Find out what can you create with your kids for free or at low cost in our Craft Activities for Parent and Child article. Craft activities like card…
Here are some free or low cost craft activities for young children. Fabric and ceramic painting, mosaics and more. Find it all in Craft Activities for 4 –…
Science and nature toys encourage your child to explore their world. More than just chemistry sets, science and nature toys are about exploration, problem solving, responsibility and wonderment.…
Puzzles and logic toys help your child to develop a range of skills, and there are puzzles and logic toys to suit every age and stage of development.…
Playing outdoors is a part of what makes kiwi kids special, and there are some great outdoor toys available. This guide to outdoor toys will help you find…
The average backyard only has room for a few pieces of outdoor play equipment, so choosing the right equipment for play is important. This guide will help you…
When buying equipment for creative play it’s important to consider safety, and make sure the equipment is appropriate for the age and stage of your child. Staff at…
Creative Play is what children do when they’re just being children, and there are plenty of things you can do to encourage creative play in your home. Whether…
Building blocks and toys give children a chance to build their world, and in doing so, blocks and building toys help your child develop a range of skills…
No childhood is complete without bikes, trikes and ride ons. Whether it is a plastic ride on motorbike, or a trike with a trailer, bikes let kids cut loose…
Preschool toys are designed to stimulate your childrens imagination and encourage a love of learning, but more than anything, preschool toys are lots of fun. This guide will…
Once your child becomes a toddler, a whole world of toys opens up. This guide will help you choose the best toddler toys for your 1 , 2…
Oral health affects not only general health – it has an influence on social and psychological factors, influencing self-esteem, the way people look, speak and socialise. Disorders of…
This article covers the signs and symptoms of pneumonia, the treatment and the complications that can occur in children with pneumonia.
This article on influenza – or flu as it is commonly known – explains the common symptoms of flu and how to care for your afflicted child.
This article covers the signs and symptoms of croup, the treatment and the complications that can occur in children with croup.  Â
This article covers the signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis, the treatment and the complications that can occur in babies with bronchiolitis.
Building immunity is vital as we are all more susceptible to colds and flu in the winter – building your immunity can help you to stay well.
Kiwi Families has provided helpful articles on rotavirus and explains the signs and symptoms, Treatments, Risks & Complications in children, when hospital treatment is necessary for rotavirus and…
Giardia is a common NZ parasite. Kiwi Families has provided helpful articles on giardia and explains the signs and symptoms, treatment, risks & complications of the giardia stomach…
We provide information on gastroenteritis and explains the signs and symptoms, Treatments, Risks and Complications of this bug and the special considerations for children with gastroenteritis.
Read on to find out all about campylobacter, we explain the signs and symptoms, treatments, risks and complications of the stomach bug and how to prevent the spread of campylobacter.
We provide information and advice about Slap Cheek or Parvovirus in humans – the signs and symptoms, treatments, risks and complications.
School sores is the common name for Impetigo, which is a skin condition. School sores, or impetigo, is very contagious, and easily spread around school age children. Find…
We provide information about Scarlet Fever – the causes, signs and symptoms, treatment, risks and complications and advice on how to help your child at home with scarlet fever.
Find information on the causes of Scabies infection, what to look for and how scabies is treated. We provide advice about the signs and symptoms, treatments, risks and…
We provide information and advice about the signs and symptoms, treatments, risks and complications of rubella or German measles – most importantly the potential complication for pregnant women.
We provide all the advice you need on the signs, symptoms, treatments and risks of roseola, or sixth disease. We also offer some simple tips on how you can treat and manage your child with…
What is ringworm you ask? Well, it’s a fungal infection of the skin, that’s very contagious. Prevention is always better than cure, so read on for advice on the…
We provide information and advice about the signs and symptoms, treatments, risks and complications of molluscum contagiosum here – and how to help your child at home with…
Measles is a highly infectious childhood disease characterised by a rash and fever. We provide helpful articles and advice about the signs and symptoms, treatments, risks and complications…
Hand, Foot and Mouth is a common infection among young children. We provide sound, expert advice about the signs and symptoms, treatments, risks and complications of hand, foot &…
Chicken pox is a highly infectious disease characterised by a fever and rash. We provide information and advice about the signs and symptoms, treatments, risks and complications of chicken…
This article explains why some children get urinary tract infections (UTI), how to treat UTI and some great advice on preventing urinary tract infections.
Meningitis is inflammation of the layers covering the brain and spinal cord. It is an illness that can be caused by a virus, fungus, parasite, bacterium, medical condition…
This article explains fever, the signs and symptoms in children and some great tips on how to manage fever at home.
This emergencies checklist provides invaluable advice on when it is a medical emergency and when you can routinely visit your doctor.
The National Immunisation Schedule is a series of free immunisation visits designed to provide your family with the best protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. It is important to get…
This articles provides parents with a basic outline on where to get immunised and includes information on what to expect when your child is immunised.
This article explains what whooping cough is and how it could affect your child. There’s some great advice on the signs and symptoms, treatments, and how to help…
Strep throat is a common condition – read about the signs and symptoms and how the doctor will treat a strep throat.
This parent friendly article covers the signs and symptoms of sore throats, the treatment and complications that can occur in children with sore throats.
This Mumps article give parents concise information on the signs and symptoms of mumps and how to care for a child with mumps at home.
This article explains the types of ear infections in toddlers and young children, the signs and symptoms to look out for and the treatment for ear infections.
Want to know more about what is eczema? Looking for tips on how to help your child if they may be prone to eczema? This article gives you…
In this article you will find a description of the common allergies and allergy symptoms, as well as some great practical tips for parents to prevent and manage common allergies…
This asthma article discusses the main signs and symptoms of asthma and guidelines with which parents can help asthmatic children.
This Kiwi Families article provides an allergies overview and also provides a practical overview on coping with allergies in children.Â
Snacks require just as much thought and balance as the other three main meals of the day. Here are some great words of wisdom on healthy snacks for…
Children need iron in their diet. Read about iron for children — child requirements, types of iron, causes & symptoms of iron deficiency, iron absorption, anemia, how to…
This article contains advice and nutritional tips for you to help your sick child back to a full recovery through food and drink.
This article on food allergy symptoms and diagnosis gives great advice and information on allergies and nutrition for families in New Zealand.
Ensuring your child is drinking adequate fluids is very important. So is choosing the right type of fluid! Here is some great information for NZ families on drinking…
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and the meal most often skipped. This article explains the importance of breakfast for children and offers information on…
Finding the right venue for your child’s birthday party can be tricky. This guide will help you find the right birthday party venue for your kids.
A good party venue can take all the stress out of having a kids birthday party. We overview key issues when choosing a children’s birthday party venue. How…
A guide to creating a birthday party with a pirate theme. Use these ideas for pirate themed party invitations, decorations, food, games, costumes and prizes.
A guide to creating a birthday party with a fear factor theme. This article includes ideas for fear factor themed party invitations, decorations, food, games, costumes and prizes.
It is easy to create a birthday party with a fairy tale theme. Ideas for fairy tale themed party invitations, decorations, food, games, costumes and prizes.
Create a special dinosaur theme birthday party for your child. Ideas for dinosaur themed party invitations, decorations, food, games, costumes and prizes.
A guide to creating an animal theme birthday party for your child. Ideas for animal themed party invitations, decorations, food, games, costumes and prizes.
This is a complete guide to children’s birthday party themes. Tie your theme into every aspect of the day, for a birthday party your child will never forget.
The classic birthday party games kids love keep being used because they really work! They’re very easy to set up, easy to play, and don’t require a lot of…
When it comes to birthday party games for big groups, some of the best games you can find are classroom games. Made for big groups, classroom games can…
There are heaps of birthday party games you can play with a packet of balloons – both traditional party games, and balloon games with a little twist. The…
No preschool birthday party is complete without party games, but finding suitable games for preschoolers and toddlers can be a little tricky. They are still developing the skills required to take turns without…
Vegetarian party food is fun, delicious, and easy to prepare. Here are some great recipes and tips for delicious vegetarian party food.
Sweet party food should be quick, easy and delicious. Here are some great ideas for quick and easy sweet treats, that all your guests will enjoy.
Pizza is a great party food, especially if you need to feed a crowd. Here are some great dough recipes and topping ideas for easy to make pizza…
If you have a child born in Spring or Summer and are thinking about a birthday party outdoors, then these picnic party food ideas are just what you…
If you are catering on a budget for a birthday party with lots of people, these party food ideas and recipes are just what you will need to keep the big group happy. They are all quick, easy,…
Drinks are a special part of any kids’ birthday party or Christmas table. It just takes some great ideas and drink recipes to serve something other than fizzy…
Making dairy free party food is not as hard as you think. Here are some great dairy free recipes, and tips for providing dairy free alternatives to traditional…
Children’s birthday parties are a great excuse for children to have access (albeit limited!) to a variety of special treats that may not normally figure in their day-to-day…
Party clothes are a tradition as old as parties themselves. Whether it is a costume or just a special outfit, clothes are part of what makes a party…
This party checklist will help you plan & prepare for your kids birthday party with ease. Simply check everything off the list as you go, and come party day…
Party accessories can change your child’s birthday party from a good party to a great one. Party accessories cover a wide range of items; ideas range from invitations to plates (often in…
Having an entertainer at your child’s birthday party can make a special day even more memorable. The entertainer can be the main attraction and be present throughout most…
Hosting a birthday party at a venue is a great idea, and there are plenty of places you can go on a budget. Finding a birthday party venue…
It is nice to have a theme for your child’s birthday party, but themes do not have to involve endless accessories, especially if you are on a budget.…
Birthday party loot bags should not be expensive; there are plenty of great party prizes and loot bag goodies which you can arrange on a budget. Birthday parties…
Making great birthday party food on a budget is not hard. Read here for ideas and advice for preparing party food on a limited birthday budget.
Birthday party costumes do not have to be expensive, or time consuming to make. There are plenty of birthday party costumes for kids you can make on a…
A birthday cake is one piece of the party you cannot do without, and blowing out the candles on your birthday cake is an annual rite of passage. This tradition not only celebrates the…
Choosing the right togs and swim bags for your children can be a challenge. We give you some tips for your shopping trip in our Togs and Swim…
What is the B4 School Check? What does School Ready mean? How do I know if my child is Ready? Check the essentials to prepare your child for…
Preparing healthy school lunches requires thought and planning. Find some tips and information about nutritional needs in our School Lunches article.
Buying school bags is about more than just the way they look. We cover some of the more serious aspects of buying a school bag in our School…
She’s a hard road finding the perfect lunch box, and let me tell you, I’ve been giving it a shot.
We’ve made an ECE first day checklist of things you may need when your child starts Early Childhood Education. Save missing something and print off our ECE First…
Swimming is both a recreational activity and a competitive sport, and in a country surrounded by water, swimming is a skill that every child should learn. We overview…
Soccer is commonly known as football around the world, but whatever the name, soccer is one of the biggest participation sports for New Zealand kids.
Rugby is one of the most popular sports for children in New Zealand. Whether you are watching or playing, rugby is a part of being kiwi. We overview…
We overview the benefits of sport, popular sporting options for kids, and key factors to consider in choosing a sport in NZ.
Learn to play Trumpet. The trumpet is a great beginners instrument if your child is looking to play brass. The trumpet is small, inexpensive, and relatively easy to…
Learn to play the guitar. The guitar is a great take anywhere kind of instrument, and as your child grows, playing the guitar is a great way to…
Learn to play the Drums? When it comes to choosing an instrument, drums have an almost rock star status for children, but drums have a sensible side as…
Learning music of any sort is a way for your child to develop skills intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Music truly is a gift that lasts a lifetime, because…