More mums are choosing to become their own boss and look after their children at the same time. But does ‘motherism’ – the prejudice that paints ‘non-working’ mums as unsexy slobs – really motivate women to go back to work just to remove the ‘stay-at-home’ label?

Many fear that helicopter parenting leads to a mollycoddled, risk-averse generation that lacks real socialisation – hindering their creativity, success and happiness. But how are parental roles changing? And what can be done to take back control?

“The most popular debate in China today,” writes columnist Kelly Yang, “is whether you're ‘dad enough’.” But what turned a reality TV show featuring cute kids and their hapless caretakers into such a hot topic in the world’s most populous country?

A nice, full bath, followed by a quick trim and blow-dry sounds like a relaxing afternoon. Your dog thinks so too, according to Pets at Home. It's providing grooming services, veterinary appointments and premium pet food all under one roof. And rapidly rising profits suggest it's onto something.

New mums are older than they’ve ever been. They’re also better off. With the 2.4 kids standard fading, are today’s babies being born into a lap of luxury where only the best will do? If so, how can brands align with this quality-not-quantity approach to family life?

The role of dad has changed from breadwinning head of the family to friend, protector, role model, teacher, and carer, and there's now a record number of single dads. But while 75% of dads are responsible for their kids’ well-being, why do only 20% see that reflected in media?

Some might believe that retirement for women in the UK means endless book groups, lunches out and a yearly cruise. But as women live longer than ever before, what does the future hold for these baby boomers who may have to fund more than three decades of being out of work?

By 2020, Japan's prime minister Shinzō Abe wants women to fill 30% of the nation's senior management roles. Yet despite efforts to get women into work, a growing number are targeting domestic bliss. Are dreams of a family funded by a high-earning husband anything more than a fairytale?