Maggie Hamilton

Author, Education Consultant, Personal Development, Social Commentator

Writer and social researcher Maggie Hamilton gives frequent talks and lectures; is a regular media commentator and a keen observer of social trends. She has held a number of senior roles in publishing and at the ABC. Her professional memberships have included serving on the Executive of the Sydney Peace Foundation.

Maggie enjoys sharing her research in a lively and engaging way with community groups, and at numerous conferences across Australia and New Zealand.

Her books, have been published in over a dozen countries worldwide, and 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 examines the 21st century issues boys and girls face; and now When We Become Strangers; How Loneliness Leaks Into Our Lives and What We Can Do About It. www.maggiehamilton.org

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.

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