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

“Do As I Say, Not As I Do”
Character Development · Parent and child relationships · Responsible Parents

“Do As I Say, Not As I Do”

SuzanneLeave a comment

Whoever first coined the phrase “Do as I say, not as I do!” undoubtedly had good intentions but let’s face it, when it comes to raising children, intentions don’t count for much, at least not “for the long haul”. (Yet another old adage; the English language abounds with them.)

For instance: It may have been an expression used by a smoker, who did not want their child to pick up their bad habit, whatever the reason, the phrase has been around for a long, long time and can be applied to many situations. Gossip, back-biting, slander, cursing at other motorists, shoving someone to get to the front of the line, throwing something at the wall, and so forth – really the list can be a long one.

Question: Will this worn out expression… “Do as I say, not as I do!” nurture children, during their formative years, under the aforementioned displays of frustration, anger, etc.?

Answer: Ah… Not much.

Why?

Much of a child’s behaviour is learned by the examples they witness repeated before them. Words help but “Actions speak louder than words!” (Yep, another one.)

Children Learn by Experience

Digressing for a moment: Experience may be the way children learn, however it might not always be the safest. Overindulging in alcohol, experimenting with drugs, and promiscuity are a few examples of life’s experiences we’d like to prevent our children from “Learning the hard way!” (I won’t say it…lol)

Furthermore: How is it that we can easily forgive ourselves, make excuses, and expect our bad behaviour to be tolerated but then… turn around and criticize a child for mimicking the same behaviour? Ludicrous. Right?

Children Learn by What They Have Seen and Heard

That is why it is so very important for adults (parents, teachers, neighbours, shoppers, motorists, etc.) to set the right form of behaviour.

It’s not always easy but it is our responsibility.

Suzanne Rightley is an author of children’s fiction. For a list of her books visit Suzanne Rightley.

Now is the Right Time to Educate Children on Matters of Health
Children's Health · Kids Books · Nutritional Health · Parenting

Now is the Right Time to Educate Children on Matters of Health

SuzanneLeave a comment

Children today will shape health and wellness awareness tomorrow. Therefore, this is our time (concerned adults) to step up and give them the knowledge they need to effect those necessary changes.

To Do: Teach Them

  • Using detailed data, endless statistics, confusing graphs, blah, blah…which all equals “BORING” to children …. Or
  • Imagination, vision, and fiction… featuring a kid heroine with health facts spouting out of her mouth, ah, constantly, one hilarious predicament after another

If you’re a kid, the choice is obvious!

Sadly Our Reality Today is Loaded with Statistics… non of which is fictional…

Obesity and other metabolic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, and Cardiovascular Disease have become a far worse “pandemic” than the Coronavirus ever hoped to achieve in its wildest dreams (assuming a virus could dream in terms of stardom).

In addition, adults are not the only victims. Children are not immune to metabolic diseases and the growing numbers of sick kids is frightening.

One Suggestion… Health Awareness as a new fiction genre for kids

Children’s fiction author, Suzanne Rightley, has two books published aimed at relaying healthy lifestyle choices to our children, directly, via fun/lively/often humourous dialogue… aka fiction (Genre: Health Awareness)

Besides her obvious goal of educating kids on matters of health/making healthy choices, Suzanne hopes to inspire other children’s authors to jump on board.

These are the ideal days to push helpful data to children.

Many parents and teachers are looking for material to support their efforts in assisting kids in matters of their own health and wellness. As authors we can give them helpful tools to back up their efforts.

Visit any of the following links to learn more about Suzanne’s fictional hero… affectionately known as Granola Brea…

Granola Brea Books on Amazon; Granola Brea Book Series Page; Suzanne Rightley’s Author Page for more information as well as a complete list of Rightley Books