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 article
Raise the topic of homework with parents of school age children and watch the sparks fly. Parent opinion on homework ranges from those who’d like to see it eliminated altogether to those who set extra work for their children to make up for what they see as an overly relaxed approach. Teachers are caught in the middle – not to mention kids - and even education experts are unable to present a united front about the value of homework. This article looks at the research about the value of homework in primary school and high school. Read full article
In Australia, for many, December means celebrating Christmas, hot days, gifts, reconnection and relaxation, family, more hot days and approximately nine weeks of school holidays. We’re a month into summer and the heat can be oppressive. If you’re lucky and have access to a pool, beach or outback dam, the summer break invariably means much time spent cooling off in the water, perfecting the ultimate ‘bomb’ or dive, hunting for sea creatures in the sparkling depths of rockpools and seaweed forests, or catching yabbies in a muddy dam using nothing other than a bit of string and some pongy meat. Read full article
My kids assure me that the brand new Lake Macquarie Variety Playground at Speers Point (near Newcastle) is the "best ever, Mama!" The playground was commissioned by Lake Macquarie City Council to be one that could be enjoyed by children of all ages and abilities, to be inclusive and to be exciting enough to encourage children to enjoy and explore outdoors. This is the first playground I’ve been to where children can play with an Archimedean Screw Read full article
Clifton Gardens Reserve is a pleasure ground for families, with heaps to do for young and old, and that's the adults as well as the children! The very large and very groovy playground at the eastern end of the Reserve is the icing on the cake ... a kiosk/cafe nearby and truly fabulous Harbour views. Read full article
Situated amongst mature gums with plenty of shade, Foxfield Reserve is a beautiful spot for a children’s playground.The Reserve is at the base of Blackhill and its conservation park - it is a combined area which provides a tennis court, an oval, a creek, a scout hall, toilets, walking trails as well as a gorgeous adventure playground. Read full article
This is a fantastic outing with the kids on a sunny day. Start out on Victoria Avenue picking up supplies at the IGA or grabbing a coffee from one of the cafes near Danks Street. Then head to the Danks St/Victoria Avenue playground where you can relax or catch up with friends whilst the kids explore the toddler-friendly playspaces and equipment including a birds nest swing ... Read full article
Do you have a favourite playground for your children in Australia? We'd love to hear about it and maybe even publish your review on the happychild website.
To have a chance at winning a $50 Myer Gift Card, simply send us a review (with photos if you like, but not required) of your favourite playground to visit with your child. Let us know the age group that might enjoy the playground and what it's like to be there for parents and children. Read the details. Read full article
Some researchers have suggested that the very safe playgrounds of today are depriving children of the opportunity to challenge themselves - they say a playground is a place where children can encounter and learn to overcome fears. Yvette Vignando debates this idea with psychologist Michael Carr Gregg on The Morning Show, Channel 7 - Michael bemoans the "woosification" of children. Read full article
Are safe playgrounds depriving our children of important emotional development opportunities? By making playgrounds safer and reducing physical risk, are we increasing the risk that children will be more anxious and deprived of chances to master their physical world? The value of a safety-first playground was recently questioned in the New York Times - “Can a Playground be Too Safe?”. The writer referred to comments by Norwegian psychologist, Professor Ellen Sandseter who said that it is best for children to encounter certain physical challenges from an early age so that they learn to master them through play. Read full article
