Child

Irish families have changed — it’s a shame the constitution won’t be amended to reflect that

Retrieved on: 
Mercredi, mars 13, 2024

Voters also rejected a second referendum on changing wording about a woman’s “duties in the home”.

Key Points: 
  • Voters also rejected a second referendum on changing wording about a woman’s “duties in the home”.
  • The change would have reflected the diversity of families in contemporary Ireland, and granted equal constitutional rights to single parents.
  • By 2022, the last Irish census, 45% of all family units were defined as a married couple with children.
  • But my research shows that marriage itself isn’t, on its own, necessarily the most important factor for family or child wellbeing.

Marriage isn’t everything

  • I’m a sociologist who studies family life, marriage and relationships.
  • My analysis of this data, with colleagues, shows that marriage isn’t the most important factor in determining whether children thrive.
  • One-parent families were largely lone mother families with 9% defined as “never married” lone mothers and 8% as “previously married”.
  • The children born to never married mothers tend on average to weigh less than those born to married mothers.
  • Families differ for many reasons besides marriage.
  • In other words, we estimated that most of the difference was due to the socioeconomic resources available to families, rather than to marriage itself.


Carmel Hannan receives funding from the Family Support Agency administered
through the Irish Research Council

Fire represents power and control for an Indigneous teenager who lacks both, in Melanie Saward’s compassionate debut novel

Retrieved on: 
Mercredi, mars 13, 2024

“From the moment I got here, I’ve wanted to set the whole of Brisbane on fire,” reflects Andrew, the protagonist of Melanie Saward’s debut novel.

Key Points: 
  • “From the moment I got here, I’ve wanted to set the whole of Brisbane on fire,” reflects Andrew, the protagonist of Melanie Saward’s debut novel.
  • Saward, a Bigambul and Wakka Wakka author, moved to Bracken Ridge in the northern suburbs of Brisbane as a teenager, after growing up in Tasmania.
  • Fire is symbolic: it’s power and control for Andrew, who has precious little control over his life.

Reading as ‘invited guests’

  • Writes Leane:
    Presencing means the recognition that First Nations works are happening in the same ‘now’ as the settler reader.
  • Presencing means the recognition that First Nations works are happening in the same ‘now’ as the settler reader.
  • While my own experience was very different, I recognise the way poverty and deprivation press up against natural beauty in Saward’s novel.
  • As an adult living in Melbourne, I became gradually aware of the economic gap between the mainland and Tasmania.
  • They were reasons I left the state when I was old enough to do so.
  • Despite living in Melbourne for nearly 30 years, I still feel the thread Saward writes about, connecting me to Tasmania.
  • Burn, however, generates a type of “presencing” that allows you to see complexity in the way the past manifests in the present.

Inside family trauma

  • “We don’t know how deep it is,” he said the first time I started wading in for a paddle.
  • If a nice, warm, nearly nine-year-old boy gets in, they might think you’re their dinner.” The tidal pool becomes a recurring image for trauma.
  • We see inside family trauma, how the dynamics are self-perpetuating.
  • We also bear witness to the role institutions play in exacerbating trauma associated with colonialism, such as ongoing disconnection from culture.

Crossover appeal


Burn has obvious crossover appeal for teen and adult audiences, with a strong adolescent protagonist driving the story. So it interests me that this novel has been published as adult fiction. In fact as a young adult author and once-upon-a-time editor of books for teenagers, I puzzled over the decision.

  • When teaching young adult fiction to creative writing and publishing classes, I often ask Dr Lili Wilkinson’s four powerful plotting questions: What does your character want?
  • In this novel, there is nothing Andrew alone can do to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma.
  • The only answer posed to the question, “What does Andrew need to do?” is: light fires.
  • Andrew lights fires which destroy, but Andrew’s fires also offer regeneration and renewal.

‘Who’s your mob?’

  • In Tasmania, Sarah and Andrew try and fail to imagine new futures for themselves, to generate a fantasy of who they might be.
  • New love interest, Tess, makes clumsy attempts to connect with Andrew, and he in turn tries hard not hurt her.
  • This question cuts to the heart of what it means to belong: to family, to Country, to culture and to your own story.


Penni Russon does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Where’s Kate? Speculation about the ‘missing’ princess is proof the Palace’s media playbook needs a re-write

Retrieved on: 
Mercredi, mars 13, 2024

Social media have been awash with speculation about Catherine’s health and whereabouts.

Key Points: 
  • Social media have been awash with speculation about Catherine’s health and whereabouts.
  • As scrutiny reaches a fever pitch, we ask: why is the Palace’s typical media playbook no longer working?

Not so ‘unprecedented’

  • Anne Boleyn (circa 1501-1536), the second of six wives of Henry VIII, was executed after being found guilty of adultery, incest and treason.
  • The long-reigning Queen Victoria (1819-1901) was widely regarded as as a loyal wife and mother.
  • Yet she too became the target of gossip regarding her close friendship with Scottish servant John Brown after her husband, Prince Albert, died in 1861.

The Palace’s strategic communications

  • The royal family has gradually adjusted to new media and technologies, though not as quickly as the public might like.
  • On one hand, the Palace continues its age-old tradition of announcing major news on a noticeboard at the gates of Buckingham Palace.

Internet sleuthing and a manipulated image

  • There were also more serious claims that she was in a coma, or dead, or getting a divorce.
  • In the midst of this speculation, TMZ published a grainy photo of Catherine in the passenger seat of a car near Windsor Castle.
  • The public quickly realised the image was at best poorly photoshopped or at worst AI-generated.
  • The Associated Press, Getty Images, AFP and Reuters subsequently issued “kill notices” on the image, stating concerns it had been digitally manipulated.

Old media PR won’t work in a new media world

  • The situation with Catherine’s absence from public life exposes the limits of old media strategies in a “new media” world.
  • The Palace is used to being able to control media coverage through the royal rota, a select group of press outlets in the UK given access to royal events.
  • Yet the interest in Catherine’s health has prompted a number of statements to the press.
  • These old media strategies don’t seem to be working, with news outlets that are part of the royal rota reporting critically on the manipulated image.


The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Affluent Medical announces successful first-in-human implantation of its artificial sphincter Artus for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

Retrieved on: 
Mercredi, mars 13, 2024

Affluent Medical announces successful first-in-human implantation of its artificial sphincter Artus for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

Key Points: 
  • Affluent Medical announces successful first-in-human implantation of its artificial sphincter Artus for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.
  • This first implantation of the artificial urinary sphincter Artus was successfully performed by Prof. Roman Zachoval, MD, PhD, head of the Department of Urology at Thomayer University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic, on a 68-year-old male with severe urinary incontinence.
  • “Artus is easy to prepare and implant due to its innovative design compared to the previous generation of urinary sphincters.
  • Artus is an implantable artificial urinary sphincter developed for the treatment of moderate to severe urinary incontinence in both men and women.

WOSU Presents 'Raising Mentally Strong Kids' with Dr. Daniel Amen

Retrieved on: 
Lundi, mars 11, 2024

Costa Mesa, California--(Newsfile Corp. - March 11, 2024) - WOSU Presents, a local public television program presented by WOSU, will feature #1 New York Times bestselling author and neuropsychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen in ' Raising Mentally Strong Kids ' a must-watch television event where he will share seven core conversations to help parents and grandparents raise happy, responsible, and mentally strong kids.

Key Points: 
  • Costa Mesa, California--(Newsfile Corp. - March 11, 2024) - WOSU Presents, a local public television program presented by WOSU, will feature #1 New York Times bestselling author and neuropsychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen in ' Raising Mentally Strong Kids ' a must-watch television event where he will share seven core conversations to help parents and grandparents raise happy, responsible, and mentally strong kids.
  • Check local listings for details or view the local PBS station's broadcast TV schedule through the PBS app or PBS.org .
  • WOSU Presents 'Raising Mentally Strong Kids' with Dr. Daniel Amen
    To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
    Raising mentally strong kids and young adults is the most important work parents and grandparents ever do.
  • "While so many children and young adults are struggling, there is help and solutions to raising mentally healthy kids who are equipped to thrive."

One of 2024's Must Read Memoirs Is 'Misery in Missouri' by Author and Veteran Coleman

Retrieved on: 
Vendredi, mars 8, 2024

COLEMAN hopes that her work will inspire others to live wholly in spite of tragedy, hardship, and blame.

Key Points: 
  • COLEMAN hopes that her work will inspire others to live wholly in spite of tragedy, hardship, and blame.
  • In Misery in Missouri, COLEMAN's life is upended when she's accused of endangering a child in her care after a fatal accident.
  • The prosecution claims she was negligent; COLEMAN insists she lost consciousness from low oxygen, a condition validated by her doctor.
  • Adult readers who appreciate tell-all memoirs and understand the complexity of criminal cases will connect immediately with COLEMAN's haunting story.

Best-Selling Author Dr. Daniel Amen and Dr. Charles Fay Release New Book 'Raising Mentally Strong Kids'

Retrieved on: 
Jeudi, mars 7, 2024

Costa Mesa, California--(Newsfile Corp. - March 7, 2024) - #1 New York Times bestselling author and neuropsychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen and child psychologist Dr. Charles Fay have teamed up to reveal what's missing from most parenting books.

Key Points: 
  • Costa Mesa, California--(Newsfile Corp. - March 7, 2024) - #1 New York Times bestselling author and neuropsychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen and child psychologist Dr. Charles Fay have teamed up to reveal what's missing from most parenting books.
  • It's the fact that you need to address both the brain and the mind of your child (and yourself) to raise good and strong humans effectively.
  • Finally, evidence-based help is now available for overwhelmed parents who are trying their best but feel like they're falling short.
  • "In this book, I will provide you with a wealth of information to help you and your children develop strong brains," said Dr. Amen, co-author and double-board certified psychiatrist and founder of Amen Clinics and BrainMD .

Philanthropist Daniel Neiditch Takes Helm as Honorary Principal at NYC Public School Sheds Light on the South Bronx Educational Struggles.

Retrieved on: 
Mercredi, février 28, 2024

Daniel Neiditch's experience as principal on February 27, 2024 underscored the urgent need for intervention and support for these students.

Key Points: 
  • Daniel Neiditch's experience as principal on February 27, 2024 underscored the urgent need for intervention and support for these students.
  • Having grown up in the Bronx himself Neiditch knows firsthand the struggles children face in underprivileged neighborhoods.
  • By shedding light on the educational disparities in the NYC public school system, he hopes to catalyze meaningful change that will provide every child with a fair and equal opportunity to succeed.
  • Neiditch recently gave an award to Mayor Eric Adams of New York for his work to help underprivileged children get diagnosed with learning disabilities.

Winning designs raise curtain on HKTDC Hong Kong jewellery shows

Retrieved on: 
Vendredi, mars 1, 2024

HONG KONG, Mar 1, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 40th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 10th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show are being held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and AsiaWorld-Expo respectively.

Key Points: 
  • HONG KONG, Mar 1, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 40th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 10th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show are being held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and AsiaWorld-Expo respectively.
  • The award ceremony of the 25th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition, a key event of the twin jewellery shows, was held at the HKCEC today, paying tribute to the outstanding creativity of local talents.
  • Jointly organised by the HKTDC, the Hong Kong Jewellers' & Goldsmiths' Association, Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers' Association and the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China, the 25th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition aims to discover talents for the industry, elevate Hong Kong design excellence and promote exquisite jewellery collections designed and manufactured in Hong Kong to international buyers.
  • For details, please refer to https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/tc/intelligence-hub
    The 25th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition winning pieces from Open Group and Student Group: https://bit.ly/48AvDGL
    Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/en

Sciens Building Solutions Partners with Landon Vargas Foundation and Nemours Children’s Health

Retrieved on: 
Lundi, mars 11, 2024

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sciens Building Solutions today announced a $10,000 donation to the Landon Vargas Foundation , which will ultimately contribute to the Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation Institute for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Nemours Children’s Health in Wilmington, Delaware.

Key Points: 
  • PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sciens Building Solutions today announced a $10,000 donation to the Landon Vargas Foundation , which will ultimately contribute to the Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation Institute for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Nemours Children’s Health in Wilmington, Delaware.
  • The Landon Vargas Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to carrying out Landon’s legacy by bringing smiles to childhood cancer patients and their families.
  • “We are proud to partner with the Landon Vargas Foundation, as they work to support families with children and youth battling devastating cancer and blood disorder diagnoses,” said Terry Heath, CEO, Sciens Building Solutions.
  • “Their efforts to bring joy and comfort to patients is beyond admirable and we look forward to a lasting partnership to contribute to bringing smiles to any child enduring unpleasant treatments.”
    “The Landon Vargas Foundation is very grateful to receive this generous donation from the Sciens Building Solutions team,” said Beth Vargas, founder of the Landon Vargas Foundation.