Children at Magna Academy are being forced to stop studying French and switch to Spanish, despite missing hours of ‘crucial learning time.’
A parent of a child studying French at the school, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “The decision has been taken without parental consultation to just suddenly switch them to a completely different language after the Easter break.
“For those of you who aren’t sure, this is like casually swapping from music to cookery.
“What about those that want to study French GCSE?”
Parents ‘disgusted’ as French course axed ‘without consultation’Parents received a letter from the school explaining that Magna Academy will only offer Spanish for Years 7-9 from Easter.
Year 9 students will be informed about the change during their KS4 options process, while Year 10 and 11 students studying GCSE French will be allowed to finish their course.
The parent added: “If a child in Year 9 was anticipating taking French for GCSE, they can’t do that.
“They also can’t take another language because they have missed too much. They have missed a ridiculous amount of contact time — I have calculated around 78 hours — which is putting them at a major disadvantage.”
Another parent said: “I think it’s disgusting and completely unfair on the kids. They’re at a disadvantage compared to those who have already been studying it.
“It’s sabotaging a GCSE for these students, and there’s also the mental health impact — the stress and worry of having to learn something new.”
Principal Phil Midworth said: “Despite substantial efforts to recruit a French specialist and a national shortage of modern foreign languages teachers, we will offer Spanish at Magna Academy moving forward.
“It is important to note this is the direct result of a national recruitment crisis facing schools across the country.
“The department is fully staffed with Spanish specialists and fully qualified MFL teachers.
“We understand parents’ concerns and continue to appreciate the value of languages as part of a diverse and rich curriculum.
“From Easter, Year 7-9 students will be taught Spanish. A temporary arrangement has been made to allow those currently studying GCSE French to finish their qualification, but this is not a sustainable arrangement.”
There were more taxpayers over the age of 75 than in any other age range, with 3,630,000 people recorded as paying income tax for the demographic.
Over-70s paid £19.1 billion in income tax, compared with £18.3 billion paid by under-30s.
The latest figures show a reversal from pre-pandemic trends, where 4.65 million people over 70 paid income tax in the 2019-20 financial year, compared to 4.8 million taxpayers under the age of 30.
Many baby boomers have seen their tax bills rise since retirement due to the triple lock, which guarantees the State Pension increases each year in line with average earnings, inflation or 2.5 per cent depending on whatever is highest.
Meanwhile, youth unemployment figures have risen, there were more than 3.03 million young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who were “economically inactive” in October to December 2024 – 28,000 more than the previous year, according to the Office of National Statistics.
While the current rate of unemployment for all ages in the UK is 4.5 per cent, this rises for 16-24 year olds to 14.8 per cent, up from 11.9 per cent from the year before.
Bracket creep has also contributed to baby boomers paying more in income tax than twenty-somethings. The thresholds at which people start paying income tax have been frozen since 2021, as opposed to going up in line with inflation.
This freeze is set to last until 2029, while the amount of income tax being paid across age groups is only set to increase.
The HMRC data also revealed that the number of taxpayers paying the top rate (45 per cent) rose by 10 per cent to 600,000 in the tax year, while the number of higher-rate taxpayers, who pay 40 per cent, increased from 680,000 to 5.1 million.
While roughly 80 per cent of the workforce pay the 20 per cent basic rate of income tax, they account for approximately a third of total tax revenues – £75.6 billion.
Meanwhile, the five million taxpayers on the higher rate account for another third of tax revenues, £85.1 billion, and those paying the top rate account for a further third – £83.4 billion – despite accounting for two per cent of the workforce.
The number of top rate taxpayers is set to rise even more after former chancellor Jeremy Hunt lowered the threshold at which people start paying the 45 per cent income tax from £150,000 to £125,140 in 2022.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) previously calculated there will be 3.7 million more taxpayers overall by 2028-29.
WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Father Brown.
Father Brown season 12 is drawing to a close, with fans eagerly anticipating the guest stars in episode 10, The Blessing of the Father.
BBC viewers have been on tenterhooks for the wedding of Mrs Devine (portrayed by Claudie Blakley) and Ch Insp Edgar Sullivan (Tom Chambers), following their romantic proposal in the finale of series 11.
However, amidst the impending wedding celebrations, an attempted murder case still needs to be solved by Father Brown (Mark Williams).
Father Brown season 12 episode 10 cast
Lady Felicia Montague – Nancy Carroll
The glamorous yet bored socialite Lady Felicia Montague will assist with Mrs Devine’s wedding plans, despite their occasional disagreements.
Actress Nancy Carroll has been part of Father Brown since its inception but has taken a backseat since season five, appearing in a handful of episodes each season.
Besides her role in the BBC‘s cosy crime drama, Carroll has featured in The Marlowe Sessions, The Diplomat, Dalgliesh, Murder in Provence and The Crown as Anne Tennant.
Walter Sullivan – Denis Lawson
Actor Denis Lawson reprises his role as Edgar’s overly critical father and former deputy police commissioner Walter Sullivan.
As his son’s wedding day approaches, he is expected to stir up trouble for the soon-to-be-married couple.
Scottish actor Lawson is best known for his roles as John Jamdyce in the series Bleak House, and Wedge Antilles in the original Star Wars trilogy.
In recent years, Lawson has been known for his role as Tom Campbell-Gore in BBC‘s Holby City from 2002 to 2019.
Grace Sullivan – Cherie Lunghi
Grace, Walter’s wife and Edgar’s mother, doesn’t share the closest bond with her husband.
Lunghi’s previous roles include Gabrielle Benson in The Manageress, Jetti in Strauss Dynasty, Sarah Bateman in Moloney, Cleo Steyn in The Brief and Stephanie in Billie Piper’s Secret Diary of a Call Girl.
Her most notable international role to date was Guenevere in the 1981 film Excalibur alongside Helen Mirren and Liam Neeson.
Irene Frost – Michelle Bonnard
Wedding florist Irene Frost is played by actress Michelle Bonnard. Irene steps in when Mrs Devine becomes increasingly stressed about their big day.
Bonnard is recognised for her roles as Sal in ITV’s Unforgotten and brothel madam Sylvi in HBO’s House of the Dragon. She has also appeared in Blindspot, Insomnia and We Hunt Together.
Eddie Devine – Barney Wilkinson
Barney Wilkinson reprises his role as Eddie Devine, Mrs Devine’s son, who was first introduced in season 11.
Wilkinson is relatively new to the TV industry, with a few credits to his name including Casualty, Grantchester and Doctor Who.
Off the television, Wilkinson has dabbled in theatre, featuring in productions such as Stranger Things: The First Shadow at Phoenix Theatre and Into The Woods at Theatre Royal Bath.
Father Brown is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Despite being the Queen of Spain‘s mother, Paloma Rocasolano is known for being ‘very discreet’.
So, perhaps it’s no wonder that the retired nurse’s romance with British businessman Marcus Brandler, 68, has largely gone under-the-radar in the UK.
The 72-year-old struck up a relationship with the Nigerian-born entrepreneur in 2021 and Letizia and her sister Telma ‘warmly welcomed him’, according to local media reports.
Marcus has long been associated with Spain after previously marrying a Catalan woman from Banyoles in 1991. They went on to have three sons, Maximilian (1991), Joachim (1993), and Benjamin (1996).
He first settled in Barcelona before moving to Madrid, where he worked alongside his two UK-based brothers as the director of their family company, which was founded in Leeds 15 years ago and focused on the sale of coffee, tea, cocoa and other spices.
The jet-setting businessman frequently dealt with companies in Asia, ‘having had several companies dedicated to import and export’, according to magazine Semana.
But his family firm, Tillbrook, hit headlines this month after being dissolved following the passing of Robert Guy Mobolaji Brandler, the youngest of Marcus’ four siblings. He died aged 53 in Kano, Nigeria, after a brief but serious illness, reported Vanitatis.
The newspaper claimed the business move shows Marcus – who had reportedly been living between the UK and Spain for years – is ‘paving the way for retirement’ as he enjoys a quieter life with King Felipe’s mother-in-law.
Despite being the Queen of Spain ‘s mother, Paloma Rocasolano is known for being ‘very discreet’. So, perhaps it’s no wonder that the retired nurse’s romance with British businessman Marcus Brandler (pictured together in 2021 in Madrid), 68, has largely gone under-the-radar in the UK
Paloma and Marcus first went public together at the annual Princess of Asturias Awards in 2022 – and the businessman has since enjoyed dinners at the Palace of Zarzuela in Madrid.
Their romance was further cemented when Paloma moved from the Spanish capital last summer to be with her partner in the wealthy and modern village of Los Belones in Murcia, which is known for its sizeable English community and relaxed beaches.
The couple have apparently settled into the local community, enjoying visits to the town centre and relaxing at the beach.
Their relationship was discovered in 2021 by magazine Semana, and seems to have only gone from strength to strength, with Marcus organising a surprise 70th birthday party for his partner. Paloma’s whole family apparently attended.
Born in 1957 in Ibadan to British-African couple J.L. Brandler and Pamela Margaret, Marcus was one of five siblings.
He had been director of Tillbrook Products since 2019, after taking over the role from a family member, according to local reports.
But the partners, all Brandler family members, began liquidating the firm in 2023 and last February it was finally dissolved, reported Ok Diario. Marcus’ name no longer appears on any company, according to Vanitatis.
The last recorded activity of the firm – which was said to still be making a profit – was reportedly in June 2023, when they presented their full accounts.
Marcus (pictured) has long been associated with Spain after previously marrying a Catalan woman from Banyoles in 1991. They went on to have three sons, Maximilian (1991), Joachim (1993), and Benjamin (1996)
Paloma largely tries to stay out of the spotlight – however she does attend some Royal Family gatherings, including her granddaughter Infanta Sofia’s confirmation on May 25, 2023 (pictured with Letizia and Sofia)
Debts were completely settled, all its assets were sold and profits were split between the two brothers, according to E-notícies.cat.
Meanwhile, Paloma, who was previously married to Letizia’s father Jesús Ortiz, is known for her discretion.
For instance, her hairstylist María José Pérez Bolumar told Lecturas that King Felipe’s mother-in-law is ‘simple, kind, and very discreet’.
Paloma largely tries to stay out of the spotlight – however she does attend some Royal Family gatherings, including her granddaughter Infanta Sofia’s confirmation on May 25, 2023.
Fiorina Arcuri MacAskill anticipated waking up multiple times throughout the night with a newborn. But after giving birth to baby Liam in February 2022, it was obvious that he was having trouble sleeping through the night — and so was MacAskill.
“Pretty much the day he came out of me, I’d say that’s when the sleep deprivation started,” MacAskill told Yahoo Canada.
MacAskill, now 39, was suffering from postpartum depression and anxiety, much of which stemmed from sleep-related concerns. “I was terrified something was going to happen to him while I slept,” she said. “There were nights, especially in the very beginning, where I would stay awake watching him to make sure he was breathing….I had a very hard time sleeping.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
Fiorina Arcuri MacAskill says sleep deprivation after welcoming her son, Liam, contributed to her developing postpartum depression and anxiety. It took three years for Liam’s sleep to improve. (Image via Fiorina Arcuri MacAskill).
MacAskill said Liam was a “FOMO baby,” a term used to describe a baby who has trouble sleeping because they have a fear of missing out on all the exciting things happening around them. While some infants adapt to a sleeping schedule as they age, MacAskill said it was getting harder and harder to put Liam down to sleep when he was six months old.
“I was up all night with him, trying to resettle him getting back down,” she said. “There were nights where I was awake from midnight until 6 a.m., pretty much constantly.”
MacAskill — and Liam — struggled to get a good night’s sleep for at least a year, and her experience is not uncommon. A recent Snuz survey found 70 per cent of parents surveyed lost an average of three hours of sleep each night in the baby’s first year. Added together, that’s 133 nights worth of sleep lost before the baby’s first birthday.
The lack of sleep took a toll on MacAskill’s mental and physical health. She cried for hours, which triggered depression that felt like a weight on her chest and shoulders. “My eyes constantly felt heavy,” she said. “I didn’t have energy to do anything.” Even getting dressed was a challenge some days.
Sleep Week 2025
We all know a good night’s sleep is essential to recharging our minds and bodies. Sleep can help us regulate our emotions, improve our immune systems, and promote cell restoration and repair. This Sleep Awareness Week — March 9-15, 2025 — it’s important to take stock of your sleep situation and find ways to improve your sleep health. From sleep trackers and mattresses to the best pillows for neck pain, Yahoo Canada is here with tips to get your best-ever shut-eye.
Luckily, when Liam was around 13 months old, MacAskill found a new sleep program that focused on redistributing his sleep schedule throughout the day. Liam just turned three last month, and both mom and baby are getting more sleep. “He’s sleeping better and deeper throughout the night,” she said. “Once he’s in bed and asleep, I go to bed as well. Now I’m getting several hours in a row.”
Still, MacAskill’s experience with sleep deprivation as a first-time mom is one of the factors MacAskill and her husband are weighing as they decide whether to have another child. “It’s definitely been a rollercoaster,” she said. “I tell myself I will sleep someday.”
Yahoo Canada spoke to a sleep coach to get insight into sleep deprivation among parents and what steps can be taken to combat it. Here’s what you need to know.
Why is sleep important for new parents?
According to Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, Canadian adults aged 18 to 64 should get seven to nine hours of good quality sleep on a regular basis. While three-quarters of adults meet this recommendation, new parents commonly experience lack of sleep, especially in the early months.
Sleep deprivation in new parents can greatly impact their mental health. (Image via Getty Images)
Parenting on little to no sleep is no joke: it can impact your mood, energy and general ability to function. According to Henry Ford Health, sleep deprivation can lead to low mood, difficult coping with everyday problems, and an increased risk of postpartum depression.
What can new parents do about a lack of sleep?
While seven to nine hours of sleep are recommended for positive health and well-being, parents can survive on less — for a time. “Adults can survive temporarily on four or five hours of sleep,” said psychologist and certified sleep coach Macall Gordon. Gordon speaks to lots of parents who are experiencing parental burnout due to lack of sleep.
Gordon recommends parents find ways to get a solid block of sleep each night, even if it means parents sleeping in shifts. “It’s not going to serve people to be in burnout,” she said. “So split up the night. Have one parent go into another room, put in earplugs, and get five hours of sleep.”
“Really dedicate yourself to that small chunk of sleep so you can think clearly the next day and also stave off any kind of mood disruptions,” she said.
If there’s a support system of friends or family available, they can help tired parents carve out time to relax by babysitting. They an also offer to help with other tasks, like meal prep or laundry that can be an added burden for already exhausted parents. Depending on resources, a night nurse or postpartum doula can also ensure that you getting a chance to recharge without worrying about having to wake up multiple times a night.
Parents can take caring for their child in shifts to ensure they get enough interrupted sleep. (Image via Getty Images)
Gordon also wants new parents to know that some babies are harder than others. Her new book, Why Won’t You Sleep?!, explores how some parents struggle with “livewire” children. “These babies come into the world just more ‘on.’ They burn brighter, they’re more alert and intense,” she said adding that these babies are often described as fussy, colicky, or they cry more easily and more intensely.
“These parents are feeling a little crazy, because none of the parenting information is talking about them,” she said. “They’re just way more exhausted, because these kids are hard.”
With this in mind, Gordon suggests tackling the child’s sleep schedule first. “Once we get children sleeping, parents automatically are going to be sleeping,” she said.
Other sleep experts suggest parents avoid caffeinated beverages, like coffee, tea and pop, and avoid screen time before bed.
However, if the child is finally sleeping well and the parent is still unable to get some shut-eye, Gordon says it may be time to seek guidance from a professional. “If it continues and you’re still not sleeping, even though the baby is sleeping, that may be something to pay attention to,” Gordon said. “Because it can be an indication of postpartum anxiety or something that needs to be checked out.”
The baby was hospitalised on March 6 but died in the days following.
Police arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of child neglect. He has since been released under investigation.
A 30-year-old woman has now also attended a voluntary police interview.
The coroner has been informed and officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances that caused the baby’s death.
A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: “We received a report of a medical emergency at an address in Gaer Vale, Newport, at around 6.30am on Tuesday, March 4.
“Officers and paramedics attended, and a baby was taken to hospital. Sadly, the baby has since died.
“A 35-year-old man from Blaenavon was arrested on suspicion of child neglect. He has since been released on conditional bail.
“A 30-year-old woman has attended a voluntary attendee interview under police caution.
“HM Coroner has been informed, and our enquiries continue to determine the circumstances around the death.”
Veteran actor Deb Mukherjee known for his work in films like ‘Abhinetri’, ‘Kaminey’ and ‘Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool’ has passed away due to age-related illness. The actor, a prominent member of the renowned Samarth-Mukherjee family, Deb was the father of filmmaker Ayan Mukerji and the father-in-law of director Ashutosh Gowariker. He was 83.
As per IANS, his spokesperson revealed that he died in the morning due to age-related health issues. A prominent member of the renowned Samarth-Mukherjee family, Deb was the father of filmmaker Ayan Mukerji and the father-in-law of director Ashutosh Gowariker.
Deb Mukherjee’s cremation will be held at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Juhu on March 14 and is likely to be attended by members of his extended family, including Kajol and Ajay Devgn, Rani Mukerji, Tanuja, Tanissha, and Aditya Chopra. Friends of Ayan Mukerji, including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Hrithik Roshan, Sidharth Malhotra, Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh are also expected to attend the funeral.
Deb Mukherjee, born in Kanpur in 1941, hails from a renowned and accomplished film family. His mother, Satidevi, was the only sister of legendary figures Ashok Kumar, Anup Kumar, and Kishore Kumar. His siblings included the actor Joy Mukherjee and filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee, who was married to Bollywood actress Tanuja. His nieces are famous actresses Kajol and Rani Mukerji. Deb Mukherjee was married twice. His daughter Sunita, from his first marriage, is married to filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, while his son Ayan who has directed ‘Wake Up Sid’ and the upcoming ‘Brahmastra’ is from his second marriage.
Deb Mukherjee started his career in the 1960s with small roles in films such as ‘Tu Hi Meri Zindagi’ and ‘Abhinetri.’ As his career progressed, Deb transitioned to supporting roles in movies like ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander’ and ‘King Uncle.’ His final appearance on screen was a cameo in Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘Kaminey’ in 2009.
Giovanna has curated an edit of her favourite blooms for Mother’s Day
Giovanna is known for sharing her honest approach to parenting alongside a host of celebrity guests on her Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast and documenting her experiences as a mother of three to Buzz, Buddy and Max (who she shares with McFly’s Tom Fletcher).
And this year Giovanna is helping shoppers find the ultimate present for their loved ones for Mother’s Day by sharing her favourite bouquets and gifts in a new edit for Bloom & Wild.
Available online now, Giovanna has shared what she’ll be sending for all the mother figures in her life, from letterbox flowers to brighten up her sister’s day to the luxury hand-tied bouquet to thank her mother-in-law for helping her feel part of the family.
“As a mum to three brilliant boys, I know how precious time is… Bloom & Wild makes it ridiculously easy to send something meaningful to the women who’ve shaped my journey through motherhood – even when I can’t be there in person. Whether it’s celebrating my own mum, supporting friends who find the day difficult, or showing appreciation to those who mother differently, this edit is about caring wildly for all kinds of mums.”
Giovanna Fletcher
Bloom & Wild makes gift-giving simple. In addition to the colourful selection of hand-tied and letterbox flowers, it also stocks an array of other gifts and cards so you can order everything from one place.
And if you have a busy schedule like Giovanna, sending flowers has never been easier. Just complete the delivery info, add a special message and select your preferences and your chosen bouquet will be sent to their door in 100% recyclable packaging. You can also add on extras such as cards, candles or a sweet treat.
Depending on your preference and your budget, there’s something for everyone in Giovanna’s edit – shop some of our favourites below…
Shop Giovanna Fletcher’s favourite bouquets for Mother’s Day
The Phoebe
Features:
Sunflowers, carnations, roses and statice
Hand-tied bouquet
Giovanna says:
“I adore sunflowers – whenever I see them growing in my garden it makes me so happy. So this year I’m sending Mum this sunny bunch, to give back some of that joy and care that she shows me, all year round.”
The Adaora
Features:
Roses, hypericum berries, scabiosa, phlox, clematis, and eucalyptus
Hand-tied bouquet
Giovanna says:
“My boys know I’m not a ‘traditional’ red roses mum. I prefer wilder flowers and pops of colour, like the stunning Adaora here. Tom, if you’re reading this – don’t you think it’d look perfect in our kitchen?”
The Otto
Features:
Freesias, ornithogalum, roses, waxflowers and eucalyptus
Letterbox bouquet
Giovanna says:
“The Otto is my pick for the mum friends you can always text at 2am, when you’re up with a sleepless child, who help you feel a little less crazy and less alone.”
The Sahar & Mama Pouch
Features:
Lilies, roses, allium and astrantia with a velvet pouch
Hand-tied bouquet
Giovanna says:
“My sister isn’t just an incredible mum. She’s an incredible auntie to my three boys. This velvet pouch is the perfect excuse for her to pack up her travel toiletries, and have more sleepovers with us!”
The Dara & Blondies
Features:
Roses, aster, alstroemeria, carnations, eryngium, limonium, craspedia, ruscus, and chasmanthium with a box of 6 blondies
Hand-tied bouquet
Giovanna says:
“We all need a hug in the post sometimes. This uplifting bouquet and comforting blondies are for my lovely friend, to let her know she’s strong and amazing (even if she doesn’t feel it right now).”
Discover more of Giovanna’s recommendations of letterbox flowers, hand-tied bouquets, and thoughtful gifts designed to be there for someone, no matter the distance at Bloom & Wild now.
We hope you love the products we recommend. We may receive compensation via a service called Linkby when you click on the links in this article. We only collaborate with brands on Linkby that align with our values and develop products that our team approves of. Prices accurate and items in stock at time of publication.
A common point of contention among parents is sleep. Beyond the effects of sleep deprivation, post-partum fatigue and arguments over whose turn it is to get up in the middle of the night in those early stages, the long-standing debate around sleep training for babies continues to rage (just check Mumsnet).
The practise itself can be traced back to the 19th century, but the idea of “self-soothing” – and, indeed, the term – was first coined by sleep researcher Thomas Anders in the 1970s, who analysed the effects of parent intervention when infants awoke in the night.
Part of the controversy surrounding sleep training, which typically takes place around the six-month mark, is that some identify the technique as “cruel”, arguing that allowing a child to “cry it out” – should the method you choose include an element of this – can negatively impact their development and attachment. But, there’s no been no proof of this in research conducted.
On the flip side, those who do adopt a sleep training method argue that it improves both the sleep and mood of the parents and the child, and introduces structure at an early stage in their lives – the parents are not governed by their child.
This World Sleep Day, Professor Kevin Morgan of Loughborough University explains to Yahoo UK what all parents should know about sleep training techniques – before they adopt (or shun) the method.
1. You are not teaching them how to sleep
Babies already know how to sleep. (Getty Images)
Sleep training isn’t about teaching an infant how to sleep, but, rather, providing certain parameters to get them to sleep, Professor Morgan stresses.
“Babies are wired up to sleep,” he explains. “They’ve been sleeping in the womb since their nervous system developed. The target of sleep training isn’t to train the child to sleep, it is to train the child to sleep on its own. That’s a really important distinction.”
2. It isn’t the same as potty training
Sleep training and potty training are very different. (Getty Images)
Professor Morgan is also keen to point out how sleep training differs from, say, potty training or learning how to use a knife and fork, which are a learned behaviours rather than instinctive ones.
He says: “If you’re training a kid how to use a potty, the expectation is once they learn how to go to the toilet, that’s it – they know how. There are, generally speaking, no episodes of incontinence throughout their early childhood or adolescence. It’s binary – they didn’t know how to do it, then they did, and that behaviour is then fixed.”
“Sleep isn’t like that,” he continues. “You can adopt a training procedure that aims to get your child to sleep more independently, away from the parental bed, but all children will have wobbly nights where they struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep throughout the night. That’s how sleep works – for adults, too.”
3. No two babies are the same
Don’t compare your child to others’. (Getty Images)
“There’s a lot going on that influences the depth and intensity of sleep. So you can, in theory, stick to the same regime, and do all the ‘right’ things – but that doesn’t guarantee an infant will always sleep well,” he says.
“Babies are born with individual differences in sleep propensity and sleep patterns, so one size can be applied to all, but one size doesn’t necessarily produce the same results for all.”
It’s a particularly important consideration for those who may be prone to drawing comparisons between themselves, their friends and their babies. It doesn’t mean you are doing the “wrong” thing. At all.
4. Adaptation and flexibility is key
Things don’t always go to plan – even if you have a set routine. (Getty Images)
Similarly, things like regressions (or leaps, as they’re often referred to) are very real – and can impact how a child sleeps, regardless of whether they are sleep trained or not.
Professor Morgan says: “If your expectation going into sleep training is that sometimes an infant won’t be able to sleep, great. These methods work probabilistically and they are not an absolute.”
He adds: “The good thing about sleep regressions is that they are entirely predictable. They are so widely discussed that you oughtn’t be surprised that, when you think you’ve cracked it, suddenly your baby seems to be back where they started.”
5. Stick to your guns
If the routine is disrupted, go back to basics. (Getty Images)
The key in this situation, according to Professor Morgan, is to not throw out the rule book. While it may seem as though your method isn’t working, the worst thing you can do is try something completely new and undo all the work you’ve already done.
Instead, he says, return to the beginning and go back over the original steps. Consistency is paramount.
6. There have been societal shifts
Families used to sleep in the same communal space. (Paramount Pictures)
“If we go back to hunter-gatherer times, things were very different,” Professor Morgan states. “Communities – men, women, adolescent boys and girls, infants – all slept in the same space in communal areas.
“Just join the dots and think, is that really a healthy set-up? Maybe, if there’s opportunity to do so, separating some of these groups out is a better solution. And that’s the way things went.”
Even less than 100 years ago, due to a number of socioeconomic factors, families typically co-slept and tended to children in very different ways.
“It’s almost like a contemporary, post-modern icon to have a child’s bedroom or a nursery – a designated sleeping space separate from the parental space,” he adds.
7. We don’t know how sleep tracks in adults
We don’t know if sleeping habits picked up in infancy impact adults later on in life… yet. (Getty Images)
Questioned whether these early stages of sleep development impact individuals later on in life, Professor Morgan said that, although this is something he and his colleagues are keen to prove and discuss often, we currently do not know the answer.
“Although we know that individual differences operate in childhood and in adulthood, what we don’t know is whether the topography of those individual differences is connected – whether the short-sleeping baby becomes the short-sleeping adult.
“We can, however, draw influences and conclude that probably that is the case. For example, an infant whose height is on the 95th percentile for six months is probably going to be a tall child and adult.”
“It’s something we’re keen to look into further,” he adds.
8. Figure out your parent-life balance
Establishing routine and boundaries around the parental space is key. (Getty Images)
Professor Morgan says that there is an applied logic to sleep training regimes, but ultimately it is up to the parent to decide which method – if any – is right for them.
“Whether you’re a fan of the ‘cry out’ method or one of the other techniques of sleep training or not, how you approach your child’s sleep reinforces certain behavioural reward structures,” he explains.
“If the baby cries and cries and there’s no reward, such as a cuddle, they will learn that crying produces no consequences and will go to sleep from exhaustion. And then bit by bit, that exhaustion will be replaced with normal sleep patterns.
“If the baby cries a little and they are comforted, they will learn that in order to receive that comfort, they need to cry. And if the baby cries for longer before they are comforted, they will associate crying for longer with the reward of comfort. Arguably, you are training the child to cry in these scenarios.”
That’s of course not to say that when there’s genuine distress, like when they are ill, that a child should not be comforted – nor that parents shouldn’t check in on their babies throughout the night. But each action has a consequence – some of which can take root and last beyond the early stages of childhood, such as sleeping in the parental bed or acting up in order to receive a reward.
“If you can cope with all that, then you’re winning,” Professor Morgan concludes.
For advice on how safe baby sleep practises, whichever approach you take, use the following guidance by The Lullaby Trust.
The US ‘hunting’ influencer fled Australia following backlash over video of her snatching baby wombat from its mother.
Picture:
Social Media
An American influencer has fled Australia after the government announced it was reviewing her visa after a video emerged showing her snatching a baby wombat from its mother.
Sam Jones, who describes herself as an “outdoor enthusiast & hunter”, left Australia on on Friday, having made her Instagram account private the day before following widespread condemned over a video she uploaded.
The hunting influencer posted the now-deleted video to her 92,000 followers on Instagram, tagging her location as Australia – a clip which has caused outrage and even triggered a response from Australia’s Prime Minister.
“There’s never been a better day to be a baby wombat in Australia,” home affairs minister Tony Burke said in a statement after a government official confirmed Ms Jones had flown from the country voluntarily.
In the video, Montana-based Ms Jones lifts the wombat joey by its front legs in darkness from a roadside and then runs away from its mother.
“I caught a baby wombat,” she said as a man filming her laughs.
The video sees her return the wombat to the roadside after several seconds.
The US ‘hunting’ influencer fled Australia following backlash over video of her snatching baby wombat from its mother.
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Social Media
Mr Burke said earlier on Friday the conditions of her visa were being reviewed to determine whether immigration law had been breached.
“I can’t wait for Australia to see the back of this individual, I don’t expect she will return,” he said in the statement received by The Associated Press.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese added his voice to the criticism.
“To take a baby wombat from its mother, and clearly causing distress from the mother, is just an outrage,” Mr Albanese said.
“I suggest to this so-called influencer, maybe she might try some other Australian animals. Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there. Take another animal that can actually fight back rather than stealing a baby wombat from its mother.”
Ms Jones, who also uses the name Samantha Strable, closed her social media channels to messages and could not be reached for comment on Friday.
The wombat appears to be a common wombat, also known as a bare-nosed wombat. It is a protected marsupial found only in Australia.
Yolandi Vermaak, founder of the animal care charity Wombat Rescue, said separating the young wombat from its mother created a risk that the mother would reject her offspring.
Anthony Albanese said: ‘Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go’.
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Alamy
“My biggest concern is that we didn’t actually see mom and baby getting reunited. When she put it down, it looked disoriented. It was turned away from where the mother was last seen.
“So we don’t know if mum and baby actually found each other again,” Ms Vermaak said.
Ms Vermaak also called on Ms Jones to say where the wombat was after the video showed the joey had a skin disease.
“The baby has mange and it’s a matter of time before it dies of mange, so it’s important for us to find where this happened and to get this baby and its mom treated as soon as possible,” Ms Vermaak added.
