Category Archives: Uncategorized

A recent survey by the Pew Independent Research Centre looked into the most meaningful and rewarding aspects of life as perceived by the populations of different countries. The most popular responses included: family, work, friends and material well-being. Britain was the only country to list hobbies in its top three choices.  Not everyone has closeContinue reading “The Great British Bake Off v The Great British Sewing Bee.”

The most helpful advice to give anyone feeling anxious or stressed, is to get more sleep. The many benefits of a good night’s sleep include: – Improved memory – During sleep our memories are consolidated and new skills practised. Increased creativity – The brain re-structures thoughts and ideas, often in creative ways. Improved physical performance.Continue reading “Golden Slumbers”

Parents used to have children for practical purposes: to help out around the home or in the workplace, and to care for their parents in old age. Previous generations of parents didn’t feel they needed to expend much thought or energy on child rearing. Modern parenting is very different: alongside increased employer expectations, comes pressureContinue reading “‘Teach your children well.’ – Crosby, Stills and Nash.”

‘Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.’ Big Yellow Taxi. Joni Mitchell. It’s always interesting to read the articles in Big Issue from well-known figures about advice they would give their sixteen-year-old selves, (Letter To My Younger Self). Each individual has a different story to tell.Continue reading “Our Parents”

Sport will develop all of the attributes necessary for an individual’s mental and physical well-being, and yet the benefits of physical exercise in schools are often overlooked, and Games and Sport side-lined as an optional extra in the curriculum.  The development of sport within schools does not require government appointed Sports Tsars, sporting role modelsContinue reading “Promoting Sport in Schools”

My wonderful grandson, Jamie, has been featured on his school’s social media pages – showing off his published illustrations which feature in my books ‘Olivia and the Proverbs’ and ‘Olivia and the Proverbs 2’. I have always found children’s artwork and illustration to be absolutely joyful – it was my pleasure to include his enchantingContinue reading “My Grandson Shows off his Illustration Skills…”

‘Learned helplessness’ describes the sense of powerlessness felt by some individuals when they are presented with a problem or challenge. They will not act to help themselves because they believe that there is nothing they can do: the situation is hopeless.  Some individuals develop learned helplessness as a result of repeated negative life experience. OthersContinue reading “Learned Helplessness”

The dictionary definition of hubris is- ‘a personality trait of extreme or foolish pride, dangerous overconfidence, often in combination with arrogance.’   There are many examples of ‘hubrists’ in the world of politics. Charisma, charm, the ability to inspire and persuade, enjoying risk taking and possessing bold self-confidence are all qualities associated with successful leadership. ItContinue reading “Politics and Hubris”

IT’S HERE!! OLIVIA AND THE PROVERBS 2 is now available to buy on Amazon. About the book: Olivia Monkey lives with her family and pet dog, Biscuit, in a house near the middle of town. The big house next door is a retirement home for elderly monkeys. Olivia has lots of friends at the retirementContinue reading “Olivia and the Proverbs 2 is here!”

Children who do well in school, do not always succeed in life: some may be academically brilliant, but find that their weaker emotional and social skills limit their achievement.  Emotionally intelligent individuals: – Are self-aware. They understand their emotions, and why they react to situations in the way they do.  To help your child becomeContinue reading “Developing Children’s Emotional Intelligence.”