Kinderling Conversation

Author Mem Fox and illustrator Judy Horacek have teamed up again for a new picture book called Bonnie and Ben Rhyme Again. They explain the secret of their successful partnership, why rhyming is so important for children and how some sheep hopped across from Where is the Green Sheep to feature in their new book.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mothercraft nurse Chris Minogue tries to help with your parenting problems, such as how to get a 12-week-old to sleep longer overnight, coming home from the hospital tips, keeping a regular routine during busy times for a 2-year-old, the best way to get a 3-week-old to sleep, moving a 17-month-old into their own room, how to get a 4-week to sleep in a bassinet and how to handle a 4-year-old who has developed angry behaviours and lashes out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every child develops at a different rate. But imagine watching that difference of development happen with your own twins. Robyn Papworth was already a developmental educator when she had her children, but was fascinated with the way their motor skills developed at a different rate. She followed her passion and founded Play, Move, Improve - helping children reach their full potential in their movement skills.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research from Finder.com.au has found that women are electing to have their babies in private hospitals, instead of public hospitals. Kate Browne, Managing Editor at Finder.com.au explains why this could be happening, and what it means for a family's back pocket.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We no longer live in a socially connected time, at least, not the way it used to be. Now when you have a baby the loneliness can hit you hard. Social isolation can affect both mums at home and dads at work. Jeremy Macvean from The Movember Foundation wants dads to think about reconnecting with their mates and other dads, to help buoy their mental health at what can be a very stressful time of life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you were to open a classic fairy tale book, you might find a few princesses waiting to be saved. Sighing at windows and waiting for their Prince Charming. Not so in Susannah McFarlane's Fairytales for Feisty Girls. Susannah talks about the clever, motivated girls that populate her modern adaptions of old tales, and why she still believes there's a place for Prince Charming (though it might not be where you expect him to be).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Her classic book The Cook's Companion can be found on many book shelves around Australia, and now Stephanie Alexander has turned her hand to those amongst us who have abandoned the kitchen with The Cook's Apprentice. With simple explanations and her trademark attention to seasonal produce, Stephanie aims to entice even the most wary of us back to the kitchen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carrying a child for nine months, and then birthing them doesn't always leave a woman's body ship-shape. Dr Sneha Wadwhani talks about the silent pain many women endure after birth and what can be done to manage it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week SBS launched a new reality TV show called Child Genius. It's the search for Australia's smartest kid.And while there seems to be plenty of dramatic edits, it sounds like a show that's full of heart. We speak to mum Leanne about why she put her son Nathan forward to the program, and what difference the show has made to him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mothercraft nurse Chris Minogue takes your parenting questions. From how to help a 6-year-old who gets angry when not in charge, how to encourage a reluctant 2-year-old potty trainer, how to get a 15-month-old to sleep in their own bed, teaching a 4-year-old to feed themselves and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PMS can be a different experience for every woman. Dr Sneha Wadhwani explains what's going on with PMS, and dispels some myths about ways of keeping the hormones at bay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not every child can excel at maths or reading, and a new book by author Davina Bell and illustrator Allison Colpoys celebrates all the many ways kids can be smart. It's called All the Ways to be Smart. Davina did a lot of research before writing it to make sure she covered many different types of intelligence. Together the magic team that brought you The Underwater Fancy-dress Parade have created a beautiful book about being different.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bullying in Australian schools is a major issue. Each year around 45 million bullying incidents are estimated to occur around the country. Producer Elise Cooper was bullied when she was in primary school. It got so bad that she eventually changed schools. On a mission to find out what makes a person turn into a bully, Elise sought out professional insight, talked to primary school students, and even confronted one of the girls who tormented her at school.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience. Author and actor William McInnes looks back on his memories of his father, and his own experience as a father of two. He tells stories of shouty dads, embarrassing jokes and the more poignant parts that stitch families together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Fletcher is an Associate Professor at the Family Action Centre at the University of Newcastle. For years now he's been interested in the mental health of dads, particularly new dads. He says postnatal depression is something health professionals need to be more equipped to deal with, and he's working out strategies to reach dads in trouble.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Townsend is the young Australian writer being described as the next J.K. Rowling. The vivacious author is flattered but also resistant to the title. She says no one will ever come close to J.K. Rowling. But then, Jessica's Wundersmith series has been flying off the shelves and fans have been gathering by the day. Find out what all the fuss is about, and how the second book The Calling of Morrigan Crow keeps to buzz of excitement going.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mothercraft nurse Chris Minogue looks into clingy behaviour for a 13-month-old, a three-month-old with their fist always in their mouth, helping a five-month-old bottle feed overnight when mum is away, strategies for dealing with an argumentative four-year-old, how to extend a 22-month-old's sleep, tips of starting daycare for a 16-month-old and general discipline tips for a three-year-old.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole Rogerson is the Founding Director of Autism Awareness Australia. She decided it was time to make a film that would resonate with dads from all walks of life who have a child on the autism spectrum. She is joined by husband and media broadcaster Ian Rogerson to explain why it's so important dads watch this film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When babies are small they can't do much for themselves, so we get used to feeding, cleaning and clothing them. But then they grow up. Just how much can we expect our children to do for themselves, and when can we expect them to do it? Best-selling author, parenting expert and father of six girls Justin Coulson gives us some tips on what to do, and when to do it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many years we've been talking about the impact a mum's mental health has on children. Now it's time to start talking about dads and their well-being. Dr Catherine Wade from the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney has been working on research that shows dads need just as much attention when it comes to their mental health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.