One of the best kept Star Wars secrets is the origins of Yoda – George Lucas noted that Yoda’s species should never be revealed, which like counts for his parentage, too.
However, the Star Wars creator actually revealed Yoda’s parents years ago, albeit with his tongue firmly in his cheek.
Who knows who Yoda’s real parents actually are
In a joking behind the scenes photo from the set of Star Wars, George Lucas showed Yoda with Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.
You can see the photo over on Reddit, where fans are both leaning into the joke, but also taking a serious look at the origins of the Jedi master.
Obviously, these are his parents. Miss Piggy the doting Mum, and Kermit lending little Yoda his green skin and iconic voice.
Of course, that voice was provided by Frank Oz, who operated both Yoda and Kermit, which, if we follow the thread Lucas gave us, means that Yoda’s species is officially ‘Muppet.’ Right?
I kind of hope we never find out more about Yoda and his history, or home planet. It’s great to still have some mystery around one of the legacy characters.
We don’t need answers to every little thing in the Star Wars universe, and while many believe that The Mandalorian will reveal more, fans are often split on the potential revelations.
One fan, in the above Reddit thread, notes their theory, saying, “I still think Yoda’s a gelfling. They even had a tribe of green-skinned gelflings in the new series.”
This would make sense, but I prefer him being a Muppet.
I can imagine Christmas mornings in the house of Yoda, with Miss Piggy admiring little Yoda’s new force powers, as Kermit shows the youngster some epic lightsaber tricks.
They wave goodbye as Yoda goes off to Jedi training, before living out their retirement as stage performers. Sounds nice.
We don’t recommend baby walkers with wheels. These are a leading cause of baby injuries. A baby on wheels can get into trouble fast. For instance, they could yank the edge of a tablecloth and knock everything on the table onto their head. They can also quickly get to stairs, or a fireplace — you get the idea.
Baby jumpers, such as the Jumperoo, are safer, but parental supervision is important. You should also take note of the following.
✔️Make sure the jumper is in an open, level space. It will be safest if you keep it within your eyesight, and your baby will be happiest if they can see you too.
✔️Don’t use a jumper until your baby has strong neck control, often around the six-month mark. Some jumpers are marked as safe from four months as long as your baby can hold their head up well. More on that below.
✔️If your baby falls asleep in the jumper, move them immediately to a safe sleeping space.
✔️ Jumping will not help your baby learn to walk. In fact, too much time in a jumper could be detrimental. A baby’s motor development is best supported by playing on a mat on the floor, where they can practise tummy time, rolling and sitting.
✔️Your baby should not be left in a baby jumper for more than about 20 minutes a day. Time spent on the floor in a safe environment exploring freely and playing is more conducive to your baby’s motor, sensory and cognitive development.
Martin Reijnders, father of the Rossoneri midfielder Tijjani, commented on LinkedIn about his son’s performance and goal yesterday against Spain in the Nations League, playing for the Netherlands:
“I really liked the Dutch national team yesterday against Spain. The result was 2-2. Tijjani scored a beautiful goal and has already reached 17 goals and 4 assists this season. But his brother Eliano also played a good game yesterday (with Indonesia, editor’s note). Unfortunately, Patrick Kluivert’s team lost 5-1 to Australia. I can’t wait for Sunday and Tuesday when they will be back in action.”
Reijnders’ goal, another magic moment against Spain A great play from the Orange team and a superb left-footed goal, into the far post, by Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. Frimpong did very well to sprint down the right and cross for Tijjani, who, on the edge of the box, unleashed a precise left-foot shot that found the bottom corner, delivering an unstoppable trajectory. Reijnders’ magical season continues.
A few days ago, social media was filled with conversations about deadbeat mothers — how their existence is often overlooked in favour of deadbeat dads. It made me wonder what it really means to have a mother who chooses not to be in your life. That’s how I found *Bolarinwa.
In this story, the 31-year-old mother of one shares what it was like being raised without her mum, how she discovered the truth about her mother’s absence, and the heartbreaking rejection that followed when she tried to reconnect.
As told to Adeyinka
I grew up knowing I had a mother but never really had one.
My earliest memories of her are hazy, fleeting moments of warmth that disappeared as quickly as they came. A hug here, a soft smile there. But the memories don’t last long enough to form anything concrete. I can’t recall the sound of her voice, how she smelled, or even what it felt like to have her around for more than a few hours.
Instead, I had my grandmother. She was the one who raised me, who made sure I had food to eat, clothes to wear, and a roof over my head. She was the one who came to school for visiting days, who held my hand when I was sick, who braided my hair in front of the house on warm Sunday evenings. I lacked nothing; at least, that’s what she told me.
But I knew better. No matter how much love my grandmother gave me, there was always a missing piece. The absence of a mother isn’t something you can just ignore, even when you’re told that everything is fine because it’s not fine. Not when you see other children run to their mothers after school or hear your classmates complain about their mums being “too strict” or “too protective”— things you would give anything to experience for yourself.
And then there were the questions. I remember being in primary school when a classmate asked why my mum was “so old.” It caught me off guard, and I didn’t even know what to say for a few seconds. My grandmother had picked me up that day like she always did, and while I had never been ashamed of her, I suddenly felt self-conscious. I mumbled something about her being my grandma, and the conversation moved on, but it stuck with me.
Another time, during a class project about our families, we were asked to bring a photo of our parents. I had no recent picture of my mother, and bringing a photo of my grandmother felt too complicated to explain. So, I “forgot” to submit anything and spent the entire day dodging questions about why I didn’t have a picture.
I learned early on that people expected certain things regarding family, and my reality didn’t fit. So, I avoided the topic when I could, giving vague answers when people asked. But inside, I wished I had a simpler story to tell.
When I was younger, I asked where she was. I don’t remember my grandmother’s exact words, but I remember the sentiment: She’s not here, but she loves you. That answer was enough for a while. I built stories in my head. Maybe she was far away, working hard to make life better for us. Maybe she was sick and needed to get better before she could return. Maybe she was waiting for the right moment.
Then, one day, when I was around 11, I heard one of my uncles say something that shattered all my hopeful theories: She was in a mental institution.
I didn’t understand the full weight of those words then, but they stuck with me. And as I grew older, they started shaping how I saw her absence. She was sick, and that meant she had no choice. Maybe she wanted to be with me but couldn’t. Maybe she was fighting to get better, and she would come back one day.
I held onto that belief for years.
By the time I got to secondary school, my mother had become more of an idea than a real person. She was a name, a shadow in my life, someone I could talk about but not truly know. When my classmates spoke about their mothers, I stayed silent. When they asked about mine, I said she was away. That was easier than explaining what I didn’t even understand myself.
It wasn’t until I got to university that I started to question things more.
I had grown up hearing whispers and little comments from relatives that didn’t add up. And I wondered why no one ever took me to see her. If she was in a mental institution, why did it feel like she had vanished entirely? It didn’t make sense.
So I asked. This time, I didn’t just ask to satisfy my curiosity. I demanded the truth. I told my grandmother I wouldn’t stop asking until someone took me to her. And that’s when I learned the real story. My mother wasn’t sick. She had never been in a hospital. She was in a church.
The revelation made no sense to me. What did they mean she was in a church? For years, I had been told she was unwell. I had spent my childhood feeling sorry for a woman who wasn’t fighting for her life but had chosen a different one that didn’t include me.
I insisted on seeing her. My grandmother hesitated, but after years of hiding the truth, she had no choice but to tell me where to find her. The church was on the outskirts of town, a large compound with high walls and a strict entrance policy. I had to wait outside for hours before someone agreed to call her.
When she finally came out, she barely looked at me.
I had imagined this moment so many times, how she would see me and burst into tears, how she would hold me and apologise for everything, how she would tell me she loved me and had missed me every single day. But none of that happened.
She stood in front of me, eyes empty, mouth set in a firm line. She looked at me like I was a stranger. And when I tried to speak, she cut me off.
“I have nothing to say to you.”
I didn’t understand. I had waited my whole life for this moment. I thought seeing me would change something in her. But she didn’t even flinch.
Still, I refused to give up. I went back again and again. Each time, she was colder than before, barely acknowledging me, treating me like a stranger who had wandered into her life uninvited. But there was one visit that almost felt different.
It was a Sunday afternoon, and I had waited outside the church for hours before she finally agreed to speak with me. For the first time, she didn’t immediately dismiss me or walk away. My heart raced with hope. Maybe this was it. Maybe she was finally ready to be my mother.
Then she said, “If you’re serious about wanting a relationship with me, you need to leave Islam and join the church.” I thought she was joking. I waited for a smile, some sign that she didn’t mean it. But she was serious. In her mind, the only way I could matter to her was if I erased the life I had always known.
I felt like a fool. Even after all the rejections, some part of me still believed she just needed time. That if I showed up enough and proved myself enough, she would remember I was her daughter.
The last time I saw her, I finally asked the questions that had haunted me my entire life. “Why did you abandon me? Why do you refuse to acknowledge me?”
Her response was simple and final. “I don’t owe you anything.” That was when I knew. My mother had made her choice a long time ago. And I was never a part of it.
I don’t remember how I got home that day. I don’t remember if I cried or just sat in silence, trying to process the weight of those words, but I remember feeling empty.
Years passed, and I tried to move on. I convinced myself that I didn’t need her. That I had grown up fine without her, and I would be fine in the future, too. But when I got married five years ago, the wound reopened.
Despite everything, I wanted her there. I told myself that this time, she would show up. That no matter what had happened in the past, she would at least want to be there for this. I sent word through the church, through relatives. And her response was the same as before: she didn’t care to be there. So I walked down the aisle with my grandmother by my side, the only mother I had ever known.
Now, I have a daughter of my own. And every day, I look at her and wonder how my mother ever left me. I don’t understand how you carry a child, birth them, and then pretend they don’t exist. Motherhood has been the most terrifying, beautiful, overwhelming experience of my life. I can’t imagine choosing anything over my child.
Sometimes, I wonder if she ever thinks about me. If she regrets anything. If she ever wonders what kind of woman I became. But I can’t waste my life thinking about someone who never thought about me.
All I can do is be the mother I never had. My daughter will never have to question if she is loved. She will never feel my absence the way I felt my mother’s. I grew up without a mother, and I survived. But my daughter? She will never know what that feels like. She will always have me.
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The Baby Car Seat Market is driven by rising awareness about child safety, stringent government regulations, and increasing vehicle ownership. Innovations in design, such as lightweight, portable, and smart car seats with enhanced safety features, are boosting demand.
The Baby Car Seat Market Size is projected to grow from USD 5.86 billion in 2024 to approximately USD 8.61 billion by 2032, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.92% during the forecast period. The increasing emphasis on child safety, stringent government regulations, and growing awareness among parents are key factors driving market expansion.
Market Growth Factors & Opportunities
The rising number of road accidents and increasing concerns about infant and toddler safety have significantly boosted the demand for baby car seats. Government regulations mandating the use of car seats in several countries have played a crucial role in market growth. Additionally, the increasing disposable income of parents, particularly in urban areas, has led to a rise in premium and feature-rich car seat purchases. The growing popularity of multifunctional and travel-friendly baby car seats, along with advancements in smart safety features such as side-impact protection and ISOFIX latch systems, is creating new market opportunities. E-commerce platforms have also contributed to market growth by providing easy access to a wide range of products with competitive pricing.
The baby car seat market is segmented based on product type, distribution channel, and age group.
based on Product Type: The market includes infant car seats, convertible car seats, booster seats, and combination seats. Infant car seats hold the largest market share due to their superior safety features for newborns. Convertible car seats are also gaining traction as they offer long-term usability by adjusting to the child’s growth.
by Age Group: The market caters to different age groups, including newborns (0-12 months), toddlers (1-4 years), and young children (4-8 years). The newborn segment dominates due to mandatory safety regulations and parental awareness of infant protection.
by Distribution Channel: The market is divided into offline and online channels. While offline retail stores such as supermarkets and specialty baby stores remain dominant, online sales are rapidly growing due to the convenience of e-commerce platforms, product comparisons, and discounts.
United States: The U.S. dominates the baby car seat market due to strict child safety laws, high consumer awareness, and the presence of leading brands offering advanced safety features.
Germany: Germany’s market is driven by stringent EU safety regulations, a high rate of automobile ownership, and consumer preference for high-quality, certified products.
China: China is witnessing rapid growth due to increasing disposable income, growing urbanization, and rising awareness of child safety. The market is further supported by regulatory changes promoting car seat usage.
United Kingdom: The UK market is expanding due to strong government policies on child passenger safety and increasing demand for premium, ergonomic car seat designs.
India: India’s market is emerging with rising urbanization, increasing car ownership, and growing awareness of baby car seat safety, although adoption rates remain relatively lower compared to developed regions.
Competitor Analysis
The baby car seat market is highly competitive, with key players focusing on safety innovation, design enhancements, and regulatory compliance. Major companies include:
Graco Children’s Products Inc.: A leading brand known for its durable and budget-friendly car seats.
Britax Child Safety Inc.: Specializes in high-quality, safety-focused car seats with advanced features.
Chicco: Offers a range of stylish and ergonomic baby car seats.
Diono LLC: Focuses on convertible and travel-friendly car seat designs.
Cybex GmbH: Known for premium, technologically advanced car seats with enhanced safety features.
The global baby car seat market is set for steady growth, driven by increasing regulatory requirements, rising parental awareness, and technological advancements in safety features. As the demand for smart and multifunctional car seats continues to rise, manufacturers are focusing on product innovation and enhanced safety standards to meet evolving consumer needs.
Explore More: Visit our website for Additional reports:
Maximize Market Research is a global market research and business consulting firm with offices in India, the USA, and the UAE. Our contribution to revenue and our mission-driven nature of research translates to being one of the proud partners of majority of Fortune 500 companies. Serving all major industries such as IT & telecom, chemical, food & beverage, aerospace & defense, healthcare etc., we have a diversified industry portfolio.
Abhishek Bachchan has taken on another fatherly role in his recently released film Be Happy. The movie, which revolves around themes of family, relationships, and self-discovery, showcases Abhishek in an emotionally rich role that he deeply resonated with. Over the years, he has portrayed similar characters.
EXCLUSIVE: Abhishek Bachchan talks about playing a father in Be Happy and how parenthood shaped his acting; says, “Fatherhood has certainly made it easier to connect with these emotions”
In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, he opened up about how fatherhood has influenced his performances.
“Coincidentally, my last couple of films have all featured me in father or father-figure roles. I think as an artist, certain stories resonate with you depending on where you are in your personal life,” Abhishek shared.
He further reflected on how his personal journey as a father has shaped his connection with such roles. “I’m not sure if, several years ago, before I became a father, I would have connected with some of these emotions in the same way. However, it ultimately comes down to the entire story—it’s not just about playing a father. The films I Want to Talk and Be Happy appealed to me because of their stories, and I would have wanted to be part of them even if I weren’t a father in real life.”
Be Happy is an uplifting drama that explores the bond between a father and his child, emphasizing the power of unconditional love and understanding. Bachchan’s portrayal is expected to bring depth and authenticity to the role, much like his previous performances in films where he played fatherly characters.
Speaking about his evolution as an actor, he recalled an earlier role where he had to rely solely on imagination to convey paternal emotions. “Earlier in my career, I played a father figure in Kako, and back then, I had to rely more on imagination. It all depends on the film, but fatherhood has certainly made it easier to connect with these emotions.”
With Be Happy, Abhishek Bachchan continues to embrace roles that challenge and inspire him, bringing heartfelt performances to audiences who appreciate his evolving artistry.
As Mother’s Day approaches, the charity Sands has offered guidance for friends and family supporting mothers affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. Recognizing the complex emotions surrounding this sensitive day, Sands aims to equip supporters with the tools they need to provide meaningful support. Jen Coates, the director of bereavement support at Sands, emphasized the unique challenges faced by bereaved families, stating, “We know from bereaved families that have experienced baby loss, days like Mother’s Day can be full of mixed emotions.” In response to this, Sands has released a list of supportive gestures on their website.
For many, acknowledging the baby’s name or simply asking the bereaved mother how she is doing can provide comfort. Other subtle yet significant actions include inviting the mother out for a walk or coffee or sending a heartfelt supportive message. Bereaved mother Lorna highlighted the importance of this acknowledgment, saying, “I really appreciate my friends and family acknowledging that it might be a bittersweet day for us. Even a simple hug emoji can feel supportive.” This sentiment underscores the value of connection and recognition during difficult times.
Sands further emphasizes the importance of reminding bereaved mothers that they are still considered mothers and that their experiences matter. To foster a supportive community among parents dealing with similar losses, Sands offers safe spaces through its online community and Facebook group. These platforms allow grieving parents to share their experiences and provide mutual support, which can be especially beneficial during the Mother’s Day period, as well as on the day itself.
In a somewhat parallel discussion, Grantham Crematorium announced it will hold a special remembrance service on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 3.30 PM. This event is designed to honor mothers and maternal figures who are no longer present. The tranquil chapel at Grantham Crematorium will serve as a welcoming environment where attendees can light a tea light in memory of their loved ones.
“For many, Mother’s Day is a time of joy and appreciation, but we understand it can also bring feelings of loss and longing,” said Andrew Pughe-Jones, business leader at the crematorium. He expressed hopes that the remembrance service will create opportunities for connection, comfort, and reflection. “Our remembrance service is a way to bring people together, to share memories and to find comfort in the presence of others who understand,” he noted.
Attendees will also be invited to stay after the service for refreshments and additional support. Notably, there is no need for advance registration to attend the service, and everyone is welcome to join this community outlet during Mother’s Day.
Grantham Crematorium is part of Dignity, a network operating crematoria across the UK. As part of their community-focused effort, similar remembrance services are set to take place across various locations, addressing the needs of those grappling with grief and loss during Mother’s Day.
The messages from both Sands and Grantham Crematorium offer valuable insight into navigating Mother’s Day for those affected by loss. With tailored guidance and communal support, bereaved mothers and families can find source of comfort during a day that may evoke sorrow for many.
Parents have launched a campaign to fight the “very sudden decision” to shut a nursery on a university campus.
The University of Bradford has told about 100 families who use the Laisteridge Lane nursery it can no longer afford to fund the service as it needs to make £13m in savings.
At least 1,090 people have so far signed a petition to save the nursery, which is rated as outstanding by Ofsted.
The university said it faced significant financial challenges “like many in the UK”.
Dr Jinan Rabbee, who lives in Great Horton, has one child at the nursery and another due to start in April.
She said: “At the moment it seems like a very sudden decision and it’s looking at children as numbers rather than people.
“It’s not considering their parents or the families or even their employees and how the knock-on effects might affect the community.”
The university is also looking to shed 200 roles as part of drastic cost-cutting measures
In a note sent by the university, it said a formal consultation with nursery employees would start on Monday and close on Wednesday 7 May.
It said: “During this time, nursery staff members will be able to share their feedback, ask questions and suggest alternative options.
“However, if no viable alternative can be found, the nursery will close at 18:00 on Thursday 31 July 2025.”
The BBC has been in contact with some students and staff who did not want to be identified.
Many felt the decision to close the nursery had already been made.
Dr Rabbee, a researcher who works elsewhere, said: “I would say that they need to reconsider and look at other, creative alternatives.
“There has to be another solution to keep it open and to give children the ability to keep going there.
“It [the university] has not considered those single parents, or single working parents, or parents who don’t have a community around them – something is going to have to give.”
‘Prioritise our core business’
The nursery was set up in 1992 for staff and students and later opened up to the wider community.
Half the current users are members of the public, while 34% are students and 16% employees.
A University of Bradford spokesperson said: “We have taken the difficult decision to no longer operate the University of Bradford nursery from Thursday 31 July 2025.
“While the nursery provides outstanding childcare provision, it has been subsidised by the university for many years, which is no longer affordable.”
The spokesperson would not reveal how much it cost to run the nursery every year.
But they said the university must make at least £13m in savings and “prioritise our core business of delivering high-quality higher education and research”.
The spokesperson said: “We appreciate this is a challenging time for parents and nursery staff and are doing everything we can to support them.”
MILWAUKEE (WISN) – A Wisconsin man is facing charges after prosecutors say he intentionally dropped a toddler off a second-story balcony.
Miraculously, the baby survived.
The mother says it all started with an argument that got out of hand.
Stormy Walters is the happy toddler seen in a video that was shot just before her life nearly ended.
“This is my baby involved. She’s 1. She could’ve died. She could’ve gotten really hurt from that,” Stormy’s mother, Shakira Walters, said. “I’m just mad.”
A man is facing charges after he allegedly dropped a toddler off of the second story.
Shakira Walters says she’s still amazed Stormy didn’t suffer more than bruises after she was dropped, or thrown, from a second-story balcony at their home on Thursday by 31-year-old ex-husband Jaimann Eiland.
“She’s fine. She’s doing great,” Shakira Walters said. “There’s nothing I can really say. She’s just fine. As long as my baby’s still breathing, that’s it.”
According to the criminal complaint charging Eiland with substantial battery and physical abuse of a child, he admitted accidentally knocking Stormy over in the kitchen. That started a heated argument with Shakira Walters, which eventually turned physical.
“He was definitely trying to because for you to be choking her and you punched her and threw her off the balcony, he was definitely trying to kill my baby,” Shakira Walters alleged.
Stormy wound up with just a few bruises.
It was the same for Shakira Walters, who said if she had to do it over, she’d try to calm things down before they turned physical.
“Those kinds of situations, just try to walk away. Walk away from things like this because people can take their anger out on your baby, and babies are defenseless,” Shakira Walters said.
Eiland is jailed on a $15,000 bail. The child abuse charge against Eiland carries a maximum 12 years in prison if convicted.
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