Oh, ok, so they are not aggressive?

I think I did read that you had a higher rate of drunk-driving deaths and so forth - Australia's road toll dropped hugely because of random breath testing, and now random drug testing for drivers; I don't think you have that? Or perhaps only in some states?

our possums are so cute though. And then I saw an American version on one of those shows where people trap pests? And it had these full on scary teeth!!

I always find it weird that Americans think Australia is scary. We have crocodiles up north, sure, but they're not walking around, they're in rivers. And there are some spiders and snakes, but again, in the bush. But you guys have BEARS. And mountain lions and other wild cat things, and coyotes and wolves! I mean, far out! You also have snakes and spiders that are deadly. And like your possums are scary things with teeth! Basically your country is far scarier.

Breastfed the first till nearly 5 and the second till 4. I let them know the date we would be finishing and if they asked after that date I reminded them. It wasn't traumatic for either of us. Both times it was because I'd had enough, not because they had! In fact, they both still ask. I think there are benefits in feeding long-term, however it's important to wean when it suits you because after all, it's your body.

OP, my child is in K in Australia - I have been following their history lessons closely. So far it's been making family trees, sharing family stories of special occasions like birthdays, putting on a world map where people's parents come from. For a lot of kids probably the first time they've seen a world map or clicked that people come from other places. I know the teacher has shown pictures of 'the olden days' and has talked a bit about the concept of the past - that things were different back then. It's very a very small and cosy way of beginning with history. It's also another way where kids from poor backgrounds would be getting less than kids from richer backgrounds (not talking of money, but enrichment). By this age, my daughter has a basic knowledge of mythology from a wide range of cultures (including indigenous), is aware of ww2 and who was in it, knows about the US revolution (due to listening to Hamilton!) and the European invasion of Australia. I agree that this initial knowledge from stories and play will act as 'place-holders' while she's developing more understanding and knowledge as she grows.

Thanks. Half the time I'm ok with all the meltdowns, as 'part of the package' of being gifted. Extra-sensitive and all that. Half the time I'm like "what have I done wrong? I've loved her so much!"

Thanks, I think I'd better look into assessment etc. I have read mindset and yet can't see that it's a solution, really. I've always been about the effort not the result, right from when the kids were very small. We always say "you tried hard!" rather than "you're so smart" or whatever. I mean, I agree with the overall concept - but I can't see it as a solution.

I struggle to see my 6yr old as anxious, because in so many ways she doesn't fit (my idea of it). She is fine with new situations, never had a problem going off to preschool, makes friends easily, will try new foods etc. The anxiety I'm seeing at present is all about failure, I think - she melts down if presented with a problem she can't solve immediately (eg, she thought her violin teacher had given her guitar music to play - cried, crawled under the table, major meltdown. It was only hours later than she told me the problem). She had a major meltdown at the school running race as she realised she was coming last. She just stopped and would not move. I had to carry her off the track. I find it perplexing and challenging. It's so variable. At school last week, with no notice, all the students were asked to play their instrument in front of the school and parents. She didn't even have her guitar there, and she has only been playing for 6 weeks. She got up and played her piece, with someone else's guitar. No problem. Violin teacher wants the group to go perform at the old people's home. I feel stressed even thinking about it. Will she meltdown? I asked her what she thought and she started to freak. Why? Should I encourage her to do it as a learning exercise? Should I spare us all? I guess that's my main question - as the parent of an older child with anxiety, would you push more or push less?

I put together an ebook of activities for kids under 2 - all stuff I did with my own kids. Called Baby Play Today, it's on Amazon. If you don't have a kindle you can download the kindle app free to read it on your device. Baby Play Today Free Kindle app

I've never been allergic to a food before, but both times I tried making chia dishes I had a tingling in my mouth and palpitations . . . weird.

Fantastic news, everyone! I had an article accepted for publication today in a children's magazine. Really happy!

Well, I am sure you have at least once taken the kids to the beach or the city. I was more thinking the sort of poverty where kids can live their whole lives and never see the sea (and it's only 100k away. Obviously, if you're in a landlocked country, different story).

The headline is a bit of a broad stroke, but I thought this was interesting: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/family-holidays/the-science-behind-how-holidays-make-your-child-happier-and-smarter/ I guess holidays (vacations in the US) are another benefit of having money and time vs living in poverty. Also, I wonder whether families with children with ASD or behaviour/emotional difficulties would be less likely to take holidays (seems likely) and therefore have less exposure to some of the benefits listed here - green time, play time, seeking time. I love holidays, and this is definitely a good reason to plan even a short visit to the city or similar . . .

Thanks everyone, I've dug through a few of our poetry books and found some good ones. Lots out there!

I used to go weekly to our local farmer's market in our town of 500 people. I had someone say to me "So, I heard there was a strange car parked in your drive this week. Who was it?" (It was the plumber).

I'm afterschooling my 6 year old and also have a 4 year old. They have good memories. I've been getting them to learn some useful things such as "30 days hath September" (6yr old) "days of the week" (4 yr old), and some simple poetry. So far they have a couple of A A Milne (eg now I am six), Arabian Nights (here), Triantiwontigongolope (this is a famous Australian poem, here). Could you share a few nice poems your little ones have enjoyed reciting, and you feel are worthwhile? Thanks.

I have watched very little TV since the kids have come along. The only 2 shows I have regularly watched in the last few years are Sherlock (from the UK - no access to the latest series so no spoilers!) and Once Upon a Time (currently up to season 5 here). I like the unique characters on Sherlock, and the humour - and the way they're trying to make it more feminist. I like the fact that on OUAT, the main idea is "be nice to other people". It's very relaxing. Also, yes, that it's basically just about women. What about you?

Yes, this is part of it. There's a kind of implied intimacy in conversation which doesn't fit the relationship.

Yes, and I find it hard to put my finger on it. It's not hippy exactly, not new age or hipster. But it is like they have a religion, they are saved, and they will sell you essential oils so you can be saved too. You try to have a meaningful conversation but they don't have anything solid to really talk about except like that the institutions are bad and stuff.

The most recent one. OK, I am exaggerating a bit, but - that's how it came across to me. I'm more a "Once Upon a Time" person. I'm telling my kids all day to be nice and kind, it's good to have a show that agrees with me!

The thing is, I like LOTR (even though it is also violent), and I quite like the new Star Trek movies, and when it comes to Space Opera, well I LOVED Farscape. But the underlying idea of "the force" really turns me off Star Wars; if you REALLY believe in something, it will happen, right - and otherwise it's your fault, of course. And the whole "baddie dressed up so you can't see their face, so it's no big deal if you shoot them" thing. Dehumanizing. Star Wars just seems to have less depth to me. However, I do "get" why it's so popular - space explosions and so forth, humour, and Jim Henson! For me though, if I want humour, brains, and Jim Henson - I'd go Farscape every time.

I just went and supported my partner in watching the latest star wars movie. I hated it. He loved it. I hated the violence, the theme (revenge is fine, even if it kills literally everyone you've ever known, if you are a 'goodie'), the token female characters, the fact it was so incredibly boring. He loved the violence and the special effects. Cool man. I said our kids will not be watching it . . . he has agreed for the moment.

We have been listening to Hamilton (the musical) in the car. We are not American so my knowledge of US history is sketchy. Anyway, in regards to the "outgunned, outmanned" bit of the song - is that from a real quote?

You poor thing! I hope you'll be able to get the tooth removed asap!