Latest

Sign up: Under 5s Isolation Challenge

Mar 31, 2020

Fun and free! Are you looking for some inspiration for your preschooler to help you get through self isolation?

Navigating this strange new world with kids

Mar 29, 2020

Thinking about home schooling your child and attempting to work from home too? Or have an idea in your head of what home schooling might be like? Dr Amanda Mullin from local Hills practice Mindworx Psychology has some advice on how to navigate this strange new world with kids front of mind.

Occupying little ones with independent activities

Mar 29, 2020

Many of us will now be juggling school from home and some of us will be juggling work on top of that! Here are some ideas that MAY give you at least 15 minutes space or even more if you're lucky! Ideal for 3 to 5/6 year olds.

Kids dinner ideas – when you can’t be bothered to cook

Mar 28, 2020

With everything on your plate at the moment, there may be days where you just don't have dinner in you! Totally fine - it won't be the end of the world! Here are some easy ideas to get dinner on the table.

Stay-at-home ideas to keep kids busy

Mar 26, 2020

Here are some home-based ideas we've come up with that might help over the next few weeks to keep kids busy! There's a mix of fun, education and practical things that will hopefully keep kids occupied and will supplement their school work.

Easy to do craft – Nature Scavenger Hunt and Nature Sun-catcher

Mar 23, 2020

Even if you're not a super crafty mum, you'll be able to manage this activity with your kids!

Bake: White chocolate Easter bunny biscuits

Mar 23, 2020

These Easter treats are easy enough for the kids to make and super cute too!

Croc’s Playcentre Rouse Hill is here

Mar 3, 2020

The latest Croc's Playcentre to open in Sydney is right here in the Hills and it's fantastic, offering a new option for little ones and mums alike. We thought it was awesome when we visited. Check it out!

Bilingualism & Multilingualism – why it’s great for kids to speak more than one language

Feb 25, 2020

In our multicultural society, you may be thinking of developing the language skills of your child, or you may speak more than one language at home currently but not know what this will mean for your kids. Speaking more than one language is an advantage for kids and early childhood is the optimal time for children to learn languages, providing a valuable and life enriching skill.

Don’t miss

Book a free video consultation with Ladybug Landscapes in April!

Mar 31, 2020

For the month of April, local business Ladybug Landscapes is offering a no obligation video consultation and tailored garden maintenance plan for FREE, usually valued at $300!

Matific Galaxy to the rescue!

Mar 29, 2020

Looking for online learning resources to keep your child’s learning on track while not going to school? Get 25% off Matific Galaxy, a fun & engaging online maths learning platform for kids in K-6!

Stay safe and healthy with Carmen Drive Community Pharmacy in Carlingford

Mar 27, 2020

Currently, staying safe and healthy is a top priority. Whether you're staying home because you're unwell, practicing social distancing or helping out elderly or self-isolating relatives, Carmen Drive Community Pharmacy in Carlingford can support you, your family and the local community.

The Walk-in Specialist Emergency (WiSE) Clinic at Macquarie Park is open

Mar 27, 2020

Don’t avoid seeking healthcare because of fears of COVID-19. The WiSE Clinic at Macquarie Park (just down the M2 from the Hills District) continues to provide Specialist emergency care in a safe environment - for all non-respiratory needs, 10am - 10pm 7 days a week.

Discover Endeavour Early Education in Dural

Mar 16, 2020

In a leafy setting filled with natural light, children are immersed in nature. Immaculately presented and maintained, Endeavour Dural provides a nurturing family focused child care service like no other. Book a tour to see the centre in action.

HDM Party Guide | Autumn / Winter 2020

Feb 26, 2020

Planning a party can sometimes be stressful! Here's our new Party Guide, full of ideas for venues, entertainment and catering to get your party started!

Play

Toot toot! HDM visits Galston Valley Railway

Dec 5, 2019

There's a piece of history right on our doorstep that's great fun for little ones and makes for a lovely family outing!

Water play parks in and near the Hills District

Oct 22, 2019

Keep cool when the temperature rises at one of these water play parks!

The Hills Sydney: Best playgrounds for under 5s

Oct 8, 2019

Here are our favourite playgrounds for toddlers and little ones that have suitable play equipment for this age group.

Parks and coffee – a mum’s perfect combination

May 5, 2019

Here are a few suggestions of parks in the Hills and surrounds where you can get a great coffee within walking distance, meaning it's one stop only with the kids.

Questacon | A Canberra must do

Mar 18, 2019

Questacon, the National Science & Techology centre, is top of the list when visiting Canberra! Here's why.

One of our favourite places: Fagan Park

Aug 15, 2018

Fagan Park is a truly beautiful park and one of our favourite places to visit with our kids. And the lower playground has recently been refurbished!

Eat

Pubs, clubs and restaurants with a playground in or near the Hills

Jul 30, 2019

A playground or play area in a pub, club or restaurant means that mum and dad can usually enjoy a meal and drink in relative peace. Here's a list of some local venues with this perk!

HDM checks out the new menu at Castle Hill RSL

Jun 26, 2019

Castle Hill RSL has relaunched their menus, introducing fresh, vibrant and healthy options alongside revamped classics and club favourites. We checked it out recently.

The Burrow, Cherrybrook

Apr 3, 2019

The Burrow is a welcoming family run cafe in Cherrybrook that's serving up some delicious dishes! We visited recently.

Best cafes in the Hills: 2019 edition

Mar 18, 2019

We're really proud of the burgeoning cafe scene in the Hills! Here's our 2019 list of local venues that are consistently good. Enjoy.

Cafes with play areas: The Hills, Sydney

Feb 19, 2018

Cafes with play areas on site or nearby come in very handy when you're wanting to finish a coffee and a conversation in relative peace! Here are some local options.

Lifestyle

Putting yourself out there … and finding your perfect mum husband!

Jul 28, 2019

Finding friends when you're older and a mum can be challenging.

What is family mediation?

Nov 20, 2018

Separating from a spouse or partner can be extremely difficult and it's common to disagree on important aspects such as care of children and division of property and other assets. This is where mediation can be beneficial. But what does it involve and where do you start?

Navigating the legal minefield when your relationship ends

Feb 8, 2018

When a relationship ends, the legal side of things can often be confusing and overwhelming. Forming a relationship with your lawyer to assist you during this time is important. Our resident family law expert explains more.

Property, superannuation and divorce

Feb 5, 2018

Separating is such an emotional and confusing time so it's good to know the basics about how assets like property and superannuation are handled during the process.

Every mum’s most feared four letter word

Jan 30, 2018

It’s the four letter word that strikes fear into even the most seasoned of school mums. In fact, there are two four letter words so take your pick!

Finding the will

Sep 6, 2016

As parents, the importance of having a Will in place can't be ignored. But what's involved and what do you need to consider? Here's some great information to get you started.

Health

Taming your toddler at bed time

Jul 23, 2019

Are you pulling your hair out at bed time and through the night with your toddler? Here are some issues that local child sleep consultant Chantal Cohen frequently see families with toddlers facing and some quick tips to help them go to sleep and stay there all night.

One Hills District Mum tells: my breast reduction journey

May 13, 2019

We catch up with one of our mums to hear about her life-changing decision.

10 things that happen to children when they sleep with their mouth open

Jul 2, 2018

Mouth breathing in children is a lot more serious than we used to think. Local GP Dr Suzan Bekir explains some of the associated risks.

The parents’ guide to childhood injuries – scratches, scrapes, sprains & more

May 30, 2018

The big question that parents ask when their child has an injury or a possible broken bone is “Do I need to go to a hospital Emergency Department?" It's good to know what other options exist to avoid possible long wait times and expense.