This report covers a variety of aspects of the ways in which Australian children’s experiences and environments affect their prospects and progress, from birth to 11 years old. The content of this work casts light on the following aspects of family functioning: fathers’ involvement in the lives of their children after separation, care of children during school holidays and children’s perceptions of parental employment. 

Children’s health behaviour is addressed in chapters on children’s eating habits and their dissatisfaction with body image and related consequences. The report also investigates several aspects of children’s development, including academic engagement, social and emotional wellbeing, and temperament. How children spend their time and parental concerns about neighbourhood environment and safety are also discussed.