Tag Archives: Kiddipedia

What if control over money isn’t really about money? 💔

You might think financial abuse means someone taking their partner’s money.

But sometimes it looks much quieter.

Being told what you can spend.
Having no access to the family bank account.
Being stopped from working.
Having debt put in your name.
Being denied money for groceries, medication or the kids.
Being made to feel that you have no choice but to depend on someone else.

And when you’re a parent, financial control can become even more complicated.

Taking time out of work to care for children can naturally create financial dependence. That isn’t abuse.

The warning sign is when someone deliberately uses that dependence to control your choices, restrict your freedom or make it harder for you to leave.

Economic and financial abuse is now expressly recognised in Australian family law as a form of family violence.

But what does it actually look like behind closed doors?

And how can you tell the difference between a normal financial arrangement and financial control?

💛 We explore the signs, the law, the impact on children and what parents need to know.

“Why can’t my child just sit still?”

“Why do I have to ask them five times to do something?”

“Are they simply being a kid… or could it be ADHD?” 💛

If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’re certainly not alone.

Children can be energetic, distracted, impulsive, emotional and easily bored, and many of these behaviours are a completely normal part of childhood development.

But sometimes, the challenges are more persistent. They can begin to affect learning, friendships, home life and a child’s confidence, and that’s when parents may start wondering whether ADHD could be part of the picture.

With ADHD Awareness Month coming up in October, General and Developmental Paediatrician Dr Lexi Frydenberg answers one of the questions she hears from parents again and again:

“Does my child have ADHD?

From the early signs and different presentations of ADHD to how children are assessed, what causes ADHD and the practical ways parents and schools can provide support, Dr Lexi explains what parents need to know.

And perhaps most importantly, ADHD is not the result of bad parenting or something you did wrong.

Understanding your child can be the first step towards helping them feel supported, confident and capable.❤️

👉 Read the full article to learn when childhood behaviour may be more than just a phase — and what parents can do to help.

You check the nursery temperature. Then you check your baby. Then you wonder if you’ve got it right. ❤️

Too hot? Too cold? Another layer? Less bedding? Heater on? Air conditioning off?

For new parents especially, keeping a baby comfortable at night can feel like a constant guessing game.

But here’s something reassuring: there isn’t one perfect room temperature every baby needs.

What matters is understanding how to recognise when your baby is too hot or too cold, what they wear to bed, how the room behaves overnight, and how things like sunlight, insulation, airflow, heating and air conditioning can all affect their comfort.

And if you’re planning a nursery, there’s more to think about than where the cot looks best.

🌙 Because the most beautiful nursery in the world means very little if your baby can’t sleep comfortably in it.

Our latest guide looks at the Australian evidence behind nursery temperature, safe sleep and thermal comfort, with practical advice for creating a room that works through Australia’s changing seasons, from those scorching summer nights to chilly winter mornings.

Before you turn the thermostat up or reach for another blanket, this is worth a read. ❤️

When the weather turns extreme, your home can suddenly feel very different. 🌡️🏠

A bedroom that’s usually comfortable can become unbearably hot. Your toddler may refuse to drink. Your baby may struggle to settle. Then there’s the power outage, the storm, the smoke… and suddenly you’re trying to work out what to do next.

But what if your home isn’t coping with the weather?

From creating a cooler space and knowing when to move rooms, to preparing for power outages, bushfire smoke, cold snaps and those hot nights that just won’t let up, there are simple things parents can do before extreme weather arrives.

Because you don’t need a perfect home or a perfect emergency plan.

You just need to know what to do next when the weather doesn’t go to plan.❤️

👉 Read the full guide and prepare your home — and your family — for whatever the weather brings.

What if the best Father’s Day gift isn’t something you can wrap? ❤️

We know Dad as Dad… but how well do we really know the person behind the title?

The little boy he once was.
The dreams he had.
The mistakes he made.
The stories we’ve never thought to ask about.

This Father’s Day, instead of simply buying another gift, why not give Dad something far more meaningful — your time, your attention and your curiosity?

Ask him a question you’ve never asked before. Listen to a story you’ve heard a hundred times. Put your phone away. Tell him what you appreciate.

And if you’ve drifted apart, perhaps take one small step towards reconnecting.

Because one day, the presents will be forgotten. The moments you shared won’t be. ❤️

Discover 7 simple ways to make this Father’s Day about more than presents.

🍌✨ Banana bread… but make it taste like a cinnamon scroll!

Got three ripe bananas sitting on the bench? Turn them into something seriously delicious. 🤎

This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is soft, beautifully spiced and packed with banana, with a gorgeous cinnamon swirl and creamy cream cheese frosting. It has all the cosy, indulgent flavour of a cinnamon scroll, with a few simple swaps to give this family favourite a more nourishing twist.

Created by Clinical Nutritionist Malissa Fedele, it’s perfect for afternoon tea, lunchboxes, weekend baking or whenever the family is craving something homemade and sweet. 🧁

✨ Three bananas. A swirl of cinnamon. A deliciously creamy topping. What’s not to love?

👉 Discover the recipe and get baking!

Does your tummy “dome”, bulge or ridge when you get out of bed, pick up your baby or exercise? 💛

You may have heard of abdominal separation (Diastasis Recti), but what does it actually mean—and what should you really be doing about it after pregnancy?

The good news? Your body isn’t broken. And recovery isn’t simply about “closing the gap.” It’s about rebuilding strength, restoring core function and learning to move confidently in your postpartum body. 💪

From getting out of bed and lifting your baby to returning to exercise, discover what’s normal, what can help and which movements may need to be modified in those early stages.

✨ Because becoming a mum changes your body—but it doesn’t mean you have to feel disconnected from it.

Read the article for practical, evidence-informed advice to help you understand Diastasis Recti, support your recovery and feel stronger and more confident in your body again. ❤️

What if family violence doesn’t look like what you think it does?

It isn’t always physical. It can be controlling the money, monitoring a phone, isolating you from family and friends, stalking, intimidation, threats or using children as a way to maintain control.

For parents, recognising what is happening can be incredibly difficult — especially when you’re trying to keep your children safe while navigating fear, finances, housing and what to do next.

The good news? You don’t have to wait for things to get worse before reaching out.

Our latest article explores how early legal support, safety planning and family violence support services can help create clearer boundaries, safer arrangements and practical options for parents and children.

💛 If something doesn’t feel right, trust that feeling. Knowing where to turn can be the first step towards safety.

👉 Read the full article to understand your options and the support available to Victorian families.

🐶❤️ Thinking about adding a furry friend to your family?

Not every dog breed suits every household, and choosing the right one can make all the difference for both your family and your future best mate. 🏡🐾

🐶 How do you know which breed is the best fit for YOUR family?

🏃 Active adventurers?
🏡 Apartment living?
👶 Young children?
🤧 Allergies?
💰 Budget to consider?

Whether you have energetic kids, a small backyard, a busy schedule or allergies to think about, finding the right dog starts with understanding your family’s lifestyle.

Our latest guide explores which breeds are best suited to different homes, what to consider before bringing a puppy home, and how to prepare for your new four-legged family member. 🐾

Because choosing the right dog doesn’t just change their life—it can enrich yours with years of unconditional love, laughter, companionship and unforgettable family memories. 🥰🐕💛

👇 Read the article today and discover which breed could become your family’s newest best friend.

Is your child obsessed with Roblox, but you’re not quite sure what they’re doing online? 🎮👨‍👩‍👧

What if the best way to help keep them safe wasn’t by watching from the sidelines—but by playing alongside them?

Roblox’s new Family Zone lets your child become the teacher while you explore the platform together, helping parents better understand what their kids love, discover the built-in safety features, and start important conversations about online safety in a way that feels fun and natural.

More than just a game, it’s an opportunity to strengthen your connection, build digital confidence, and create healthier online habits—one shared gaming session at a time.

Discover why millions of families are already exploring Family Zone and why co-playing could be one of the simplest ways to make your child’s online experience safer and more enjoyable.