New year, new resolutions. It is that time once again. A recent survey shows that almost 58% of the UK population intended to make a new year’s resolution in 2023, which is approximately 30 million adults. More than a quarter of these resolutions will be about making more money, personal improvement and losing weight. But will we succeed? Sadly, […] … learn more→
Blog Archives
New year resolutions: why your brain isn’t wired to stick to them – and what to do instead
Your style of social media use may be connected to your wellbeing
Are you a doom scroller or a frequent Tweeter? Do you pass the time by flicking endlessly through others’ posts on social networking sites, or perhaps you use these platforms to share your own content? Psychologists believe our style of social media usage has important effects on our psychological wellbeing, but we’ve struggled to measure people’s online […] … learn more→
Better sleep for kids starts with better sleep for parents – especially after holiday disruptions to routines
Everyone knows that sleep is critical for growing children and their mental and physical health. Regular, high-quality sleep habits help children consolidate memory and learn better. A lack of sleep contributes to childhood depression, anxiety and even risk of suicide, along with physical health problems, including risk of injury. The challenge is making sure kids log those valuable zzz’s. There are three […] … learn more→
Adults ‘hunting’ for minors on the internet: four basic rules to avoid falling into the trap
Any boy, girl or young person with a smartphone in hand has the possibility of receiving and exchanging messages with any unknown person anywhere in the world. Relationship, information and communication technologies allow new forms of communication and interaction for minors, but also the appearance and increase of new forms of abuse . Online sexual requests and interactions […] … learn more→
What makes kids want to drop out of sport, and how should parents respond?
The new year often means a new season of kids’ sports. Many families may be pondering whether to commit to another season or discovering their child is now saying they’d like to quit their usual sport. My husband and I faced this dilemma last year when our nine-year-old wanted to quit Nippers (junior surf lifesaving). […] … learn more→
Melodramatic potboilers, worthy classics and DIY escapism: a brief history of the beach read
“Like most people I read a book or two on holiday,” says Stuart, a character in Julian Barnes’ 1991 novel Talking it Over. He does not have time for recreational reading; it must wait until he is at leisure. His best friend, the erudite but erratically employed Oliver, derides this attitude. To Oliver, a summer reader […] … learn more→
‘I had it first!’ 4 steps to help children solve their own arguments
All children argue. And while this can be tedious for parents and carers, it’s not necessarily a problem. Conflict can help develop social skills, including learning to negotiate, and accommodate the needs of others. But if the conflict is physical, if there is any distress, or if children are stuck in a loop of unproductive complaints […] … learn more→
Holiday burnout: why it happens – and three research-proven ways to help you recover
Although Christmas only lasts a few days each year, many of us spend months planning for it. But as enjoyable as all the parties and festivities might be, many people find they feel a bit burnt-out once the holidays have come and gone. This feeling has even been termed “festive burnout” or “holiday burnout”. Here’s […] … learn more→
How to educate your children against hate? Lessons from Spinoza
“So many worn hands, So many chains. So many broken teeth, So much hatred. Raymond Queneau, sung by Guy Béart, seems to have identified the sad face of our time. So much so that the head of state thought he had to forcefully call for the erection of “bulwarks” against hatred . Couldn’t education, shouldn’t it, constitute the first of these […] … learn more→
What should a first-time renter look out for when renting an apartment?
Your first apartment is always memorable, and a first apartment is an exciting event. Maybe you are moving out of your parent’s house or a dorm; having your place is fun and exciting. No matter how big or small, it will be your place and your rules. Just like blackjack real money, the whole thought, in […] … learn more→