It was a little difficult for me to compose a blogpost mainly about happiness because I don’t believe in chasing it. This might seem ironic coming from the publisher of a website called happychild. But happiness is just one of many rich feelings that give me, and I think most people, a feeling of humanity and a sense of living a full and meaningful life. When happiness is absent in our daily lives or is fleeting, that’s a sign that something is more seriously wrong – and it’s the time to get support from experts, not the time to chase happiness. Because if you run after happiness you may never catch it. Read full post

Can there ever be enough articles about The Slap, or The Smack? Channel 9 show 60 Minutes re-ignited an ongoing conversation adults are having in Australia about whether it is okay to use corporal punishment with children. And today on Channel 9 show Mornings, I was asked about smacking ...I think it is topical given that the Australian government has announced its intention to create an Australian Children’s Commissioner whose important role will include the consultation of children about their human rights and other issues affecting their wellbeing in Australia. Read full post

Parenthood can be very funny. These little people we are helping to become big people can come out with some funny things, especially when they are learning to talk. My personal favourites from my kids are: “where are my gubbles (GOGGLES)?” “look at that man’s mooshraka (MOUSTACHE)" “I love wearing chiuauas (TIARAS) on my head" Then there’s the toilet humour. Read full post

I had to share this from a friend's Facebook share: a little girl called Riley passionately complains about how marketers try to "trick" children - she asks why everything is pink for girls - why boys get all the superheroes? Good questions Riley! One minute video. Read full post

A Mother's Day gift you won't find in the shops... Read full post

All kids deserve the right to be healthy, little vegemites - and to smile with cheeky grins often, don't you think? It's probably fair to say that most people want the absolute best for their children. Disturbingly, however, the latest research shows that about 75 Aussie kids under 15 years are diagnosed with brain cancer each year; and about 33 children die from the disease annually. To launch brain cancer Action Week 2012, Grey Matters and Cancer Council NSW are hosting Bubbles@Bondi on May 5. It is a free event. All members of the community are invited to attend. The aim is to blow bubbles into the sky together to represent hope for brain cancer patients and their loved ones. Read full post

Yesterday when I picked up the little travelers from school, Henry Hotdog's kindergarten teacher had something to tell me. "You have to tell your Mummy about the poem you wrote today Henry - can you tell her?" The hotdog considered the proposal for a moment and then proceeded to pull my head down towards his. In my ear he whispered ... Read full post

This week we will commemorate Anzac Day and remember those thousands of young soldiers whose bravery defined a nation. Young boys who left their shores, many never to return, forever remembered as heroes. I asked my children (9 and 7 years) about their heroes. I cringed at the anticipation of hearing names more notorious than heroic, more infamous than illustrious, more TV show than book cover. Pleasantly, I heard back – “Mum and Dad,” “my family,” “my teacher “, “zoo keeper,” and “J.K. Rowling”. Not a mention of One Direction! Happy with that! Read full post