Category: Freedom of Expression

Children's Health · Freedom of Expression · Parenting

The Role of Adults in Children’s Health: Instinct or Controversy?

SuzanneLeave a comment

Unhealthy children, and the longstanding, natural ability of adults to observe the signs and symptoms is on the hot seat.

Why? When did observing children’s behavior and signs of illness become controversial?

Haven’t adults always played a quiet role in safeguarding children – through instinct, observation, and care?

I don’t know when it happened, but somewhere along the way, noticing things became controversial. Huh? Especially when it comes to children. Really?

On a personal note: my first thought is my own mother. I’m glad she noticed when something was wrong and kept me home from school.

Then there were the teachers. Yeah – I think they can spot a child who is unhealthy. Thankfully, most teachers care enough to inform the parent.

That all seems normal to me.

People have been observing kids forever and making decisions along the way. Consider that children depend on adults for guidance. Adults explain the reasons they need woolly hats and mitts in the winter. They explain why children should drink extra water on hot days. Adults also ensure they look both ways before crossing the street.

But things are different now. Apparently.

Lately, even the most basic observations about children’s health seem to spark controversy.

Recently, Robert Kennedy noted that children don’t look as healthy as they used to. Gasp. He observed obese kids at the airport. Gasp. He noticed they were fixated on their devices. Gasp.

What nerve!

How dare he!

But, don’t worry… the dedicated mainstream news pointed out his outrageous behavior. They very clearly pointed out that Mr. Kennedy is NOT a medical doctor.

Maybe, the rest of us – observant adults better take heed. We are, after all, just regular folk. No medical degrees either. Gasp! We might have some common sense – but, that doesn’t count. As. We. All. Know!!!

Hi… My name is Suzanne. I write middle-grade health fiction stories. I aim to encourage kids to make better, healthier choices for themselves through light and lively narratives.

The topics covered are serious – as they relate to chronic childhood diseases – however, the format is entertaining.

Through humour, outrageous predicaments, and… ah… a few health nerdy clashes, children learn about the issues. Most importantly, they learn how they can improve their own health habits.

To learn more about my books visit my author page on Amazon.

Mis and Dis of Information
Free Speech · Freedom of Expression · Opinions

Mis and Dis of Information

SuzanneLeave a comment

Accusations of ‘misinformation and disinformation’ have taken over ‘whenever and wherever’ opinions are bantered about. If it sounds silly… it’s because it is. However, ‘silly’ is too mild a word considering the devastating effects and impact these accusations produce.

Nonetheless, regardless of damaging outcomes, the mis and dis on the information spectrum has hit centre stage and… it affects all our lives, in place after place, throughout the world.

The finger pointing has become relentless.

Moreover, the spotlight seems firmly fixed under the broad topic of life choices. Somehow, some may say, miraculously, many of us have become overnight experts, often in the absence of proof. But, hey…

“Let’s not get confused by the facts. Please!”

And of course, as with any great stage performance, a bit of truth often merges with the fiction, in order to deliberately capture our attention, often prompting a ‘call to action’… literally or figuratively speaking.

As it turns out, mis and disinformation aren’t only playing themselves out before our very eyes, as the unsuspecting viewing audience to the theatrics, but we’ve become participants…members of the cast.

Pointing the finger at “the other side” of an argument has never been easier. (Think Twitter!) What is lacking is reasonable debate.

Accusations prevent actual information from coming to light.

The necessity to speak candidly and freely with one another has never been greater.

To Do…

  • Take the time to listen to someone else’s thoughts, opinions, ideas, facts, data, feelings, and etc.
  • We can, and do, learn from others.
  • Keep an open mind.
  • Hear all sides before making an informed decision.

Simply screaming ‘misinformation or disinformation’ is not doing anyone any justice. We owe it to ourselves, and our children, to gather actual information; there’s plenty that is readily available.

Taking someone else’s accusation of ‘mis and disinformation’ doesn’t cut it any more, if it ever did. Let’s endeavour to do our own homework and separate the accusations from the actual facts.

Future generations deserve honesty and integrity from us.

If healthy debate is required – let’s engage in that conversation!

Suzanne Rightley is an author of children’s fiction. Her books can be found listed on her author page or visit her website at suzannerightley.com

Freedom of Expression · Society and Values

We are All Part of Life’s Rich Tapestry

SuzanneLeave a comment

Life’s RICH Tapestry – sounds nice doesn’t it?

The best part? It’s true!

We are part of this amazing tapestry.

But…

Not so fast.

Admit it… we’re drawn to that ‘rich’ part, right? But, to our credit, we readily acknowledge it’s not the materialistic aspect of it. (Well okay, maybe a little.)

Rather… we’d like to think that ‘life itself’ is so rich, so awesome, that our tapestry, (the part we are all part of), is rich in joy, rich in living to the fullest, joie-de-vivre, and all that. Sigh… You can almost hear the violins playing in the background of our collective minds.

However, there’s a life’s-rich-reality-check tapestry… Sadly our current tapestry includes Covid-19, vaccines, masks, and social distancing.

Bummer!

Globally, we’re resigned to this… uh… intrusion, it’s the part of life’s rich tapestry that makes us cringe. No violins! We certainly haven’t welcomed it with open arms, yet we’ve adjusted (sorta).

This phenomenon, we are all experiencing, is beyond our control. Collectively, we are struggling to not be discouraged, not sad or glum but let’s face it, this part of life’s rich tapestry – totally sucks.

We’d most certainly like to change it, but alas… we are, for all intents and purposes… powerless.

So, we make the best of it, we follow the rules, we encourage and support one another. And, ultimately… that’s the ‘rich’ part. The part of humanity that includes the resilience and care we have for others as well as ourselves.

The violins are back, a little off tune but.. oh well.

Thanks for your visit

abetterchat

I would like to take this opportunity to give a shout-out for a friend who does some pretty amazing art. It’s unique and the kind of tapestry we can still control.

If you have a little time, take a minute to visit Shannon’s Etsy store. This might be the physical aspect of life’s rich tapestry that you’d like to have in your home – to share with family and friends in the art décor form.