daughter loves to challenge me. Last week she had me making her a rainbow shelf and this week it’s a pompom cactus. I’d been looking online for some…
So the other day I saw these cute cloud shelves on Pinterest and told my Daughter I would make her one. She promptly turned around and said, “I…
Young people adapt to new technologies quickly and easily. They use technology to explore opportunities for social interaction, and to learn about their world and express themselves, but…
The end of the final year at school can be a stressful time. Your teen will be focusing on exams and assessments. They’ll also be thinking about what…
Good weather and school holidays are just the excuse you’ve been looking for to get out on your bikes. What better way to wear out your kids, get outdoors…
Summer’s on the horizon – It’s time to think about water safety for kids. Water is an essential part of Kiwis identity and many children grow up spending their…
There’s some absolute truth about fatherhood in the modern age that I’ve discovered. In fact, there are 12 actual truths. Share them with every Dad you know.
ThroughBlue is a Wellington based support group for women with experience of depression. It has been running for the last 12 years and is a registered charity. The…
Child Inter-Family Sexual Abuse Support – CIFSAS is an organisation whose vision is to provide a safe environment where the whanau of child inter-family sexual abuse can come together…
My heart died a little bit when my daughter got ill and my arms could not comfort her. When she looked at the light, and turned towards the…