News & Views
Here you'll find updates and helpful insights from the team at Only About Children and our partnered industry professionals.
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MasterChef Tommy Pham's Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowl
Family Recipes
07 October 2025
2 minutes
MasterChef Tommy Pham's Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowl
Who doesn’t love a bowl of noodles! This family friendly recipe by MasterChef Tommy Pham is perfect for the whole family! Super fun to eat, nutritious & tasty what’s not to love!
5 Things To Say Instead Of “Don’t Cry”
Parenting Advice
07 January 2025
1 minute
5 Things To Say Instead Of “Don’t Cry”
Our in-house Children Services Curriculum Advisor, Jenny Kable, shares ideas on what to say to console your crying toddler.
Myths Behind Discipline
Parenting Advice
12 December 2024
5 minutes
Myths Behind Discipline
Dr Kaylene Henderson, Child Psychiatrist and Only About Children Parenting Expert helps explain the myths behind discipline.
The Key To Stress-Free Family Mealtimes
Nutrition & Fussy Eating
12 December 2024
6 minutes
The Key To Stress-Free Family Mealtimes
Are you fed up battling with your child at mealtimes? Frustrated about spending hours in the kitchen only to have your child turn their nose up at your meals? Confused about the best way to encourage your child to eat? It’s time to learn about The Golden Rules of Feeding.
Child Developmental Milestones: A Checklist for Babies & Toddlers
Child Development
12 December 2024
7 minutes
Child Developmental Milestones: A Checklist for Babies & Toddlers
Developmental Milestones are usually recognised as guides for tracking a child’s development. They can be ordered into certain groupings, based on physical, emotional, social, cognitive and language development.
How Does Preschool/Kindergarten In Long Daycare Differ?
School Readiness
12 December 2024
6 minutes
How Does Preschool/Kindergarten In Long Daycare Differ?
Struggling to understand the difference between preschool/kindergarten in a long daycare setting versus community preschool/kindergarten? We review the key differences and similarities.
Understanding Toddler Tantrums and How to Respond | OAC
Social & Emotional Wellbeing
06 January 2025
5 minutes
Understanding Toddler Tantrums and How to Respond | OAC
Welcome to toddlerhood: a time when outbursts of "no!" start to dominate your child's vocabulary. Learn tips from our Children's Services Curriculum Advisor, Jenny Kable, on responding to tantrums.
More Than Childcare. A Place To Grow!
We are delighted to announce that we are now enrolling for 2026. Book a tour of your local campus and discover how our unique approach to early learning focuses on education, health and wellbeing. It’s specially designed to give your child the best start to life!
Stress-Free Pregnancy: Coping Strategies for Expectant Parents
Parenting Advice
31 October 2025
4 minutes
Stress-Free Pregnancy: Coping Strategies for Expectant Parents
In this article, we share 10 effective ways to manage the demands of a professional life combined with the upcoming responsibilities of parenthood.
Balancing Work Burnout with a New Baby: 5 Hacks for New Dads
Parenting Advice
28 October 2025
5 minutes
Balancing Work Burnout with a New Baby: 5 Hacks for New Dads
In this article, we’ll explore how you can spot the early signs of burnout, as well as 5 steps you can take to help manage feelings of stress and/or anxiety when it comes to adjusting to work life with a new baby.
Your Child's First Day At Childcare
Parenting Advice
08 January 2025
3 minutes
Your Child's First Day At Childcare
Having a plan and routine ahead of your child’s first day of childcare is important to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your child. Anna McCauley, Head of Health at Only About Children shares 6 tips on how to effectively prepare for that first day!
5 Things To Say Instead Of “Don’t Cry”
Parenting Advice
07 January 2025
1 minute
5 Things To Say Instead Of “Don’t Cry”
Our in-house Children Services Curriculum Advisor, Jenny Kable, shares ideas on what to say to console your crying toddler.
MasterChef Tommy Pham's Vietnamese Noodle Stir-Fry
Family Recipes
07 October 2025
2 minutes
MasterChef Tommy Pham's Vietnamese Noodle Stir-Fry
MasterChef Tommy Pham, has made this Vietnamese Noodle Stir-Fry recipe for our OAC Summer Menu - lucky children! It’s a simple and delicious recipe which is also great for the whole family - follow the recipe below.
MasterChef Tommy Pham's Peach Sago
Family Recipes
07 October 2025
1 minute
MasterChef Tommy Pham's Peach Sago
MasterChef Tommy Pham, shares another fun & family-friendly recipe! "With peach season in full swing, I couldn’t resist making this refreshing & delicious peach sago. Perfect for sunny days and little hands to enjoy!
MasterChef Tommy Pham's Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowl
Family Recipes
07 October 2025
2 minutes
MasterChef Tommy Pham's Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowl
Who doesn’t love a bowl of noodles! This family friendly recipe by MasterChef Tommy Pham is perfect for the whole family! Super fun to eat, nutritious & tasty what’s not to love!
Pumpkin & Pear Loaf
Family Recipes
07 January 2025
1 minute
Pumpkin & Pear Loaf
Here is the recipe for our Pumpkin & Pear Loaf, from our in-house Dietitians, Alex and Anna.
12 Easy DIY Toddler Halloween Costumes That Make Learning Fun
Activities for Children
31 October 2025
4 minutes
12 Easy DIY Toddler Halloween Costumes That Make Learning Fun
These DIY Halloween costumes are cute, simple to make and full of little learning moments.
Play Based Learning
Activities for Children
12 December 2024
3 minutes
Play Based Learning
For a toddler, playing is the most natural thing in the world, but there is a lot more to it than just ‘play’. Through play, children learn and develop vital life skills such as physical, emotional, cognitive, social and creative skills that will help form the foundations for learning and growth at a young age.
Enjoy the Benefits of Outdoor Play, Whatever the Weather
Activities for Children
12 December 2024
3 minutes
Enjoy the Benefits of Outdoor Play, Whatever the Weather
Have you heard the old saying ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing?’ Learn about the benefits of outdoor play for your child whatever the weather.
Exploring the Benefits of Sensory Play for Children
Activities for Children
12 December 2024
6 minutes
Exploring the Benefits of Sensory Play for Children
Toddlers absolutely delight in exploring their world through their senses. Sensory play - play that stimulates any of a child’s senses - builds cognitive skills and influences how your child learns about their world.
Every Conversation Matters: Turning Safety Talk into Action with Bunji
Child Development
08 September 2025
2 minutes
Every Conversation Matters: Turning Safety Talk into Action with Bunji
This National Child Protection Week, Bunji is helping children turn conversations about safety and wellbeing into real-life actions. From helmets and seatbelts to eye health and body safety, children are learning safe habits in fun, engaging ways, showing that every conversation about safety truly matters.
Sparking The Imagination For Babies
Child Development
07 January 2025
2 minutes
Sparking The Imagination For Babies
Our in-house Children Services Curriculum Advisor, Jenny Kable, shares tips to develop your babies imagination.
The Stages of Language Development in Children
Child Development
06 January 2025
4 minutes
The Stages of Language Development in Children
Every child is different when it comes to language development, however, there are some identifiable markers that can help families to better understand their child’s stage of language development.
The First Skills In Teaching Your Child To Read
Child Development
06 January 2025
4 minutes
The First Skills In Teaching Your Child To Read
Follow this superb blog article by Natasha Stabler, our Education Business Partner, on helping your child to read by learning within their own interests.
The 3 Day CCS Guarantee: What It Means For Families
Education & Learning
29 September 2025
2 minutes
The 3 Day CCS Guarantee: What It Means For Families
From January 2026, the Australian Government is replacing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Test to guarantee at least 3 days of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) each week for children who need it. In this article, we summarise what this means for OAC families.
The Head and the Heart of Early Childhood Education
Education & Learning
29 August 2025
2 minutes
The Head and the Heart of Early Childhood Education
Quality education and strong operations aren’t opposites. Together, they create the foundation for children, families and educators to thrive.
What’s unique about our Grow curriculum?
Education & Learning
08 January 2025
3 minutes
What’s unique about our Grow curriculum?
Our Grow curriculum is an innovative play-based curriculum that delivers intentional teaching in dynamic small group learning environments. Learn how our curriculum supports the development of growing minds.
Language First, Then Literacy
Education & Learning
07 January 2025
2 minutes
Language First, Then Literacy
When preparing children for school, it's common to focus on literacy skills like reading and writing. However, there are other crucial skills essential for success in the classroom. This article highlights the importance of developing language understanding, clear speech, and social communication skills before diving into literacy and the age-specific milestones for these vital skills.
Understanding Toddler Tantrums and How to Respond | OAC
Social & Emotional Wellbeing
06 January 2025
5 minutes
Understanding Toddler Tantrums and How to Respond | OAC
Welcome to toddlerhood: a time when outbursts of "no!" start to dominate your child's vocabulary. Learn tips from our Children's Services Curriculum Advisor, Jenny Kable, on responding to tantrums.
Managing Separation Anxiety
Social & Emotional Wellbeing
06 January 2025
5 minutes
Managing Separation Anxiety
Dr Kim Shortridge, Child and Family Psychologist, outlines the signs of separation anxiety in children and shares helpful management strategies
Practicing Mindfulness & Meditation at Home
Social & Emotional Wellbeing
06 January 2025
2 minutes
Practicing Mindfulness & Meditation at Home
Mindfulness and meditation are excellent techniques to help your child self-regulate their emotions and reduce anxiety during times of stress and uncertainty. Our Head of Curriculum Emma Forbes shares tips on how you can encourage and practice mindfulness and meditation at home with your child.
Encouraging Cooperation
Social & Emotional Wellbeing
06 January 2025
2 minutes
Encouraging Cooperation
Trusted Child Psychiatrist and Only About Children parenting expert, Dr Kaylene Henderson responds to the frequently asked question - encouraging preschool/kinder children to cooperate and follow instructions.
How Can I Tell If My Child Is Ready For School?
School Readiness
09 October 2025
4 minutes
How Can I Tell If My Child Is Ready For School?
Choosing the right time to send your child to school is a significant decision, dependent on their unique needs and the family's circumstances. There's no definitive 'right' or 'wrong' choice, as each family is best suited to assess their child's readiness. Still, there are ways to make an informed decision.
Choosing The Right Preschool/Kindergarten For Your Child
School Readiness
01 July 2025
3 minutes
Choosing The Right Preschool/Kindergarten For Your Child
Choosing the right Preschool/Kindergarten for you child can be a daunting task. When exploring the ideal preschool choices for your child, there is no need to navigate blindly. Simply by asking the right questions, you can find the perfect match.
2 Year School Readiness & Preparation For School
School Readiness
08 January 2025
7 minutes
2 Year School Readiness & Preparation For School
Many families ask what they can do at home to support their child’s school readiness. Here, we discuss understanding school readiness and how to prepare your child for school.
The 5 Biggest Changes Starting “Big School”
School Readiness
06 January 2025
4 minutes
The 5 Biggest Changes Starting “Big School”
The change from a prior to school setting to a primary school setting can be daunting and take some getting used to in the early weeks and months of your child starting. Here are some of the 5 biggest changes to expect when moving to primary school
MasterChef Tommy Pham's Sushi Roll Workshop
Nutrition & Fussy Eating
07 October 2025
2 minutes
MasterChef Tommy Pham's Sushi Roll Workshop
MasterChef Tommy Pham shares a super fun recipe for making sushi rolls with your little ones!
5 Tips to Encourage Your Child To Eat More Vegetables
Nutrition & Fussy Eating
12 March 2025
4 minutes
5 Tips to Encourage Your Child To Eat More Vegetables
Our in-house Dietitians Alex and Anna, from The Biting Truth, share their top 5 tips to get your child eating more veggies.
Summer Recipes Ideas For All The Family
Nutrition & Fussy Eating
12 March 2025
2 minutes
Summer Recipes Ideas For All The Family
Here are the recipes for our Strawberry Muffins and Thai Basil Beef and Veggie Bowls, from our Summer Menu, for you to make at home.
Best Breakfast Cereals For Kids
Nutrition & Fussy Eating
08 January 2025
5 minutes
Best Breakfast Cereals For Kids
Let's explore the ideal breakfast cereal for little bodies and minds.
Recognition coming to life at OAC Haberfield
Careers in Early Education
23 June 2025
4 minutes
Recognition coming to life at OAC Haberfield
We believe our people are worth more and here at Only About Children, we have a number of ways to recognise the amazing work that our team members do each and every day. In this article we hear from Stephanie at our Haberfield campus about the role of recognition and how it shines through.
Recognising Actions At Our McDowall Campus
Careers in Early Education
27 May 2025
4 minutes
Recognising Actions At Our McDowall Campus
In this Only About Children team member spotlight we engage with Nisha Ross, Assistant Director at our McDowall campus. Nisha spends some time with us sharing why recognition is important and how she experiences this day to day where she works.
Recognition At OAC
Careers in Early Education
27 May 2025
4 minutes
Recognition At OAC
Here at Only About Children (OAC), we empower you to thrive professionally and personally and one of the keyways we do this is through recognition. We have a variety of ways in which we recognise team members. In this spotlight series we chat to our team members directly about why recognition is important to them and how they see recognition show up day to day here at OAC
Australia’s Best Teachers: Early Childhood Teacher Renee Connaghan
Careers in Early Education
04 March 2025
1 minute
Australia’s Best Teachers: Early Childhood Teacher Renee Connaghan
“When you get quality services and quality organisations delivering a higher standard of care that sits outside of basic childcare, then people start to develop a new respect for it. Having engaged, passionate and well-educated educators who love what they do, that’s what’s necessary to continue to lift the profile."
5 Ways To Be A Happy Working Parent
Work + Family Juggle
06 January 2025
4 minutes