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One aspect of the therapy Alexander has had that she finds striking is the concept of the inner critic. “And I must say,” she says, “I think the inner critic never dies … I think I’m still pretty hard on myself.”

From share houses to dinner parties: The 2kg book that became a Gen X rite of passage

Ahead of a new edition of her classic 1996 cookbook, Stephanie Alexander reveals how it changed her life and why she still wants to “pull people onto my team”.

  • Amanda Hooton

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Christine Godden, Untitled, 1974. National Gallery ofVictoria, Melbourne. Purchased from Admission Funds, 1991

The ties that bind: a new exhibition at NGV explores motherhood

Featuring works by contemporary and historical Australian and First Nations artists, alongside international art, MOTHER at the NGV explores both universal and specific experiences of motherhood.

  • Kerrie O'Brien

As I turn 40, I’m letting go of perfectionism and choosing something else

When I began to accept ageing, I created more space for these positive values.

  • Jamila Rizvi
Gesica Stapleton found out she was pregnant on the day of an interview for a promotion.

‘My salary increased’: How motherhood can kickstart your career growth

Society just loves to look at women one-dimensionally, and today’s mothers are sick of that negative association.

  • Amanda Smith
Breastfeeding is often promoted as a way for new mothers to lose weight.

I don’t take part in this sisterhood jamboree. Why? Let’s start with the Big Lie

The organisers of International Women’s Day says we are equal to men. I have news for them.

  • Parnell Palme McGuinness
Mudgee’s Peppertree Farm under a stunning night sky.

This town has been given the ‘luxe rural’ treatment. Even my 86-year-old mum was impressed

Mudgee is fiercely protective of its hard-won gold-medal podium position for “top rural town getaway”.

  • Fiona Carruthers
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“What do we fight about? Me being overprotective,” Bronwyn says. “…We’ll walk away from each other for five minutes, then come back and have a hug.”

‘She took my door off the hinges’: How one mother handled her teenage daughter

Artist Bronwyn Bancroft and daughter Rubyrose, also an artist, are very alike – but they haven’t always seen eye to eye.

  • Stephen Lacey

I’m unlikely to ever have children, but perhaps this is the prize instead

Becoming a childless aunt started with sadness, then guilt, and now joy.

  • Pip Jarvis
Jessica Seitz, mother of three.

‘Tidal wave of pressure’: Has the Ozempic boom made it harder for new mums?

Once considered a relic of a bygone era, “bounce back” culture has reared its head again as new mothers face distorted ideals and unrealistic expectations.

  • Lauren Ironmonger
Laura McConnell ended up leaving her old job to start her own company after unkind comments led to her experiencing maternal loneliness.

‘Who’s looking after the baby?’ When Laura needed support, she faced this instead

We assume that most new mothers will be surrounded by love and support. But for many, even those with a “village”, the loneliness can be debilitating.

  • Elli Jacobs