Family Portal

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There's lots to consider when you become a family - from planning budgets and looking after your family's health - to organising meals and events. We can help! read more

Having a baby is much more than a physical experience. It is the beginning of a parenting role that will continue for a lifetime. A new little person has entered your life. Things will never be quite the same.

Remember, you are not only adjusting to a new 24-hour-a-day job as a parent and changing a relationship with your partner, but you are also recovering from giving birth. These anxious feelings usually subside over several weeks, especially with understanding and support from your partner and friends, and as you watch your baby grow and develop.read more

Dealing with family dinners

Accept your fate

There's no point seething or even trying to slide out of it. You'll only risk offending your host, or finding yourself faced with an offer to reschedule. Far better to just accept it's going to happen with dignity and grace.

Do your homework

Try to find out what makes your host tick. OK, so they're into golf and organic gardening. That's fine. It's their choice. But if you want to make this dinner date headache-free then at the very least know your clubhouse from your compost. Five minutes research on the Internet should equip you with enough questions to kick-start a conversation.

Make the effort

OK, you're about to undergo the most teeth-pullingly hideous evening of your life, but you will get through it without losing the ability to blink. You're not being tortured here, but it is vital that you establish a dialogue with the person threatening to do your head in. So go in with a smile and a good question, grit your teeth and let them talk themselves into thinking what a charming family member you are. read more