New Zealand Woman's Weekly

When children are caught smoking

Dear Diane, Last week, when I was out on my nightly walk, I sprang my daughter and her friend at the local park – smoking. I don’t know who was more horrified – me, or her. The crazy

When children are teased about their name

Dear Diane, This might seem trivial but it bothers me and I’m sure I’m not the only parent who has come up against it, so here goes!

Teenagers who text in certain situations

Dear Diane, My daughter is 19 and expecting her first baby. I’ve been going to some of her appointments with a midwife and at Winz, as she is on her own and on a benefit.

When children start making their own school lunch

Dear Diane, My three kids are 15, 12 and 9. This year my partner and I decided that our days of making school lunches...

Is your child gifted?

Dear Diane, How do you know if a child is “gifted” – and if they are, what should you do?

Dealing with teens going off the rails

Dear Diane, I had a baby girl when I was 18 and although the relationship didn’t work out, her father has mostly stayed involved in her life.

Children and expensive birthday parties

Dear Diane, When I was a kid we had lovely birthday parties at home with cake, a few saveloys and a crate of mixed soft drinks.

When you think your little girl is growing up too fast

Dear Diane, I’m sure you get this question all the time, but it’s something I didn’t really think about until recently. Basically, my daughter is only 11 but wants to start shaving her legs and armpits.

Helping children deal with grief and loss

Dear Diane, Three months ago, my husband’s mother died and it’s had a devastating effect on our daughter, who is eight and was especially close to “Mama”.

Teenage crush or obsession?

Dear Diane, I’m not too old to remember my own teenage crushes – there are a few boys who still spring to mind now, not to mention the odd 1970s rock star...