Finding Enough by Following the Thread
This poem by William Stafford has long been a trustworthy place to return if I feel lost or confused about how to move gently through the tumultuous challenges…
Affinity Families for a New Age
For many of us, parenting reminds us of the central importance of families. Social norms and the tyranny of distance mean that few Australians partake of a…
In Praise of the Childless
There is a hobbit in my garden, climbing a tree. He is short—as hobbits are—with dark skin, brown eyes and a bushy beard. My son catches sight of him from the…
Rising Food Allergies: Are Genetically Engineered Foods to Blame?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rixyrCNVVGA
Watch a mom of four and food industry analyst face food allergies for the first time, "dig into the data" and learn…
A Brighter Shade of Green – Rethinking environmental education
Picture a swimming lesson where the class begins with a video of the dangers of drowning and shark attacks. Next up is home economics where the teacher focuses…
Choices for Childbirth: Are women being sidelined again?
The current statistics around birth experience in Australia reflect a culture of inappropriate medical management of the natural process of most…
True love
I stood at the doorway of my daughter’s bedroom one night as her father tucked her in and said goodnight.
‘Daddy, you’re my true love’, she said as she wrapped…
Tough questions
We were listening to the Eagles in the car when five-year-old Gracie asked, ‘Mummy, can love really keep us alive?’ Quickly my mind went into overload. How…
The Slow Burning Bond: When Birth and Bonding Do Not Happen Concurrently
When many of us think about bonding with a baby, the image that is evoked is that of holding your baby just after birth, falling immediately in love…