Close Menu
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Thursday, August 28
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Peninsula Kids
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
Peninsula Kids
Home»Spotlight»Why Stepparents Need More Parenting Rights To Care For Children
Spotlight

Why Stepparents Need More Parenting Rights To Care For Children

5 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

By Associate Professor Luara Ferracioli

A new research paper published in the Journal of Social Philosophy advocates for greater social and legal recognition of stepparent-stepchild relationships, arguing they can hold the same significance as a child’s relationship with their biological or adoptive parents.

Social scripts tell us that stepparents are not real parents, even if they do all the things a biological parent would do. As a result, stepparents are often overlooked in both social and legal contexts, leaving them and the children they care for in vulnerable positions if the romantic relationship with the biological or adoptive parent ends.

Stepparents play a valuable role in children’s lives

Although many stepparents are active partners in creating the loving conditions for a stepchild to succeed, from providing care and support to taking on the financial costs of education and healthcare, they are seldom afforded the same social status as biological or adoptive parents.

Social norms constantly tell us that stepparent families are less conducive to children flourishing, whether that’s because of the view that the family is broken, or the widespread misconception that a stepparent-stepchild relationship can fracture the child’s relationship with their biological parents.

The stepparent is then one of the people preparing children’s breakfast in the morning, checking that they have done their homework, taking them to a playground or for a family walk, or just being there to listen and comfort them. The stepparent is also making sure their stepchildren can access whatever health care they may need, or that they are receiving the moral education necessary to function later in life.

Our stepdad is like our second dad; he’s been in our lives almost our entire life, and I consider him my dad. Both my dad and him, they’re both my dads

The stepparent then typically cares, educates, and makes sacrifices for his or her or their stepchild. And, depending on the relationship, the stepparent may also make important decisions (in conjunction with the other parents) about the receipt of medical treatment, the type of schooling, engagement with high-risk leisure activities, and so on and so forth. One child summarizes the status of her stepparent well: “Our stepdad is like our second dad; he’s been in our lives almost our entire life, and I consider him my dad. Both my dad and him, they’re both my dads”.

The stepparent-stepchild relationship is often seen as secondary to the partnership between the stepparent and biological parent. Consequently, it’s socially accepted that the bond will end if the romantic relationship dissolves. This oversight can result in significant trauma for a child. For many children, the end of a stepparent-stepchild relationship can be a significant source of pain, grief, and trauma. Psychology experts and testimonials from stepparent-stepchild families tell us that it’s not only children, but stepparents too who suffer devastation from being prevented from continuing a relationship with their stepchild.

Acknowledging the evidence that confirms stepparents play a valuable role in children’s lives is the first step to resolving the unfair and unvalidated prejudice towards stepparenting.

Moral parenthood

In Australia, legal protections for the stepparent-stepchild relationship can be ambiguous unless adoption takes place. This potentially makes it difficult for the stepparent-stepchild relationship to survive if the romantic relationship breaks up or the biological parent passes away.

When a stepparent-stepchild relationship holds moral parity with a biological relationship, it can be argued that stepparents are moral parents and should be granted the same legal rights and pathways as a biological parent when it comes to being considered for shared custody.

A moral parent understands that the parent-child relationship is valuable, and that it enriches their life significantly. Unlike someone who merely performs parental duties out of obligation to a partner, a moral parent actively participates in the child’s life, making sacrifices and taking on responsibilities to advance the child’s interests. This dedication and authority in the child’s life reflects a deep, independent bond that doesn’t waver with the end of the romantic relationship.

Is having more than two parents such a bad thing?

Reframing how we view stepparent-child relationships and accepting the concept of multiple moral parents can lead to more supportive legal frameworks for children. Society’s conception of parenthood needs to evolve to include stepparents as moral parents. Then, courts and legal frameworks will be in a better position to consider the best interests of children by maintaining their relationships with all moral parents, moving beyond outdated biases against stepparents.

It is true that even when existing parents act responsibly, children might have several stepparents in their lives, and some of the romantic relationships between existing parents and stepparents might end after the threshold that leads to moral parenthood has been crossed, leaving the child with a few additional moral parents than they would have had if the biological or adoptive parent showed more constraint in the pursuit of love.

But why bemoan this fact? If children end up with (say) five adults who care deeply about them, and are in the business of creating the conditions for their lives to go well, why should we be troubled? In the same way that an adult can have (say) five children and be a wonderful parent to all of them, children can have five parents and have a strong bond with each one of them. Once we stop seeing children as the property of their parents and start seeing them as beings with equal and independent moral status, we will be less troubled by the prospect of multiple moral parents, and children can receive the stability and care they need to thrive. We might even come to realise that multiple parents are the ideal, not the dysfunctional model it has been positioned to be.


Luara Ferracioli is an Associate Professor and political philosopher at the University of Sydney.
References: (Coleman et al. 2015, 784)

As published in Peninsula Kids – Autumn 2025

Step parent Step parenting
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Comments are closed.

Calendar
Today
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
28
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
29
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
30
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
31
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
1
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
2
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
3
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
4
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
5
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
6
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
10:30 AM - MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
12:30 PM - MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
7
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
8
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
9
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
10
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
11
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
12
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
13
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
14
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
15
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
11:00 AM - Future Council Q&A with Damon Gameau & Special Guests
6:15 PM - Future Council Q&A with Damon Gameau & Special Guests
16
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
17
9:00 AM - Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
18
19
4:00 PM - Sk8house Sensory Sessions
20
21
22
23
7:15 PM - AFLW - Hawthorn v Carlton
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
6:00 PM - Under The Sea Roller Disco at Sk8house
31
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
July 28, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
July 29, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
July 30, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
July 31, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 1, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 2, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 3, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 4, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 5, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 6, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
August 6, 2025    
10:30 am - 11:15 am
McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery
  • Workshop/Class
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Jams for Juniors comes to McClelland. Join Karen Kyriakou and MSO musicians for joyful music-making with little ones aged 0–5. Two fun-filled [...]
More Info
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
August 6, 2025    
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm
McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery
  • Workshop/Class
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Jams for Juniors comes to McClelland. Join Karen Kyriakou and MSO musicians for joyful music-making with little ones aged 0–5. Two fun-filled [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 7, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 8, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 9, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 10, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 11, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 12, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 13, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 14, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 15, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Future Council Q&A with Damon Gameau & Special Guests
15 Aug
August 15, 2025    
11:00 am - 1:45 pm
Rosebud Peninsula Cinema
  • Other
Join us for an exclusive Q&A Tour School Screening of Future Council with Damon Gameau & Special Guests Future Council  - It's time to get [...]
More Info
Future Council Q&A with Damon Gameau & Special Guests
Future Council Q&A with Damon Gameau & Special Guests
August 15, 2025    
6:15 pm - 8:00 pm
Rosebud Peninsula Cinema
  • Other
Join us for an exclusive Q&A Tour Screening of Future Council with Damon Gameau & Special Guests Future Council  -It's time to get on board!  [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 16, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
August 17, 2025    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Family Activity
  • School Holidays
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is bringing the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to life through engaging marine education activities. This collaboration kicks off [...]
More Info
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
August 19, 2025    
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Workshop/Class
The Sk8house Sensory Sessions aim to be a calm, welcoming space for skaters of all abilities to roll their way — with reduced noise, gentle [...]
More Info
AFLW - Hawthorn v Carlton
AFLW - Hawthorn v Carlton
August 23, 2025    
7:15 pm - 9:00 pm
Kinetic Stadium Frankston
  • Family Activity
  • Free for kids
  • Other
Get ready for a blockbuster start to the Hawthorn AFLW season in Frankston! Under the lights, the Hawks take on Carlton in a Saturday night [...]
More Info
Under The Sea Roller Disco at Sk8house
Under The Sea Roller Disco at Sk8house
August 30, 2025    
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
Something fin-tastic is rolling your way... Our Sk8house crew have voted – and it's been decided that for our next event we’re diving deep into [...]
More Info
Events on July 28, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
28 Jul 25
Melbourne
Events on July 29, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
29 Jul 25
Melbourne
Events on July 30, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
30 Jul 25
Melbourne
Events on July 31, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
31 Jul 25
Melbourne
Events on August 1, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
1 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 2, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
2 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 3, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
3 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 4, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
4 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 5, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
5 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 6, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
6 Aug 25
Melbourne
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
6 Aug 25
Langwarrin
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
MSO presents Jams for Juniors at McClelland
6 Aug 25
Langwarrin
Events on August 7, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
7 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 8, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
8 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 9, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
9 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 10, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
10 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 11, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
11 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 12, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
12 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 13, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
13 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 14, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
14 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 15, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
15 Aug 25
Melbourne
15 Aug
Future Council Q&A with Damon Gameau & Special Guests
15 Aug 25
Rosebud
Future Council Q&A with Damon Gameau & Special Guests
Future Council Q&A with Damon Gameau & Special Guests
15 Aug 25
Rosebud
Events on August 16, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
16 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 17, 2025
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
Dive into Immersive Adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Melbourne!
17 Aug 25
Melbourne
Events on August 19, 2025
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
19 Aug 25
Carrum Downs
Events on August 23, 2025
AFLW - Hawthorn v Carlton
AFLW - Hawthorn v Carlton
23 Aug 25
Frankston
Events on August 30, 2025
Under The Sea Roller Disco at Sk8house
Under The Sea Roller Disco at Sk8house
30 Aug 25
Carrum Downs
Visit Our Advertisers
ABOUT

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

MPNG also publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Instagram
The countdown is on, school holidays are just around the corner and Acro Kids is the place to be! 22nd September – 3rd October in Mornington and Braeside. 
Reinvented full day programs designed for beginners to advanced skills, kids will learn wicked acro and parkour tricks and make heaps of new friends. 
Don’t miss out on the fun (and some time to yourself) book now to avoid disappointment – https://www.acrokids.com.au/school-holiday-program/

@acrokidsau #schoolholidays #springschoolholidays
•
Follow
The countdown is on, school holidays are just around the corner and Acro Kids is the place to be! 22nd September – 3rd October in Mornington and Braeside. Reinvented full day programs designed for beginners to advanced skills, kids will learn wicked acro and parkour tricks and make heaps of new friends. Don’t miss out on the fun (and some time to yourself) book now to avoid disappointment – https://www.acrokids.com.au/school-holiday-program/ @acrokidsau #schoolholidays #springschoolholidays
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
FREE Father’s Day printable questionnaire. Just download form and print!

https://peninsulakids.com.au/wp-admin/post.php?post=17344&action=edit

#fathersday #questionnaire #aboutmydad
•
Follow
FREE Father’s Day printable questionnaire. Just download form and print! https://peninsulakids.com.au/wp-admin/post.php?post=17344&action=edit #fathersday #questionnaire #aboutmydad
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Have you entered our Things We Love winter competitions?
We're choosing winners Monday, so hurry up!

ENTER HERE: https://peninsulakids.com.au/winter-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
•
Follow
Have you entered our Things We Love winter competitions? We're choosing winners Monday, so hurry up! ENTER HERE: https://peninsulakids.com.au/winter-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
The Hawks are back in Frankston this weekend!

Get your tickets here:

https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/hawthorn-v-carlton-2025-nab-aflw-season-10-frankston-23-08-2025/event/130062D7A58C195D

Please Note
Junior Policy:
Children aged 0-17 as at 1 January 2025 are entitled to enter the ground at no charge; however, they must hold a valid ticket for entry.
Persons aged 18 and over as at 1 January 2025 are classified as an adult.

@hawthornaflw Hawthorn FC AFLW 
#aflw #kineticstadium #frankston
•
Follow
The Hawks are back in Frankston this weekend! Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/hawthorn-v-carlton-2025-nab-aflw-season-10-frankston-23-08-2025/event/130062D7A58C195D Please Note Junior Policy: Children aged 0-17 as at 1 January 2025 are entitled to enter the ground at no charge; however, they must hold a valid ticket for entry. Persons aged 18 and over as at 1 January 2025 are classified as an adult. @hawthornaflw Hawthorn FC AFLW #aflw #kineticstadium #frankston
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Robots and magic and slapstick… oh my!

Following appearances on Sesame Street, Universal Kids, and on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Mario the Maker Magician heads to Frankston next school holidays.

Contagiously upbeat and full of heart, the ever-endearing Mario leads you through a romping explosion of energy and belly laughs punctuated with moments of heart and emotion that will catch you by surprise. Not "just a kids show", this is an all-ages theatre experience!

Prepare for a world of vaudeville and magic, cardboard and robots, science and innovation, instilling a positive message that will last in the minds and hearts of all audiences.

“The best kids’ magician in the world!!”- David Blaine
"Magic with a soupçon of science." - The New York Times
"Instant and infectious chaos in the best possible way" - One4Review

MARIO THE MAKER MAGICIAN
Frankston Arts Centre
Tuesday 23 September, 2pm
Tuesday 23 September, 6pm
Wednesday 24 September, 10.30am (Relaxed Performance)
Wednesday 24 September, 1.30pm
Tickets: $20 (Family of 4: $75)

Book at thefac.com.au or call 03 9784 1060

Frankston Arts Centre @the_fac 
#frankstonartscentre #magic #familyshows #thingstodowithkids
•
Follow
Robots and magic and slapstick… oh my! Following appearances on Sesame Street, Universal Kids, and on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Mario the Maker Magician heads to Frankston next school holidays. Contagiously upbeat and full of heart, the ever-endearing Mario leads you through a romping explosion of energy and belly laughs punctuated with moments of heart and emotion that will catch you by surprise. Not "just a kids show", this is an all-ages theatre experience! Prepare for a world of vaudeville and magic, cardboard and robots, science and innovation, instilling a positive message that will last in the minds and hearts of all audiences. “The best kids’ magician in the world!!”- David Blaine "Magic with a soupçon of science." - The New York Times "Instant and infectious chaos in the best possible way" - One4Review MARIO THE MAKER MAGICIAN Frankston Arts Centre Tuesday 23 September, 2pm Tuesday 23 September, 6pm Wednesday 24 September, 10.30am (Relaxed Performance) Wednesday 24 September, 1.30pm Tickets: $20 (Family of 4: $75) Book at thefac.com.au or call 03 9784 1060 Frankston Arts Centre @the_fac #frankstonartscentre #magic #familyshows #thingstodowithkids
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Chasing Change, in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire, are holding our annual Walk for Suicide Prevention on Sunday the 14th of September. We hope that you can join us to gather, connect and remember our loved ones lost to suicide. You can find more details, including a link to register the name of a loved one for our memorial roll call, on their event page.

https://www.facebook.com/share/16wCzifSWR/

@chasingchangeau Chasing Change - Suicide Prevention Network
•
Follow
Chasing Change, in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire, are holding our annual Walk for Suicide Prevention on Sunday the 14th of September. We hope that you can join us to gather, connect and remember our loved ones lost to suicide. You can find more details, including a link to register the name of a loved one for our memorial roll call, on their event page. https://www.facebook.com/share/16wCzifSWR/ @chasingchangeau Chasing Change - Suicide Prevention Network
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
No rest for the weary! 📚🥹
#bookweek
•
Follow
No rest for the weary! 📚🥹 #bookweek
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Mid Winter Sale
Men's Womens, Children, School Shoes
20% off any purchase*
Hurry offer ends 31/8/25
The Largest Shoe Store on the Peninsula
Bayside Shoes
103 Railway Parade, Seaford
Ph 9785 1887
https://baysideshoewarehouse.com.au/

*excludes already marked down items & new arrivals. Instore only.

@bayside_shoe_warehouse 
#midwintersale
•
Follow
Mid Winter Sale Men's Womens, Children, School Shoes 20% off any purchase* Hurry offer ends 31/8/25 The Largest Shoe Store on the Peninsula Bayside Shoes 103 Railway Parade, Seaford Ph 9785 1887 https://baysideshoewarehouse.com.au/ *excludes already marked down items & new arrivals. Instore only. @bayside_shoe_warehouse #midwintersale
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
🚌🌱 Future Council is the new film from Director Damon Gameau - and it’s screening around Australia from late July. First up - a special tour with live Q&A panels and guest performances. 🎟️ Tickets for the tour are on sale now! 🎬Future Council will then be released in more cinemas from August 7 with a global tour to follow! 🌱
@regenerators @future__council @madmanfilms Madman Films 
#futurecouncil
•
Follow
🚌🌱 Future Council is the new film from Director Damon Gameau - and it’s screening around Australia from late July. First up - a special tour with live Q&A panels and guest performances. 🎟️ Tickets for the tour are on sale now! 🎬Future Council will then be released in more cinemas from August 7 with a global tour to follow! 🌱 @regenerators @future__council @madmanfilms Madman Films #futurecouncil
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay In The Know

Sign up to our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on events and things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.