Generation Next Blog

February 2015

Raising Non-Materialistic Children in a Material World

By |2015-02-09T08:55:56+11:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Society & Culture|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

The last few weeks have seen me embark on a clutter clearing frenzy.  As I work to eliminate the clutter from my home, filling our rubbish bins and donation boxes to their brim, I can’t help but consider the meaning our society attaches to material objects and how this impacts happiness.  So, following another weekend of [...]

Using an iPad or Smartphone Can Harm A Toddler’s Learning and Social Skills

By |2015-02-09T08:34:32+11:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing, Science & Research|Tags: , , , , , , |

Children younger than 30 months “cannot learn from television and videos as they do from real-life interactions.” And to use a mobile device before that age on tasks that aren’t educational can be “detrimental to the social-emotional development of the child.” Of particular concern, according to the recommendations, was how such technology could “interfere” with [...]

Free Will is NOT An Illusion

By |2015-02-09T08:20:49+11:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing, Science & Research|Tags: , , , , , |

The implications of this debate are profound. It determines our world view of whether we are victims of genetics and environment or bear responsibility for our intentions, decisions, and choices. I contend we are responsible for what we make of our brains and for our choices and decisions in life. In a free-will world, people [...]

Psychology of Food Shaming – Why People Food Shame

By |2015-02-09T08:07:54+11:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing, Society & Culture|Tags: , , , , , , |

Like a vegetarian censuring a meat-eater, a food-shamer will criticize someone who doesn't meet her definition of "good." The weird thing is that her idea of "good" could just as easily be a chia pod or a full-fat, finished-with-butter chocolate pudding—health doesn't seem to matter. via Psychology of Food Shaming - Why People Food Shame.

Harvard Study: Where Does Happiness Really Come From?

By |2015-02-09T07:56:06+11:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing, Science & Research|Tags: , , , , , |

“…It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Research proves this advice is scientifically sound. In a recent study from Harvard University, “Prosocial Spending and Happiness: Using Money to Benefit Others Pays Off” researchers looked at the connection between giving and happiness. Their paper clearly establishes a link between spending money on others versus [...]

Report Shows No Major Differences In Parenting Style Based On Marital Status

By |2015-02-09T07:42:53+11:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Society & Culture|Tags: , , , , , |

Although single parents may not have the economic resources of married parents, they are still hitting the mark on what experts agree are beneficial parenting priorities: reading with their kids, having meals together and setting TV rules. This data comes from a newly released Census Bureau report on indicators of children's well-being, which was further analyzed by Sandra Hofferth [...]

Does Eating Organic Really Matter?

By |2015-02-06T09:27:02+11:00February 6th, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing|Tags: , , , , |

Eating organic food has gained a lot of attention in recent years. What was once just a small subsection of our food supply has grown into a multi-million dollar business that offers a product most consumers just can’t seem to get enough of. Organic food is everywhere, and most people are willing to pay the [...]

Are Wellbeing Programmes Making Any Difference? 

By |2015-02-02T15:31:35+11:00February 2nd, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing|Tags: , , , , , |

Last week I came across an interesting article on The Conversation. It was entitled, Wellbeing programmes in schools might be doing children more harm than good by Professor Kathryn Ecclestone from Sheffield University. It’s a counterintuitive statement isn’t it? How could wellbeing programmes do our students harm? Certainly in Australia we’re seeing an increase in [...]

10 Ways to Build Resilience

By |2015-12-13T22:35:16+11:00February 2nd, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

gettyimages Many people react to life’s challenging experiences with strong emotions and a sense of uncertainty. Yet people generally adapt well over time to changing situations and stressful conditions. Resilience is the process of learning to ‘bounce back’ from adversity, trauma, tragedy and other significant sources of stress. Resilience is not a trait [...]

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