As it turns out, almost every kind. Intrusive thoughts are one of the most common and least discussed parts of becoming a new mum, and author Lauren Novak wants that to change.

What Lauren Novak’s survey revealed

When Novak was researching her book Meltdown, about anger in motherhood, she ran an anonymous survey of more than 200 Australian mums she called the Angry Mums Club. The answers were frank. Almost two-thirds had screamed at their child, and half had imagined running away from their families on bad days.

One result stood out to her for the opposite reason. “I was a bit surprised to see that only one in five mums answered yes to the question of whether they’d had an intrusive thought about harming their child,” she says.

Why surprised? Because the research says the real number is far higher.

How common are intrusive thoughts after having a baby?

“Academic research has actually found that 100 per cent of new mums (yes, all of us) have intrusive thoughts about accidentally harming our baby (like imagining dropping an infant) and half of new mums have them about deliberate harm (like smacking a child),” Novak says.

So if only one in five mums in her survey said yes, even when they could answer anonymously, many more were likely having these thoughts without recognising them, or without feeling able to say so.

Why mums don’t talk about intrusive thoughts

The thoughts themselves are a big part of the silence. They tend to arrive as sudden, unwanted flashes: an image of the pram rolling onto the road, the bath water getting too deep, a moment of losing it at 3am. They feel shocking because they are so far from what you want.

“These vivid flashes of images or ideas are distressing and confusing, so we don’t talk about them,” Novak says. “But I wish more mums knew how common they are, and that having an intrusive thought doesn’t mean we agree with it, or would act on it.”

The fact that these thoughts upset you is a sign of how much you care. Many parents find that once they learn how common intrusive thoughts are, the thoughts lose some of their grip.

When to get support

For most new parents, intrusive thoughts come and go without needing treatment. It’s worth talking to your GP, child and family health nurse or a perinatal mental health service if:

• the thoughts are frequent, or you can’t shake them
• they make you avoid your baby or everyday tasks such as bathing or nappy changes
• you’re feeling persistently anxious, low, angry or not like yourself
• you’re worried you might act on a thought

Asking for help won’t get you into trouble. It’s what these services are there for, and you deserve support too.

Where to get help

• PANDA National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline: 1300 726 306 (Monday to Friday 9am–7.30pm; weekends and public holidays 9am–4pm, closed Christmas Day), panda.org.au
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24 hours)
• In an emergency, call 000.

The bigger conversation about motherhood

Novak’s book is about anger, but intrusive thoughts belong in the same conversation. Both are common and manageable, and both thrive in silence. Her message to mums is that these experiences don’t make you a bad parent. They’re a sign you’re carrying a lot, and it helps to talk about it.

Look out for more from Lauren Novak on mum rage and surviving the summer holidays in the December issue of KIDDO.

Meltdown by Lauren Novak (HarperCollins, RRP $34.99) is out now.

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They’ve got a menu made just for little foodies – think fun-sized and flavourful, packed with classic favourites that will have your little legends asking to come back again and again. Add all-day babycinos and colourful milkshakes to the mix, and there’s something for every tiny tastebud.

And it’s not just what’s on the menu. Table activities to keep little hands busy, highchairs, heaps of space for prams and a sensory-rich nature play space adjacent to outdoor seating – all so you can actually kick back and enjoy that hot beverage.

These spring school holidays, 1947 Coffee Co. is bringing even more fun with special activities for kids of all ages. Kiddos can get creative by making their own pizza, designing their own milkshake and decorating their own cupcake. Spots will fill fast, so visit 1947.coffee/kids to lock in.

For big kids, there’s hearty breakfasts, mouthwatering brunches and long lunches, all guaranteed to hit the spot. And don’t even get us started on the muffins of the day. These change daily, so there’s always something new to obsess over – available in both sweet and savoury options, packed with flavour and visually epic. Another reason to keep coming back.

Got a furry friend? Bring them along too. The café welcomes pets, making it a great spot for your entire family. Plenty of outdoor seating, water bowls, house-made dog biscuits and a puppucino – even your doggo will be begging to return.

Sustainability is at the heart of it all. The team has gone all out to ensure their environmental footprint is as small as possible. All takeaway packaging is commercially compostable, food waste is kept to a minimum with any scraps composted onsite (even the resident worms get a meal), and they use Fleurieu Milk on tap to cut down on single-use plastic. Their reusable keep-cup program is a win-win too, keeping your coffee cheaper and cutting down on waste.

Parking is a breeze here. There’s free onsite parking within Evergreen Community Precinct and ample street parking. Plus, if you’re driving an electric vehicle, there’s a fast-charging station in the car park for your convenience.

Head over to 1947 Coffee Co. and experience the perfect blend of great food, good vibes and a welcoming community. Your kiddos will love it (and so will you).

1947 Coffee Co.
Gordon Avenue, Clearview
1947.coffee | @1947.coffee

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The idea came during a morning at the foreshore with their newborn son, Layne. As the sun moved, so did everything else: the playmat, the pram, the dog, the coffees and the baby, until the family was squeezed into the last patch of shade left.

“With Trent working away and no family nearby, those little outings were how I stayed connected and confident as a new mum,” said Kasi. “But every trip started to revolve around the sun. During a feed I’d drape a muslin over us both and we’d end up hot and uncomfortable. Staying home began to feel easier, and it became incredibly isolating.”

“I looked at it all and said, surely there’s a portable shade that attaches to the pram so we can move it wherever we need,” said Trent. “We assumed someone had already made one. When we couldn’t find it anywhere in the world, we built it ourselves.”

Why portable shade matters

Cancer Council Australia recommends keeping babies under 12 months out of direct sunlight whenever the UV Index reaches 3 or above. But reliable shade is harder to hold than most parents realise. UV scatters and reflects, filtered light under trees still reaches delicate skin, and cloudy days are not UV free. For babies under six months, who are generally too young for sunscreen, shade is their main protection.

“We didn’t want parents chasing shade. We wanted shade to come with them,” said Kasi. “ShadyBaby is for that early stage, when sunscreen isn’t an option and shade is your baby’s best protection. That stage shouldn’t mean staying indoors.”

What you get

Almost 18 months in the making, ShadyBaby was researched, designed and engineered in Australia, with a provisional patent filed.

• UPF50+ canopy: lightweight ripstop nylon, rated excellent protection under Cancer Council guidance, and OEKO TEX® STANDARD 100 certified
• One-handed operation: pull tabs open and adjust the shade in seconds
• Pram friendly: magnetic collar mounts and ratchet straps fit most prams, with no permanent modification or damage
• Built to last: arms and pivot points made from Grivory, a high-performance reinforced polymer chosen for durability and safety
• Compact: folds into a slimline case (56cm x 12cm x 6.5cm) and opens to 150cm x 48cm of shade
• Colours: solid black and espresso

Pricing and availability

ShadyBaby launches on 29 November at shadybaby.com.au, RRP $179. Parents who join the presale list before then can secure theirs for $159. Replacement canopies are available for $49.

“Some of the best memories are made outside,” said Kasi. “Protecting your baby shouldn’t mean missing out on them.”

shadybaby.com.au

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Prize details

1 of 5 Family Admission Passes (2 adults, and up to 3 children) to 2026 Bay to Birdwood Finish Festival (RRP $86.50).

How to enter

Enter your details below for your chance to win.

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It’s a perfect school holiday outing for curious kids and nature-loving families.

Prize details

2 x tickets to the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Exhibition

Dates: 29 August 2026 – 14 February 2027

Times: Open daily from 10am – 5pm, closed Christmas Day

How to enter

Enter your details below for your chance to win.

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At peak times, each store’s Chi-E-O (that’s the team member whose job is literally to bring the energy) will host a lineup of classic games with prizes up for grabs. The headline acts are Chi-Pong and Karao-Chi.

Chi-Pong

Back by popular demand, Chi-Pong is Yo-Chi’s spin on ping pong. One Yo-Chi gets you one ticket and three shots at the table. Land two of your ping pong balls in the same coloured cup to win 50% off, 25% off or a mystery prize.

Karao-Chi

New this year, Karao-Chi means you can literally sing for your swirl. Step up to the mic solo and your Yo-Chi is free, or grab a friend for a duet and get 50% off. Time to dust off your best Taylor Swift impression.

Fun House limited-edition toppings

The toppings bar is getting a nostalgic overhaul to match, with a limited-edition lineup built for the occasion:

• Fairy Bread Slice
• SnackaChangi Vinegar and Salt Chips
• FUNDAY Yo-Chi Bear Sweets in Yuzu, Lychee and Peach
• Caramel Popcorn
• Choc-Dipped Yo-Chi Bears
• Yo-Chi Bear Mellows

House Party finale

Fun House builds to a one-night-only House Party on Saturday 11 October, taking over a single venue in every state. In Adelaide, that’s Tea Tree Plaza. Expect DJs and a $1,000 prize for both the Chi-Pong and Karao-Chi champions crowned on the night. Timings and details will be announced closer to the date on Yo-Chi’s social channels.

Oliver Allis, Yo-Chi Co-owner and Chief Brand Officer, said: “We wanted Fun House to feel like the party everyone’s invited to: party treats in a cup, games like Chi-Pong and Karao-Chi, and an excuse to make a bit of noise. House Party is that idea taken up a notch, one big night to close it all out. It’s also part of something bigger for us: we want our stores to be an actual hangout for younger people.”

Fun House runs at all Yo-Chi venues from Saturday 19 September to Sunday 11 October, with the House Party finale on the final day. No bookings required.

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Two exhibitions, one ticket deal

The SA Museum is currently showing Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year, now in its 23rd year. This prestigious contest showcases over 100 images of extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and natural moments captured by photographers from around the world. It’s one of Australia’s most respected nature photography competitions, and walking through the exhibition with kids is a brilliant way to spark conversations about Australian wildlife and the environment.

Over at the Adelaide Botanic Garden, Wildlife Photographer of the Year has returned for spring and summer. Now in its 61st year, this internationally renowned exhibition features exceptional photographs capturing fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. The images range from tiny insects to sweeping landscapes, giving families plenty to discover together.

What you need to know

The combined ticket deal makes visiting both exhibitions more affordable:

• Adults: $22
• Concession, seniors and students: $20
• Kids aged 12 and under: Free

The offer runs until Sunday 31 January 2027, so you have plenty of time to plan your visits. You don’t need to see both exhibitions on the same day, which is handy if you want to spread out the outings or have younger kids who might find two exhibitions in one day a bit much.

How to book

Tickets can be booked online. Simply select your preferred date and add the Nature & Wildlife Photographer exhibition ticket deal to your booking.

Both exhibitions are housed in climate-controlled indoor spaces, making them ideal outings regardless of the weather. They’re also a great option for a quieter, more contemplative activity if you’re looking for something different from the usual playground run.

Whether your kids are budding photographers, animal lovers or just enjoy looking at beautiful images, these exhibitions offer something genuinely special. And with free entry for children under 12, it’s an affordable way to introduce them to the wonders of the natural world.

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BIGGEST MOB Family Day is packed with free entertainment for the whole family. Alongside the headline act, you’ll find local teen DJ Angel on the decks, Adelaide’s own pop-R&B vocal trio OPULENCE, workshops, face painting, food trucks, a yarning circle, sensory space and more.

About Mulga Bore Hard Rock

Inspired by classic hard rock acts including KISS, Mulga Bore Hard Rock are a six-piece family band from Akaye (Mulga Bore) in the Northern Territory. They perform original songs and opened for KISS on their Australian tour in 2022.

What’s on at BIGGEST MOB Family Day

• Live music from Mulga Bore Hard Rock, DJ Angel and OPULENCE
• Yarning Circle where community members can share experiences, perspectives and ideas
• Next Gen Mob Market featuring handmade goods from local First Nations artists
• Sensory Space provided by Autism SA
• Workshops and face painting
• Food trucks

First Nations Programming Executive Celia Coulthard said OUR MOB is deeply valued and keenly anticipated each year by artists, community and the wider arts sector.

“We have been delighted to celebrate our 20th anniversary with the biggest year yet, culminating in a free concert from rock legends Mulga Bore Hard Rock at BIGGEST MOB Family Day this weekend,” she said.

Adelaide Festival Centre CEO Kate Gould said hundreds of contemporary First Nations artists from across South Australia have taken part in OUR MOB over the past 20 years.

“We are proud to mark the significance of this 20th anniversary with BIGGEST MOB and welcome everyone to our venues this weekend for a huge day of free family fun,” she said.

Don’t miss the exhibitions

While you’re there, catch the BIGGEST MOB exhibitions before they close:

• Connected by Wilay Designs in Artspace (until 4 October)
• As Long As We Weave by Carly Tarkari Dodd in the Adelaide Railway Station Historic Phone Booths (until 4 October)
• defi-Nations poetry exhibition in The Galleries, Festival Theatre (until 4 October)
• UV Songlines: Illuminating Young Stories in the Ian and Pamela Wall Gallery (until 8 November)

UV Songlines shines a light on the stories and personal lived experiences of seven of South Australia’s next generation of First Nations artists.

OUR MOB is on display until 4 October, with some artworks still available for sale.

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The new location will bring the brand’s signature churros, crepes, cakes and artisan gelato to the north, alongside coffee, and pastries.

A fresh direction

St Louis is currently rolling out a complete visual refresh, and the Palms location will be among the first to showcase the brand’s new direction. A reimagined logo, updated colour palette and cleaner, more contemporary aesthetic mark a deliberate step away from the indulgent Parisian dessert bar feel that originally defined the brand.

The fit-out is currently in development with an interior designer, with the team describing the vision as clean, funky and distinctly contemporary. While the original St Louis aesthetic leaned heavily into French indulgence, the brand has grown well beyond that concept, and the new look reflects where it has landed.

The menu stays indulgent

Worried that a sleeker look might mean a more restrained menu? Don’t be. The offering at The Palms will remain firmly focused on indulgence.

Expect the churros, crepes and gelato that made the brand’s name, alongside South Australian-made cakes and pastries. The all-day format means you might find yourself dropping in for morning coffee, returning for an afternoon treat, and somehow ending up back again after dinner.

St Louis has always understood that a good dessert bar should feel like a destination rather than an afterthought, and the Palms location will operate from morning through to late night, giving northern suburbs locals their own place to satisfy a craving whenever it strikes.

Growing across Adelaide

Locals have been quick to welcome the news. It marks another step in St Louis’ expansion across Adelaide, and for those in the north who have previously had to travel for their churros fix, the new store brings the brand considerably closer to home.

St Louis has built its reputation on doing dessert properly. Rich, unashamedly indulgent and executed with care. The Palms location will give a new audience the chance to discover what the fuss is about, wrapped in the brand’s fresh new look.

The details

St Louis at The Palms Shopping Village

Set to open late November 2026.

For updates, follow @stlouisaustralia

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Whether your little ones are into art, stories, nature or just love following clues, there’s something here to spark their imagination. And with activities ranging from free to $15, it’s a great way to fill a morning or afternoon without breaking the budget.

Workshops for creative kids

The Sugarcane Kids workshop with Charlie Archbold

Monday 28 September, 10am to 11am
Jervois Room, North Tce side of the Mortlock Chamber
$5 per person

Get hands-on with The Sugarcane Kids in this fun workshop exploring the story behind sugarcane through making and doing. A great one for curious kids who love to learn by creating.

Create your own 3D Tunnel Book with Georgina Chadderton

Thursday 1 October, 10am to 12pm
Jervois Room, Mortlock Wing
$10 per person

Take a story off the page and into three dimensions. Artist Georgina Chadderton will guide kids through cutting, folding and layering paper to create their very own tunnel book that comes alive.

Start Art Book Club with Helen Lawry

Sunday 4 October, 12pm to 1pm
Meet at the Art Gallery of South Australia
Ages 8 to 13

This one kicks off at the Art Gallery of South Australia, where kids will explore artworks connected to the featured story, Saskia Spark-Lee: Fundraiser Fail. Then it’s over to the State Library for writing and art-making activities inspired by what they’ve discovered.

Little Library joins the Nature Festival

The Little Library is getting in on the Nature Festival action with a season of seed-filled fun designed especially for little people and their grown-ups.

Create your own pop-up garden with Studio Ruby Chew

Thursday 8 and Friday 9 October, 11.30am to 12.30pm
Little Library, Spence Wing
$15 per person

Turn imagination into a garden. Kids will get crafty with nature-inspired ideas and create their very own pop-up garden to take home.

Magical Seeds with Studio Ruby Chew

Thursday 8 and Friday 9 October, 1pm to 2pm
Little Library, Spence Wing
$15 per person

What if a tiny seed could grow into something magical? In this creative workshop, kids will explore seeds, stories and making as they create their own magical world.

Free activities for families

Discovery Trail

Turn your visit to the State Library into an adventure with the Discovery Trail, a free, self-guided activity for kids and families. Pick up the trail at the Welcome Desk in the glass foyer and follow the clues to discover fascinating spaces, curious objects and surprising stories hiding in plain sight.

Pull Pop Push: Revealing the magic of pop-up books

While you’re there, don’t miss this exhibition celebrating the wonderful world of pop-up books.

Seedling Exchange with the City of Adelaide Library

The City of Adelaide Library is inviting little ones to be part of the Seedling Exchange, a living art installation growing throughout Nature Festival. Plant a native seed, give it a drink, and watch your little seedling become part of Adelaide’s future. The City of Adelaide will nurture the seedlings and plant them across the city.

More at the City of Adelaide Library

Located in the Spence Wing, the City of Adelaide Library has even more on offer these school holidays:

• Family story time
• Lego club
• Digital embroidery
• Youth drop-in
• Embroiders assemble
• Special bilingual storytime

Bookings are essential for most workshops, so jump online and secure your spot before they fill up. Head to the State Library website for full details and to book.

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