Last weekend I had the pleasure of moving house and with two kids in tow, a dog and two cats I set about the ruthless cull of accumulated kids clutter (where does it all come from?) with desperate plea’s from my 7 year old not to throw out bits and pieces which haven’t seen the light of day in years. I decided to stretch a friendship and ask a fellow Mummy who has 5 children if she would have Emily for a sleep over…. and yes she is still speaking to me!

Moving away from the community we lived in for the past 14 years was a huge leap out of my comfort zone but the time had come for change, it was my son’s 14 birthday and as I arrived at our new home, the neighbour came out with her 3 children aged under 6 in the pouring rain and welcomed me with a birthday cake for my son, he had told her earlier as he was unloading that it was his birthday. As she gave it to me she said ‘ I wasn’t sure if you had managed to do anything for your son’s birthday so we went out and bought him a cake’, I could not believe my eyes, her little one’s so excited to be in the welcoming committee it was a very special and priceless moment.

As I have traveled the journey of parenthood I have made some very solid and wonderful friendships, the parenting community is a supportive and generous one, our online ‘family’ of parents is growing each week, members log on and support one another sharing tips and feedback , from sleep to teething, starting solids to off to school and a few laughs along the way…..

Come join our family…..www.parentingaustralia.com.au

NEWS THIS WEEK

We’ve discovered a wonderful new site called Miss Tati and Friends which is like a breath of fresh air on the Australian children’s furniture market. The designers and founders are parents themselves who have created these amazing hand painted furniture ranges. Bursting with design, colour and whimsy each piece is individually hand painted and designed to ‘grow with your child’ ensuring that each item will last the distance and offer value on your purchase. You’ll find Cots, Beds, Toys Boxes, Chests of Drawers, Bookcases and Bedside Tables, all co-ordinated in ranges to offer you one stop shopping. Their storybook online store also carries divine accessories from the sweetest of bibs to unique lighting and decor and the site even features a handy Design a Room section aimed at taking the guesswork out of decorating. To celebrate its launch Miss Tati is offering Parenting Australia subscribers 20% off all furniture for one week from 20 February to 27 February. Simply key in ‘parenting’ at checkout to receive your discount. So come, visit Miss Tati and Friends, where every room becomes an adventure.

AUSTRALIA'S FAVOURITE KIDS PARTY BAGS Now available - direct to you! Are you seeking an easy alternative to making up kids party bags? Loot Bags.com have the ultimate solution! At Loot bags, They specialise in creating fun, pre packed and kid friendly kids party bags that are sure to be a hit with the kids and save you time and money. The Loot Bags are full of fresh and original ideas and come in a range of themes to suit any birthday party. Delivered FAST to your door, now that's easy! Log on today to view their fantastic range and brilliant prices. Click here to find out more

Toddler night waking can throw routines out the window and have parents pulling out their hair. Click here to read how to help settle your toddler at bedtime

Breastfeeding, sleep, controlled crying, starting solids. Natalie Ebrill, early childhood nurse came into Parenting Australia and recorded a fascinating posdcast. Click here to listen to the podcast

Don’t get caught out paying for childcare fees when your kids are off sick. Click here to find out about Kids Cover