Maggie Hamilton

Personal Development, Education Consultant, Social Commentator, Author

Author and researcher Maggie Hamilton writes books and for magazines; gives frequent talks and lectures; is a regular media commentator and a keen observer of social trends. Her many books, which have been published in Australia, New Zealand, Holland, Italy, China, Lithuania, Korea, the Arab States and Brazil, include What Men Don’t Talk About, which examines the lives of real men and boys; What’s Happening to Our Girls? and What’s Happening to Our Boys?  which take a close look at the 21st century issues boys and girls face, and offer practical, workable solutions to these challenges; and Secret Girls' Business a fun funky empowering gift book for teen girls.

Where were you born?

I was born in the North of England, and sent my early years in the country living an idyllic life in nature. My family, including the family dog, moved to New Zealand when I was ten, where I lived by the area in a close-knit community, which included a healthy sprinkling of artists, writers and eccentrics. After uni I went off to London, then came to live in Sydney in the early eighties, working in publishing and writing.

What themes are recurring in your work?

I’m fascinated by people’s lives and big issues – what makes us tick, what are the big questions and where are the solutions? How do we create a better future? And what can bring us unstuck?

What are your five basic Dos and Don'ts to raising girls and boys right now?

1. Don’t try to be your child’s best friend. It’s not cool, it’s tragic.
2. Give your kids boundaries. Be clear about consequences. Don’t forget to praise them when they get things right.
3. Take an interest in tween and teen culture. Be positive about the good bits, and informed about the dubious bits
4. Get clear about your own values – your need to shop, your anxieties around possessions and body image, because they rub off.
5. Be an interesting family to belong to – plan a camping weekend, get involved in family community events, have a garage sale for charity where the whole family’s involved.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

When I get the chance I love to get out in the desert – one of my favourite locations on earth – here in Australia, in America and in the United Arab Emirates. There’s no room for in-authenticity in these great spaces. What’s unimportant soon slips away, leaving you wiser, clearer, more at peace.