Learn how to teach kids budgeting with age-by-age tips, simple scripts, and practical habits that help children spend, save and plan well.
Montessori vs play based learning: what changes in the classroom, what children gain, and how to choose the best fit for your family.
A realistic example family budget with two kids, plus smart ways to cut costs, plan for childcare, food, bills and school expenses each month.
The future of school homework with AI tools is already here. What changes for pupils, teachers and parents, and how to set smart boundaries.
Why does my child lie? Learn the real reasons children lie, what it means at different ages, and how to respond without making it worse.
Learn the signs your child is being groomed online, what changes to watch for, and what to say next so you can act calmly and quickly.
It happened over pancakes. My daughter, eight years old, syrup on her chin, hair a mess, asked, “Mum, when do I get boobs?” Cue choking on my tea.…
A ring in the middle of an ordinary day. I was sweeping leaves off the porch when my phone rang. It was a simple Wednesday afternoon, the kind…
It happened on a Tuesday. I was staring at my daughter’s school report while reheating my coffee for the third time. There it was—another “average” in maths, a…
If you’re reading this, you’re the kind of parent who wants to get it right. You’re not here because you’re failing—you’re here because you care. And that’s everything.…
Last Tuesday, I found myself standing in the kitchen, holding a lunchbox my daughter had barely touched. Again. She’d been quieter than usual that morning, brushing past me…
It started with a phone call no parent ever wants to get. Lisa was mid-grocery run, juggling apples and mental to-do lists, when her phone rang. The contact…
In the first month of 2025, something smelled off in New Zealand schools—and it wasn’t just the curry lentil bake. A Government-funded lunch programme, meant to feed thousands…
If you’ve been worrying about not knowing what’s going on inside your child’s heart, don’t panic. Parenting doesn’t come with a cheat sheet for feelings, but this article…
If you’re standing over a half-eaten plate of pasta (again), wondering how your kid survived the day on two crackers and a banana, you’re in the right place.…
Something’s finally shifting in the autism research world. And no, it’s not another baseless conspiracy or another finger-pointing trend. This time, scientists are pointing somewhere completely different. Somewhere…
You’re standing in the kitchen. Shoes nowhere to be seen. Bag unpacked. Clock ticking. Your kid’s moving like molasses. You take a breath, try again: “Please get ready.”…
We’re told from day one that if we want our kids to succeed, we need to hammer phonics and math facts into their brains before they can even…
You’re here because you’ve hit a wall. Maybe your once-sweet toddler has turned into a dinner-flinging dictator. Maybe you’ve followed every “gentle parenting” script, downloaded every PDF, and…
If your toddler has ever screamed bloody murder because their sock seam was “wrong” or their banana broke in half, congratulations—you’ve met the toddler amygdala in action. This…
You’re two minutes into the supermarket. You’ve got a list, a trolley, and a toddler. And then… bam — a full-body, limbs-everywhere meltdown because they saw a Paw…
You know that kid who walks into a room like they belong there? Who tries, fails, laughs, and tries again — without crumbling? Who doesn’t need a hundred…
If you’ve ever praised your kid for being “so smart” after they crushed a puzzle… Or muttered “You’re so clumsy” when they tripped over the dog for the…
If you’re raising a son—and you’re worried sometimes that he shrugs when he’s upset, or that you’re supposed to somehow “toughen him up” even when your gut says…
If you’re here because you’re worried your child could be a bully—or you’re scared they could be the target of one—you’re exactly where you need to be.Today, I…
If your child falls apart the moment they lose—whether it’s a game, a test, a turn, or a race—you’re not alone. If you’ve felt that flush of secondhand…
If your child can’t seem to stay on task without you hovering nearby… If their go-to strategy for problem-solving is “wait for Mum to do it”… If you’re…
If your child has ever come home upset after being left out, said “Nobody likes me,” or turned into a tiny dictator during group playdates… don’t panic. You’re…
If you’ve ever stared into the glazed-over eyes of a child who “forgot they had a test,” panic-scrolled Google for division tricks, or tried to motivate your kid…
If homework time at your place feels like a full-blown crisis—where someone’s crying, something’s burning, and you’re Googling “how to explain fractions to a 9-year-old without losing your…
If you’re here wondering what happens when one doctor walks into a room filled with twenty people who don’t believe in vaccines… you’re in the right place. Yes,…
You know how some things just hit different in your own language? That’s because language isn’t just words—it’s your history, your vibe, your entire worldview wrapped up in…
If you’ve ever tried to comfort your child during a meltdown or a moment of self-doubt, you’ve probably said this phrase.It seems harmless—kind, even. We say it because…
My two girls, now 5 and 9, are at that stage where they have a million thoughts but not a lot of outlets to express them. Some days,…
It was one of those chaotic mornings every parent knows too well. My five-year-old, dressed in her mismatched superhero outfit, was attempting to use glitter glue to “fix”…
Let’s be honest: getting kids to help around the house can sometimes feel like trying to herd cats. You know they can do it; you’ve seen them organize…
Homeschooling can feel like an uphill battle some days, especially when it comes to keeping your child motivated to complete schoolwork. Imagine the time your little one hid…
Let me paint a picture for you: It’s the school holidays. You’re feeling hopeful, thinking of all the creative activities you’re going to do with the kids—baking, crafts,…
We’ve all been there—those in-between moments when the lesson ends early, energy levels drop, or your students just need a quick reset. You need something fast, fun, and…
Just the other evening, I found myself in the middle of yet another classic showdown between my two teenage daughters, Lucy and Hannah. Lucy, who’s sixteen, had borrowed…
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…
Okay, confession time: Sometimes I feel a major wave of mum-guilt when I am working from home and my kids are parked in front of the telly or…
Easter is a time of vibrant colours, new beginnings, and of course, plenty of chocolate! It’s also a brilliant opportunity to get those creative juices flowing. Drawing is…
Just click on the image below to download and print out the image. Select File > Print, or right-click (control-click on a Mac) > select print, or just…
Just click on the image below to download and print out the image. Select File > Print, or right-click (control-click on a Mac) > select print, or just…
If you are looking for a special toy this school holidays look no further than Sparkle Girlz! Brought to you by Zuru Toys, the company behind Bunch O…
Schools tend to host a cocktail of disease, infection and fungal spores, just waiting to infect your child! A mixture of developing immune systems, close contact and low…
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…
Not eating lunch at school is a common problem for a lot of children. It can be quite emotional for parents too, especially when you see good food…
ASICS has launched a unique new program designed to engage and encourage children through their athletic journey.
Here is a really cool project you can do with your kids. The inspiration for this project comes from all the beautiful woven wall hangings you see around…
Most people who know me will know that I’m crazy-addicted to the TV show Vikings. It’s not for the faint-hearted, and definitely worthy of it’s R18 rating. But it’s…
In response to a reader comment on our What is eczema article, Kiwi Families reached out to our wonderful Facebook community for advice. We had such a great…
Traveling in the car can sometimes be a nightmare with children. The all too famous line of ‘are we there yet?’ playing over and over like a broken record……
Drawing is a learnt skill. Sure, some kids have natural ability when it comes to drawing. But all children can learn to draw if they’re shown the correct…
We love heading away on summer holidays, and this year we’ve been blessed with my Husbands’ parents buying a classic 1950’s batch in Opunaki. If you haven’t heard…
With school holidays just around the corner (again?!) kids are now looking to take off their shoes and socks, shake off the school year and go wild with…
Children with learning differences are some of the bravest children I know. They show grit, resilience and a level of persistence that some of us would only dream…
I love wall hangings so decided since Matariki is just around the corner I would create a star wall hanging with little miss 3. I love creating with…
Matariki is a great time of year to celebrate and learn more about Maori culture. One way we’re doing this in our family is through story books. My…
The Kiwi Families team got the opportunity to interview Mister Maker for his upcoming tour. Read on to find out what he’s looking forward to when he gets…
Wal Herring is the author of Healthy Little Eaters, and she has a wealth of wisdom to share about kids and food. The Kiwi Families team had the…
One of our best friends’ daughters was turning six recently. I asked her what she wanted on her cake… and she said a unicorn. So this is what…
Hi Jen, I was wondering if you had some advice that could help us. We have been looking for a good way to help our son release his…
Whether or not it’s autumn where you live right now, it’s a great season to celebrate. I love the glowing light on a pleasant autumn evening. And of course…
These early days of a new school years are really important for how our young people will learn to get the best out of their school year. Here…
What a cruel end to a lazy, warm summer! Kids’ feet cramped by shoes; t-shirts and togs replaced with stiff uniforms, and parents girding themselves to become disciplinarians again.…
A common question parents ask cycling instructors is “how will my child become more confident on a bike?” Kiwi cycling instructor Marilyn Northcotte passes on her tips for parents…
To look at me, you might see a bit of a Mumsie. And you’d be right! I’m 46 years old, with two daughters, a sedate driving style and…
Life Love Living Learning Without one there are none of the others. Our bodies, hearts and minds connect each of us to ourselves, others and the world through…
A lot happens in our New Zealand Summer school holidays. We have the long summer holiday itself, Christmas, New Year and then the build up to going…
One of the major challenges within your blended family will be how to bond your stepchildren with your own children. We all have that ideal fantasy, The Brady…
My kids and I visited a local craft fair recently and all three of us were captured by some delightful paper decorations that were for sale. My son was particularly…
Hi guys! We’re really excited that you’re coming to New Zealand. My kids love to sing and dance along to your songs.
I have been thinking about traditions, and family, and how to make the effort lately. It’s easier not to make the effort. You feel the desire not to…
Join Snowplanet in kick starting the ho-ho-ho holiday season by welcoming Santa to Snowplanet on November 21st! They have created a fantastic and magical winter wonderland where Santa…
See our article Choosing the right lunch box.
Miss L is 7 and continually soils her undies (heavy skid marks) and once at the local pools, pooed her togs. We thought this was because she was…
Spring has arrived! Well – at least on some days. It’s lovely to make the most of spring flowers while we can. And here’s a fun spring activity…
Hi Jen, I have a nine-year-old boy who is very pessimistic and has developed a real talent for spotting problems. Even though we are very fortunate in our…
Dreams help us to decide which actions to take next, which attitudes to shift, which people to spend time with. Dreams ebb, flow and transform over time and…
School lunches… I can hear you groaning from here. They are one of those chores that causes a lot of worry and stress.
Do you want a change from Disney princesses and superheroes? I know as a Mum of two young kids (6 and 9) that what my children see on…
Kids’ activities can be a pretty big part of some families’ lives. And they can have an impact on the whole family – not just the children. This…
Father’s Day always brings a smile to my face – and a little bit of happy chaos too! Last year, my two decided to surprise Dad with a…
There are so many things you can do with empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls, it’s just a case of choosing something, or working through them all!…
I am passionate about food and health but I don’t expect my kids to be. I know I wasn’t when I was a kid.
How does your family move together? Is family time also TV/couch time? Did you know that there is an epidemic in our society that is causing sickness and…
Holidays can be great times for reconnecting with our families and reinvigorating our passion for spending time together; whether we’re heading out of town, spending time with others…
David Stendl-Rast is a very wise man. He gave a TED talk all about happiness. It was a simple exploration of a question that dogs modern thinking. How…
Do you remember as a 7-year-old being mesmerised watching someone shoot the goal, singing in front of 1000s, or drawing a doodle on a page that looked like…
My eight year old daughter has been having a really tough time handling her emotions lately, particularly anger. She has always been a sensitive girl and somewhat reactive…
One of the hardest decisions we ever had to make as a family was to withdraw our 8 year old daughter from school and embark on our adventure…
I suspect I’m not the only one who takes hundreds of photos of my kids, only for so many of them to languish somewhere on my computer files.…
Good news, kiwi families! Visits to your family doctor will soon be free for children under 13. From 1 July 1 2015, all children under 13 are eligible for…
Kids content on our television is in a precarious position. We just have to look at the demise of John Campbell’s programme on TV3 to see how stories…
At the end of last year I was eating lunch when my mobile rang. The voice on the other end explained very matter of factly that I had won…
Last updated: 10 June 2026 The quick version Matariki 2026 is on Friday July 10th. Most schools and whānau celebrate the week before and after. The simplest crafts…
Getting the kids into bed doesn’t need to be a drama. Having the right tools can make it a battle free zone, here are some tips.
Dealing with challenging behaviour from 6, 7 and 8 year olds is hard work, and can be very emotionally draining on parents. Here’s 4 key tips for managing…