The SHE Word Mums: Raising Children in a Digital Age

The SHE Word Mums: Raising Children in a Digital Age

Raising children has never been simple, but today's parents are navigating challenges that previous generations could have never imagined. In this thought provoking episode, we explore what it means to parent in a world where smartphones, social media, artificial intelligence, and endless digital content are becoming part of childhood earlier than ever before. Joined by three expert guests, host Maxine, unpacks some of the biggest concerns facing families today. Dr Tasha Attard, a mum of 2, a behavioural analyst, and the owner of the bridge by BxConsultancy, Dr Lucianne Zammit, a mum of 2, a lecturer in Ethics education at the University of Malta, with a PHD in promoting the responsible use of technology in schools. Dr Erika Galea, a mum of 2, a cognitive and developmental psychologist. She is a lecturer within the department of Early Childhood and Primary Education at the University of Malta. Dr Erika is the founder of the Educational Neuroscience Hub Europe and the co author of the book called 'Teaching Generation Alpha in the Classroom’. Together and from the pov of mothers, we discuss the growing pressure parents feel when their child is one of the few without a smartphone, and the guilt and self-doubt that can arise when it seems like ‘everyone else's child’ is already connected online. The conversation dives into the impact of social media use at a young age, the rise of YouTube Shorts and other short-form content, and what emerging research suggests about attention spans, brain development, emotional regulation, and social skills. We also explore the growing phenomenon of AI companions and digital relationships, asking what this could mean for children's development and future connections. We have incredibly difficult but extremely important discussions about declining mental health among young people and how in some unbearably tragic cases, how this has led to suicide. We also speak about the vital role of digital literacy helping children not only stay safe online but also how they can become critical thinkers, using technology responsibly. Most importantly, this episode ends with hope. Our guests share practical advice, reassurance, and empowering strategies for parents who are trying to find the right balance in an increasingly digital world. Whether you're already facing requests for a smartphone or simply wondering how to prepare your child for the online world, this conversation offers valuable insights, expert guidance, and a reminder that no parent needs to navigate these challenges alone. HUGE thanks to our partners for supporting these conversations: Browns, Verdala, Always, Tampax, Monsoon, Dilmah Tea, Ayurveda, Growth Gurus, SteadyTemp distributed by HLL.

The SHE Word - Women and ADHD, the neurodivergent superpower

ADHD remains a largely misunderstood and often misdiagnosed condition. Despite growing awareness, chronic underdiagnosis has historically hindered millions from getting support. Recent years however, have seen a surge in adult diagnoses. ADHD diagnoses in women aged 23–49 nearly DOUBLED between 2020 and 2022, with 50% of adult women diagnosed with ADHD received their diagnosis in adulthood, often after an average 5-year delay compared to men. Women are significantly more prone to misdiagnoses due to frequently masking their struggles. Three well-known personalities join Trudy for this show to share their own journeys and experiences - the positive, and the very real challenges. Demaris Agius is a much loved content creator and advocate for ADHD, having received her ADHD diagnosis three years ago. Makenda is a Maltese resident, French national model, events producer and brand strategist who first spoke about her ADHD journey on The SHE Word over two years ago. Dr Chiara Frendo Balzan is one of Malta’s most well known Gynaecologists who recently spoke openly at The SHE Talks about her challenges with undiagnosed ADHD through childhood and her journey to become a doctor. These women speak openly about being misunderstood, the feeling of failure, the loneliness that can come from isolation that is associated with ADHD. But the three guests so clearly instantly bond over their common bond, finishing each other’s sentences and nodding at the mention of the traits that define the condition, encouraging each other and referencing the Spiderman Meme that so aptly describes the connection between three women from different nationalities, different backgrounds, but instantly connected. The group also address that whilst social media has helped reduce stigma, it has also led to concerns over the self-diagnosis of common, everyday struggles. Demaris also addresses the impact of digital devices on ADHD men and women, and the significance of screen time in children and the link to childhood ADHD symptoms This show is heartfelt, positive and informative. If you have considered that you might have ADHD, this is the show for you. If you have ever used the phrase ‘I have undiagnosed ADHD’, this is the show for you. If you have a friend or family member with ADHD, this is the show for you. If you are just curious or want to be more informed, this is the show for you! Huge thanks to Brown's, Perrier, Always. Tampax, Satariano, Holland and Barrett, Camilleri Paris Mode, Verdala Wellness Hotel and Spa, Mapfre, BOV and Lindex for supporting these conversations.

The SHE Word - A Life After Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence affects one in three women in their life time. Let that sink in for a moment, one in three women will experience physical, emotional, mental, financial or sexual abuse from an intimate partner, a parent, a sibling or someone else within the home. But, there is life after DV as Pearl Vella-Harber so publicly demonstrated; there can be courage and closure after abuse. The SHE Word dives into this topic for a third time as Trudy sits down with Pearl Vella Haber, Nancy Abela and Elaine Compagno to take a look at various stages of surviving and overcoming DV, from the acknowledgement of violence and calling it out for what it is, to planning an exit. From sitting with grief and anger, to building a new and complete life. Pearl shares the impact of her own experiences of manipulation, isolation, name calling and threats that shaped her childhood and early adult life; the turning point that helped her build her life again, as well as the breaking point that lead to her taking a stand and facing her perpetrators. Trauma therapist Nancy Abela not only shares her own personal story but the journey that lead her to become and Trauma Therapist, specialising in Narcissistic abuse and how she helps other women as they navigate the after effects of DV and the therapeutic process the will guide them to a full and free life. Elaine is back on her second appearance talking about DV, the sometimes unexpected fall out of recovery, and to offer personal account as well as practical advice. This show is so much more than a podcast, this episode is a source of powerful encouragement and inspiration for ALL women. Watch and be seen, be empowered, and be educated. Huge thanks to Brown's, Perrier, Always. Tampax, Satariano, Holland and Barrett, Camilleri Paris Mode, Verdala Wellness Hotel and Spa, Mapfre, BOV and Lindex for supporting these conversations. If you are affected by this topic please reach out for help: If you are in immediate danger please call the Police: 112 The Domestic Violence Unit Support Line: 179 Anonymous Online Support Line Kellimni: Kellimni.com [http://Kellimni.com] Victim Support: +356 2122 8333, info@victimsupport.org.mt [info@victimsupport.org.mt] SOAR: +356 2180 9011 / +356 2180 8981 / +356 2767 2367 The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the interviewees in this program are solely their own and do not reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the interviewer, the production team, or any affiliated entities. The interviewer assumes no responsibility or liability for any comments made by the interviewees during the course of the program. Viewers are encouraged to form their own opinions and interpretations based on the information presented.

The SHE Word Special: Everything You Wanted To Know About The Opposite Sex - Part Four - James's Questions

n the last part of this The SHE Word Special James pitches the questions to the table on all the most important things concerning the opposite sex: “Why can’t you accept that we’re crap photographers?” “When going out together how many fights could you have avoided, if you started getting ready and hour sooner?” and “When you’re upset, what’s our cue to know if we need to help you fix it, or just listen?” The guest tackle the topics with the same banter, cheeky humour and lighthearted lift along, with a few moments of deep and profound inspiration that they have brought to the previous three episodes. Just what you need to lighten the mood, lift your spirits and give you something to make you really laugh.

The SHE Word Special: Everything You Wanted To Know About The Opposite Sex - Part Three - Trudy's Questions

Time for Trudy to take the helm and pitch the questions in the third part of this mini series special where The SHE Word brings you a lighthearted look at what women and men really think about the things that are important. In this episode Trudy grills the men on their bathroom habits, asks if men realise we can STILL SEE THEM in the car when they are picking their nose, dives a bit deeper into how men and women react to a friend in need, and sticks with the theme of the week by asking 'What law would you introduce if you were voted Prime Minister' Dive into this short show special to take a well earned and much needed break from the noise of the week to kick back, learn a little but laugh a lot and forget about everything else for 20 minutes.