What is NoSchoolToday.com.au?

People without children often assume that children are at school every day. It's as though they are put in a drawer until evening and won't disrupt the daily activities of the adult world.

Maybe it's like that for some parents, but for others life is not that simple. They have to juggle their own work, study and other commitments with school holidays, pupil-free days, days when children are sick and days when children simply don't want to go to school. That's not to mention school functions, parent-teacher interviews and last minute emergencies like lost sports uniforms, overdue homework and needing something for show and tell. And after all that, parents are still the ones primarily responsible for children's overall education.

Parents who opt to home-school, grandparents and other caregivers still have many of the same issues - especially finding ideas and resources to extend or amuse children.

This website is intended as a resource and refuge. It's a place to find ideas and assistance, and also recognition of the constant stresses you are under as you try to combine your multiple roles and responsibilities. It's a refuge because we know that, however well you look after your children, there will always be someone who tells you that you aren't doing it properly.

This site shares a forum with 0to5.com.au which is aimed at the pre-school years. Please use the forum if you wish to comment or discuss any of the issues raised on this site.

• Arts and crafts are more than a fun and educational way of keeping amused. They encourage us to think of ourselves as producers rather than just consumers. For some it becomes a way of life, or even a profession.