Lisa Salmon

Helen Skelton says she exercises primarily for her mental wellbeing rather than appearance and prefers having a specific challenge to train for. She is preparing for the Great North Run while also running, hiking, swimming and playing golf. The presenter, who lives in Cumbria with her three children, promotes outdoor activities through Go Outdoors community hikes and describes family life in the Lake District as centred on camping, cycling, boating and countryside outings. She also discusses managing work and childcare through support from her parents and extended family, including bringing her children to appropriate filming assignments.

Students preparing for university are advised to compare student bank accounts carefully rather than choosing a familiar bank or one offering attractive freebies. Key considerations include eligibility, the size and certainty of the interest-free overdraft, terms for exceeding the limit, graduate-account arrangements, perks, credit-score implications and customer reviews. The guidance emphasizes that maintenance loans are falling substantially short of living costs, making a suitable overdraft and responsible money management especially important.

Spiders are more likely to enter homes when windows are open and may gather in warm, damp areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Recommended prevention methods include vacuuming regularly, removing webs, sealing cracks around windows and doors, reducing outdoor lighting, using essential oils or citronella scents, rubbing lemon peel on likely entry points, growing aromatic plants such as mint or eucalyptus, and removing outdoor materials and insects that provide food sources.

Steph McGovern argues that vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and skilled trades receive far less recognition than GCSEs, A-levels and university degrees despite their importance to the economy. Drawing on her own engineering apprenticeship at Black+Decker, she says vocational learning can provide practical skills, resilience and a strong route into employment. She is hosting the first Vocational Celebration Day, organised by Enginuity and EAL, to showcase work-based training and challenge the assumption that academic education is the only path to success. She urges parents to consider all educational routes, particularly as university costs rise, graduates struggle to find work and AI changes how people learn.

A poor credit score can make loans, credit cards, mortgages, rental agreements, insurance and mobile phone contracts more difficult or expensive to obtain. UK experts explain that there is no universal credit score: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion use different systems, while lenders assess the underlying credit report and apply their own criteria. Missed payments, defaults, county court judgments, bankruptcy, high borrowing utilisation and frequent applications can damage credit histories. Improvement is possible through consistently paying bills on time, keeping borrowing below limits, checking reports for errors, registering to vote, managing a current account responsibly, using direct debits and applying through eligibility checkers. Credit-building products should be approached cautiously because high interest rates and fees can worsen financial problems.

Retired BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood says she is enjoying greater freedom and spending time with her husband, Steve Randall, after leaving BBC Breakfast in April following 28 years with the broadcaster. The couple have begun travelling, including trips to the United States and Italy, and plan further journeys to destinations such as India, Australia and New Orleans. Comprehensive Bupa health assessments found no significant health concerns, while Kirkwood was motivated to improve her fitness through walking, Couch to 5K, weight training, lunges and squats. She also describes adopting a generally Mediterranean-style diet and says retirement has brought satisfaction in both major plans and everyday activities.

Experts encourage families to reduce children’s summer screen time by offering appealing offline activities, establishing shared expectations, keeping device-free moments, and modeling healthy behavior. Guidance highlights the importance of familiar outdoor play for young children, structured boundaries for tweens, and trust-based collaboration with teenagers. Suggestions include preparing accessible non-digital activities, using instant cameras as creative substitutes, and making offline time playful or challenge-based. Emphasis is placed on balancing digital use with creativity, learning, social connection, and outdoor experiences.

Interior designers highlight a renewed interest in creating small, comfortable snug rooms as open‑plan living declines. They advise identifying a compact area, adding soft furnishings and varied lighting, and choosing either dark home‑cinema tones or calming light colours. Snugs can be incorporated into open‑plan spaces by creating defined seating zones, and even small corners or under‑stairs areas can become functional retreats focused on comfort and relaxation.

Antenatal educator Megan Rossiter outlines strategies for maintaining autonomy during pregnancy and childbirth, emphasising the importance of recognising what aspects of birth can be controlled and focusing energy there. She advises calming the nervous system before making decisions, using the I ADAPT framework to weigh options, and employing practical self‑advocacy methods such as bringing support, asking clarifying questions, documenting discussions and seeking second opinions. These tools aim to help pregnant women navigate maternity care more confidently and build skills that support future parenting.

Minor electrical problems such as buzzing sockets, fish-like or burning smells, discoloured outlets, flickering lights, sparks, scorch marks, overheating switches and frequently tripped breakers can signal dangerous faults and increase the risk of electric shock or fire. NICEIC and Electrical Safety First advise stopping use of affected equipment, avoiding DIY repairs and contacting a registered electrician. An Electrical Installation Condition Report can identify hidden deterioration in wiring and connections; inspections are recommended periodically, particularly every five years for rented properties and when buying or selling a home.

Research shows most children experience sunburn, significantly increasing lifetime risks of skin cancer and premature ageing due to DNA damage from UV exposure. Dermatology experts warn that sunburn during childhood can double melanoma risk and emphasize that UV damage accumulates, even without visible redness. Fair- and dark‑skinned children both remain vulnerable. Recommended protection includes regular sunscreen reapplication, shade, protective clothing, and avoiding direct sunlight for babies under six months. Early sun‑safety habits are encouraged to reduce long‑term health risks.

Experts highlight that using standard bank cards abroad can lead to high foreign transaction fees, making specialist travel credit cards or fee‑free debit cards more cost‑effective options. Travel credit cards offer strong exchange rates and purchase protection but require careful repayment to avoid interest. Some debit cards also waive overseas fees, while prepaid travel cards help with budgeting but may carry additional charges. Carrying some cash remains useful, though not ideal as a primary method. A mix of cards and limited cash is recommended to ensure flexibility and avoid payment issues while travelling.

Warmer summer weather raises the risk of foodborne illness, prompting food safety experts to issue guidance on safe picnic preparation and storage. Recommendations include hand hygiene, washing produce, controlling food temperatures with cool boxes, managing leftovers within safe time limits, taking special precautions for vulnerable individuals, and checking for food allergies in advance to prevent serious reactions.

Experts outline low-cost ways to socialise during the summer amid the UK cost‑of‑living crisis, including picnics, daytime coffee meet‑ups, hiking, free exercise options, charity shop challenges, museum visits, strawberry picking and organising car boot sales, emphasising planning and budget‑friendly choices to stay connected without overspending.

Katherine Ryan discusses her experiences of bowel movements during childbirth to reduce stigma and reassure expectant mothers that such occurrences are normal and nothing to fear. Fronting an Andrex campaign highlighting that many mothers worry about this aspect of labour, she emphasises that bodily functions during birth are common, quickly managed by medical staff and not remembered. Ryan encourages open discussion to reduce anxiety and notes that fear may prolong labour. She also reflects on the challenges of parenting four children and balancing family life with her career.

Divorce costs can escalate quickly when finances, assets, or child-related issues are involved, despite low online fees for no-fault applications. Legal experts recommend proactive financial planning, organised documentation, and understanding the limitations of online divorce systems. Cost-saving measures include using unbundled retainers, seeking early expert guidance, and pursuing mediation or arbitration to avoid court proceedings. Legal Aid may be available in cases involving domestic abuse. Maintaining a focused, professional relationship with lawyers helps prevent unnecessary legal expenses and supports a more efficient, financially manageable separation process.

Research commissioned by Lloyds Banking Group finds that smarter use of digital banking features could save UK households about £3,500 over 10 years by reducing unnecessary costs, improving investment decisions, and managing debt more effectively. Led by University of Nottingham economist John Gathergood, the study identifies seven areas where digital tools can deliver financial gains, including accessible investing, better debt management, mortgage switching, expanded credit data, insurance optimisation, smarter money management, and improvements in financial capability. Growing adoption of personalised, data-driven banking tools could unlock up to £100 billion in economic value nationwide.

Experts outline strategies to reduce unnecessary pre‑holiday spending by avoiding duplicate purchases, delaying impulse buys, considering second‑hand options, borrowing items, choosing fee‑free payment methods abroad, adding friction to payment habits, and using cash budgeting to stay within limits.

Financial experts explain that a bad credit score reflects past borrowing issues and can limit access to loans, increase interest rates or reduce available credit. Factors harming scores include maxed-out credit, frequent applications, missed payments, defaults, CCJs and bankruptcy. The UK’s three credit reference agencies use different scoring systems, and limited borrowing history can also work against consumers. Poor scores can affect renting, insurance costs and mobile phone contracts. Improvement relies on consistent on‑time payments, managing borrowing limits, correcting errors on credit reports, registering to vote, and maintaining responsible account management. Eligibility checkers and cautious use of low‑limit credit cards can help those rebuilding their profiles, with regular monitoring recommended.

Lisa Katayama outlines ten Japanese-inspired parenting principles that encourage respect, mindfulness and community awareness, emphasizing practices such as polite greetings, cleaning up, empathy, mindful focus and gratitude. She highlights cultural concepts including animism, enryo and pacifism, presenting them as tools for fostering calm and considerate children. Her book, The Japanese Way of Parenting, expands on these methods.

JB Gill promotes healthier eating habits for children by encouraging variety, parental role‑modelling and making food fun. He describes how his own children enjoy fruits and vegetables, influenced by their farming lifestyle and his Caribbean upbringing. Gill partners with Tesco to launch the Giant Fruit & Veg Challenge, inviting schoolchildren to create produce‑focused dishes, with winning recipes added to UK school menus. Tesco will also double its Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme to expand access in high‑need areas. Research cited highlights limited variety and parental purchasing habits as key barriers to children eating more produce.

Experts outline the growing challenges of property investment, citing higher interest rates, increased taxes, rising regulation, and the significant workload for landlords. They note that buy-to-let requires large upfront costs, ongoing management, and carries risks such as vacancies and illiquidity. Short-term lets may offer higher income but involve greater unpredictability and regulatory hurdles. Alternatives such as REITs, diversified investment portfolios, ISAs, and pensions are highlighted as more flexible and liquid options that spread risk more effectively.

Sport psychologist Geoff Lovell explains how adopting an Olympic-style mindset can improve students’ exam performance by focusing on structured preparation, high‑quality revision, consistent routines and managing emotions. He recommends breaking study into focused blocks, creating detailed revision plans that include exercise and social time, and clearly communicating these plans to parents. On exam day, students are advised to control what they can by following a set routine and reducing anxiety through structure. Education leader Pepe Di’Iasio supports the parallels between sport and exam preparation and encourages students to seek help early if they are struggling.

Guidance from financial experts emphasizes balancing support for adult children with maintaining personal financial security. Recommendations include assessing personal financial goals, saving or investing early for children, considering stock market investments, leveraging Junior Stocks and Shares ISAs, involving extended family in planning, and setting clear expectations about financial assistance. Parents are encouraged to weigh gifting versus lending, formalize loan agreements when necessary, and understand tax implications to avoid jeopardizing retirement or long‑term stability.

Holly Hagan-Blyth and Charlie Hedges reflect on the challenges of parenting and the lessons learned while hosting the CBeebies Parenting Helpline podcast. They discuss issues such as conflicting advice, relying on intuition, coping with limited support systems, and managing work alongside motherhood. Both emphasise that every child is unique and stress the importance of avoiding judgment, comparison, and parental guilt. Their podcast aims to offer reassurance and practical insight for diverse parenting experiences.

Experts report widespread use of generative AI among children and outline risks including inaccurate information, extensive data collection, AI companions that can foster unhealthy dependence, and the creation of sexualised deepfake images. They urge parents to promote critical thinking, understand data privacy concerns, and discuss difficult topics such as image manipulation. While AI offers educational benefits, safeguards and parental involvement are emphasised. OpenAI outlines teen protections and states it does not build personal profiles or target users with ads.

Ferne McCann discusses balancing work and motherhood, focusing on maintaining her identity through fitness, self‑care, and a structured skincare routine. She highlights her commitment to exercise, recent weight loss through consistent healthy habits, and the importance of encouraging an active lifestyle in her daughters. McCann also emphasises mental wellbeing, crediting long‑term therapy and deepening religious faith for emotional stability. She continues her role as UK ambassador for QV Skincare, promoting simple, protective skincare practices for herself and her children.

Long-term loyalty to a single bank is causing many UK customers to miss out on better interest rates, lower fees and useful perks available from competitors. Consumer finance experts emphasise the benefits of comparing current and savings accounts, noting strong differences in service quality between providers. The Current Account Switch Service simplifies moving accounts, and digital banks increasingly offer competitive rates and tools. Savings rates have recently fallen after a Bank of England rate cut, but favourable offers remain available, making regular comparison essential to avoid losing value over time.

Guidance from Dr Nighat Arif outlines how parents can assess common childhood health concerns including head injuries, fevers, eczema and coughs. She highlights key red flags requiring urgent attention, emphasises the importance of monitoring symptoms, and stresses trusting parental instincts. Her book aims to counter online misinformation by offering practical medical advice for families.

Former England rugby player Joe Marler reflects on embracing childlike playfulness with his four children and the joy of staying connected with them through imaginative games. While adjusting to life after retiring from rugby, he balances various media projects and values authentic work. He recently took part in LEGO Star Wars SMART Play challenges with Mark Bonnar, which delighted his LEGO‑obsessed sons. Marler emphasises the importance of engaging with children meaningfully, making memories during school holidays, and supporting their imaginative play, even when it means stepping back to let them enjoy it independently.

Jessica Ennis-Hill reflects on fluctuating motivation during her athletic career and offers practical advice for maintaining exercise habits despite poor weather. She encourages preparation, adapting workouts to daily energy levels, running with friends for accountability, setting gradual goals, and remembering the positive feelings associated with completing a run. She also suggests wearing workout gear during the day to reduce barriers to exercising. The guidance aims to help people stay active consistently, supported by recent research highlighting how weather disrupts training routines.

Experts recommend planning budgets in advance, using kids-eat-free offers, creating themed low-cost activities, and signing up for local venue deals to keep Easter holiday spending manageable. Loyalty card discounts, sharing childcare and activities with other families, and raising funds through selling unused items can help stretch budgets further. Parents are encouraged to avoid comparisons that increase pressure and focus on simple, memorable experiences for children.

Fussy eating affects most UK families, contributing to frustration and anxiety among parents. Behaviour change psychotherapist Alicia Eaton attributes picky eating to excessive food choice, frequent snacking, sensory preferences, and emotionally charged food environments. She recommends seven strategies to prevent picky eating, including spacing snacks and meals, using neutral food language, serving one family meal, accommodating sensory preferences, encouraging curiosity without pressure, maintaining predictable mealtime routines, and modelling relaxed eating habits. These practices aim to create a calmer food environment that allows children to develop natural appetite and flexibility around food.

Retirees increasingly pursue extensive travel, inspired by a desire for relaxation and meaningful experiences. Experienced travellers share advice including travelling sooner rather than later, using AI tools for planning, packing lightly, avoiding peak seasons, moving at a slower pace, prioritising comfort, using campervans to reduce costs, adopting temporary stays as “flex-pats,” staying connected with family through technology, and learning from fellow travellers. These approaches aim to make retirement journeys more enjoyable, flexible and immersive.

Lauren Laverne encourages parents to take children to art galleries, arguing that cultural spaces should feel accessible and welcoming rather than intimidating. She supports Clarendon Fine Art’s Subtle Art of Family campaign, highlighting research that shows cultural experiences strengthen family connection and wellbeing. Laverne discusses her own upbringing, her sons’ evolving engagement with art, and the value of galleries offering family-friendly activities. She emphasizes inclusivity, the cultural importance of Britain’s museums, and the need to nurture future generations of art lovers. She also reflects on the perspective gained after overcoming a cancer diagnosis, expressing gratitude and renewed appreciation for life.

Retirees increasingly pursue extended travel, driven by a desire for meaningful experiences, relaxation and flexibility. Seasoned travellers share strategies including travelling sooner rather than later, using AI for planning, packing lightly, avoiding peak seasons and embracing slower, more immersive stays. They emphasise comfort, flexible itineraries, the benefits of campervan travel, and the concept of becoming a “flex-pat” by temporarily living abroad without full expatriation. Maintaining family connections through technology and learning from fellow travellers are highlighted as key elements of enjoyable and stress‑free retirement travel.

Experts outline ways to keep homes warm while lowering energy costs, emphasizing efficient heating schedules, appropriate thermostat settings, reducing heat loss, sealing draughts, and maintaining frost protection. Recommendations include using thermal curtains, adjusting boiler temperatures, turning down radiators in unused rooms, and considering upgrades to efficient boilers or heat pumps to improve performance and reduce long-term expenses.

Corinne Bailey Rae reflects on balancing global touring with raising her two young daughters, who often travel with her alongside their father and grandmother. She discusses the challenges and rewards of motherhood, noting how family life shapes her work and creative process. Rae’s new children’s book, Put Your Records On, evolved through years of trial and error with her daughters’ input. As her children grow older, she anticipates new adjustments to touring and work schedules but remains focused on being present, maintaining support systems, and managing the demands of parenting and a creative career.

Experts explain how ageing can make people more vulnerable to sleep disturbances due to factors including declining melatonin, hormonal changes, illness, medications and lifestyle shifts after retirement. Older adults often experience lighter, more fragmented sleep and shifts in circadian rhythm, but these changes are not inevitable and should not be dismissed as normal. Maintaining regular sleep timing, increasing daylight exposure, staying active and addressing medical issues such as sleep apnoea can improve sleep quality. Treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy or CPAP may be recommended depending on the underlying cause, and supportive adjustments can help preserve sleep health later in life.

Experts emphasize the importance of early financial education at home, noting that children form money habits by age seven. They recommend teaching kids the value of money through role play, distinguishing needs from wants, understanding saving and delayed gratification, linking pocket money to chores to show the relationship between work and earnings, and keeping money safe using tools like piggy banks or bank accounts. The UK Government’s plan to make financial literacy mandatory in schools from 2028 provides wider context, but parents remain key to building practical money skills.

Natalie Cassidy voices alarm over the harmful content children encounter on social media and supports raising the minimum access age to 16. Findings from the Big Tech’s Little Victims campaign reveal that algorithms expose young teens to sexualised, violent, and self‑harm content. The National Education Union urges government action, citing systemic design issues in platforms. Cassidy highlights parental challenges in monitoring online activity, contrasts today’s digital pressures with her own upbringing, and calls for stronger protections similar to Australia’s under‑16 ban.

Natalie Cassidy supports raising the minimum social media age to 16 due to concerns about harmful online content affecting children. A campaign experiment showed underage profiles receiving large amounts of sexualised, violent, racist and self-harm content. Cassidy notes the difficulty parents face monitoring online activity and fears children may be desensitised to harmful material. Backed by the National Education Union, the campaign calls on the government to address algorithmic exposure risks and consider age restrictions similar to Australia’s approach.

Tourette’s syndrome affects more than 300,000 people in the UK, with tics as the primary symptoms and comorbidities such as ADHD, OCD, and anxiety commonly present. Only a minority of individuals experience involuntary swearing, yet many conceal their condition due to fear of discrimination. Guidance from Tourettes Action emphasizes that verbal tics do not reflect personal beliefs and encourages supportive responses such as avoiding judgment, offering understanding, and creating a respectful environment.

Rose Ayling-Ellis celebrates the selection of her children’s book The Big Bang! for World Book Day 2026, describing its inspiration in her own childhood and its focus on communication and disability inclusion. She highlights the value of creativity and accessible storytelling, while Fiona Hickley of World Book Day warns of declining reading enjoyment among children and outlines ways parents can encourage reading through choice, shared experiences and library use. The initiative’s efforts, including book tokens and events across the UK and Ireland, aim to make reading enjoyable and foster long-term engagement.

Offers ten practical strategies to cut costs during the February half term, including restaurant discounts, attraction deals, Tesco Clubcard savings, free museums and National Trust sites, LEGO store events, Parkrun, childcare swaps, government childcare support, free streaming trials and free video games. Emphasizes planning, using reward schemes and making the most of free activities to reduce family expenses.

Lou Beckett reflects on the emotional and logistical burden of being the default parent, describing how the role caused her to lose her pre‑baby identity and inspired her to write a book to validate others with similar experiences. She explains the unacknowledged mental load carried by many parents, the impact on her wellbeing, and how communication has helped her and Rob Beckett rebalance responsibilities. Her book encourages greater understanding between parents and highlights small shifts that can ease the pressures of family life.

Nancy Birtwhistle promotes homemade eco-friendly cleaning products as cost‑effective and healthier alternatives to commercial cleaners, highlighting simple ingredients such as white vinegar, washing soda and bicarbonate of soda. She encourages gradual switching to natural solutions, emphasising their effectiveness, lower cost and reduced environmental impact. Her new book, Clean Magic, shares refined recipes developed over years, reflecting her commitment to reducing synthetic chemical use and single‑use plastics while making green living accessible.

Stuart Green recounts how he helped his three children rebuild their lives after the murder of their mother, environmental lawyer Mia Mascarinas‑Green, in the Philippines. Returning to the UK shortly after the attack, he documented their emotional recovery and developed a resilience framework inspired by ecological regeneration, which he outlines in his book The Regenerate Leap. He describes guiding his children through trauma, gradually restoring stability and joy, and framing their mother’s death in a way that honors her principles. The book aims to help families and leaders navigate crises by recognizing loss, rebuilding capabilities and emerging stronger.

Roger Black reflects on undergoing major heart surgery after tests revealed a dangerous enlargement of his aorta linked to a congenital valve condition. Despite feeling healthy throughout his athletic career, he required a valve replacement and aortic reconstruction, followed by a long recovery centered on walking. A year later he continues daily walks and supports the British Heart Foundation’s Walk for Hearts campaign to promote cardiovascular health and fundraising.

Falling mortgage rates have triggered strong competition among UK lenders, but experts warn that the lowest headline rate is not always the best option once fees and flexibility are considered. Borrowers are advised to avoid trying to time the market, ensure spending habits support affordability checks, and examine early‑repayment charges to maintain flexibility. Weighing the trade‑off between short and long fixed terms, accounting for arrangement fees, and securing a new deal before reverting to a costly Standard Variable Rate are highlighted as key steps. Tracker mortgages may offer a temporary alternative for those seeking flexibility while waiting for further rate reductions.

Guidance from children’s mental health experts emphasises creating comfortable, pressure-free moments for children to share their feelings. Parents are encouraged to use general questions, shared activities, silence, and digital communication for older children to open conversations. Showing interest, staying positive, and expressing empathy help build trust, while persistent changes in behaviour should prompt seeking professional support through GPs, schools or therapy, with YoungMinds offering a free helpline for parents.

Michelle Ackerley reflects on her unexpected pregnancy after low fertility diagnoses and describes the physical and emotional challenges of early motherhood. She discusses recovering from a difficult pregnancy and C‑section while rebuilding her confidence and fitness through gentle, manageable activity. Participating in Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign supports her focus on small, sustainable movement as she adapts to her new identity as a mother. Still on maternity leave, she is taking life day‑by‑day and remains unsure about plans for a second child.

Harvard‑trained physician Ian K Smith outlines decade‑specific nutrition, movement and medical strategies aimed at slowing metabolic decline, supporting muscle preservation, reducing inflammation and extending health span. His guidance stresses nutrient‑dense eating, consistent strength training, cardiovascular activity and proactive health screenings, with adjustments for hormonal shifts, metabolic slowdown and changing nutrient needs across ages. His book "Eat Your Age" promotes practical, science‑based steps to maintain vitality, mobility and independence through later life.

Chemmy Alcott reflects on her skiing career, extensive injury history, and approach to overcoming both physical and mental trauma from accidents. She discusses her transition into broadcasting and family life, noting her children’s enthusiasm for skiing. Alcott supports a new NHS campaign urging people to use a wider range of health services instead of going directly to emergency departments, drawing on her own experience seeking NHS 111 advice for her son’s injury.

Guidance outlines ways to keep homes warm during expected cold spells while limiting energy costs, including using thermostats and programmers efficiently, maintaining temperatures between 18°C and 21°C, preventing draughts, and keeping unused rooms cooler but not unheated. Households are advised to maintain at least 13°C when away to protect pipes and reduce the risk of damage.

Experts highlight how reducing alcohol intake during Dry January can improve dopamine regulation, memory, brain structure, vitamin absorption and mental health, with potential for partial or full recovery from some alcohol-related harms. Guidance includes informing friends and family, using inspirational resources, tracking progress, joining supportive communities, choosing alcohol-free options in social settings, practising self-compassion, planning sober activities, rewarding milestones and using daily affirmations to reinforce healthier habits.

Experts outline key financial considerations for couples going through separation, including identifying assets and debts, assessing expenses, planning for the family home, understanding the treatment of pensions and other properties, and managing disputes over personal items. Guidance highlights the importance of clear financial disclosure, long-term affordability, and fair division of assets, including compensation for financial disadvantage. Freezing orders may be used when one party attempts to conceal or move assets during divorce proceedings.

Growing use of tracking apps such as Life360 raises questions about their impact on trust, independence and family communication. Supporters argue the technology provides reassurance and simplifies coordination, while psychologists warn it may heighten parental anxiety, undermine trust and impede children’s development of independence. Experts recommend focusing on stronger communication and clear boundaries rather than relying on surveillance tools.

Experts describe pocket money as a useful tool for teaching children financial skills, though its value depends on family circumstances. Guidance focuses on when to start allowances, how much to give, and whether to link payments to chores, emphasising consistency and clear expectations. Pocket money can help children understand saving, budgeting and patience while offering a safe environment to make small financial mistakes. Open conversations about money are highlighted as essential, complementing planned government efforts to expand financial education in schools.

Upfront moving costs in the UK have risen sharply, driven by higher conveyancing fees, surveys and removal charges. Experts recommend comparing multiple quotes, negotiating estate agent fees, shopping around for solicitors and brokers, arranging in‑person removals surveys, checking for extra charges, avoiding peak moving times, considering licensed conveyancers and decluttering early to reduce volume‑based fees.

Nick Grimshaw encourages more meaningful, tech‑free conversation at Christmas through festive conversation cards created with Uber Eats and Mowgli. He reflects on family mealtime traditions, the effects of constant phone use on attention and memory, and offers tips on asking open, engaging questions. He also describes valuing quiet time as he gets older and discusses habits that improve his wellbeing, including maintaining a sleep routine and weight training.

Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock encourages children to pursue ambitious dreams, drawing on her own journey from a difficult childhood to a leading career in space science and public communication. She discusses themes from her upcoming Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, including the search for extraterrestrial life, the scale of the universe, and how to make complex scientific concepts accessible to young audiences. Highlighting that humans are made of stardust, she aims to inspire curiosity and resilience in children while demystifying astronomy and space exploration.

Energy-efficient home retrofits such as insulation, airtightness improvements, advanced ventilation systems, and heat pumps can significantly reduce energy use and improve comfort, but many builders lack expertise in these methods. Judith Leary-Joyce argues that homeowners must understand eco-friendly options to ensure proper installation and avoid issues like condensation and mould. She highlights benefits from her own retrofit and encourages wider adoption of natural materials, effective ventilation and heat pumps to raise home value, reduce bills and prepare properties for future energy needs.

Energy‑efficient retrofits using natural insulation, airtight construction, proper ventilation and heat pumps can greatly reduce household energy use and improve comfort, yet many builders lack knowledge of these techniques. Judith Leary‑Joyce argues homeowners must understand key retrofit principles to ensure effective upgrades and to encourage wider adoption of sustainable building practices.

Family and parenting experts outline New Year’s resolutions aimed at improving children’s wellbeing, advocating a focus on emotional connection, safety awareness, healthy habits and supportive community ties. Recommendations include simplifying family life, engaging with bereaved parents, reconsidering smartphone choices for children, prioritizing toy safety, promoting body positivity, seeking support on workplace rights, providing attentive care for children in the care system, reducing sugar exposure, enhancing sleep through diet, actively listening to children, and strengthening community connections for new parents.

Experts advise parents facing financial pressure at Christmas to manage children’s expectations through honesty, realistic budgeting and focusing on shared experiences rather than material gifts. Suggestions include setting clear spending limits, involving children in choosing meaningful items, using Secret Santa within families, seeking contributions from relatives, and taking advantage of sales or discounts. While 0% interest cards may help temporarily, parents are cautioned about potential long‑term financial stress.

Alex and Olivia Bowen describe the challenges and joys of raising their toddler and newborn while supporting the government-backed Let’s Move! campaign to increase children’s physical activity. They highlight the benefits of short, accessible exercises for families and the importance of active play in strengthening parent–child bonding. Olivia discusses her difficult recovery from an emergency C-section and balancing newborn care with ongoing filming commitments, while both emphasize how regular movement supports their mental health. Backing research from Sport England, they encourage parents to find simple ways to help children reach daily activity goals but state firmly they do not plan to have more children.

Experts advise parents to prioritise toys that support open-ended, creative and developmental play to ensure long-term use beyond Christmas. Guidance includes balancing trendy items with more versatile toys, seeking reviews from other families, visiting independent toy shops, preparing toys before gifting and choosing accessories that extend play. Emphasis is placed on value for money and helping parents feel confident in selecting toys that encourage sustained engagement.

Millie Mackintosh recounts discovering a breast lump that led to an anxious diagnostic process and inspired her to promote early detection among young women. After learning the lump was hormonally related, she fulfilled a promise to support others by completing a demanding 100km trek in the Moroccan Sahara to raise money and awareness for CoppaFeel!, describing the experience as both challenging and transformative.

Millie Mackintosh describes the anxiety of discovering a breast lump and the relief of being given the all‑clear, which motivated her to raise awareness of early breast cancer detection. She completed a five‑day, 100km Sahara trek with fellow public figures to support the CoppaFeel! charity. The journey’s physical and emotional challenges included separation from her young children. She now looks ahead to the paperback release of her book, Bad Drunk, offering guidance on alcohol‑free living.

Olympic diver Tom Daley, now retired, is promoting knitting and crochet for their mental health benefits, launching a range of craft kits with Hobbycraft to inspire wider participation and challenge perceptions of the hobby. He advocates introducing crafting in schools, hosts Channel 4’s Game Of Wool, and continues to devote time daily to his creative work while living in Los Angeles.

Tom Daley has launched a new range of knitting and crochet kits with Hobbycraft, aiming to inspire a broader and younger audience to take up crafting. After retiring from competitive diving, he now dedicates significant time to knitting, highlighting its mental health benefits and creative fulfillment. Daley continues expanding his crafting presence through television, including hosting Channel 4’s Game Of Wool and appearing on Celebrity Traitors. He hopes to modernize perceptions of knitting, promote mindfulness, and encourage wider accessibility to crafting. His Made With Love kits are now available from Hobbycraft.

Damp, mould and cold conditions affect more than a quarter of UK homes and contribute to serious long-term health issues. Martin Roberts supports a Health Equals campaign calling for cross‑government action to improve unhealthy housing, following the death of toddler Awaab Ishak and the introduction of Awaab’s Law requiring urgent repairs in social housing. Roberts outlines practical steps for homeowners to reduce moisture, identify damp sources and address structural problems, stressing that early intervention protects both property and health.

A parenting expert explains how babies communicate through different types of cries, body language, sounds, tongue movements and pointing. These cues help indicate needs such as hunger, tiredness, overstimulation, discomfort, or curiosity. Understanding these signals can make caregiving easier and support early language development. The guidance is based on insights from the book What’s My Baby Thinking? by Tanith Carey and Dr Angharad Rudkin.

Scarlett Moffatt discusses the pressure she placed on herself to become a perfect parent after struggling to conceive and having her son Jude in 2023. Partnering with MAM UK’s As They Grow, So Do You campaign, she argues that parenting involves learning, adapting and accepting imperfection. She describes the joy and chaos of family life, the difficulty of finding time for herself, and the value and risks of social media support, while survey findings indicate that many parents feel pressure to appear more capable than they really are.

Nearly half of parents say they will prioritise their children’s Christmas experience over other household spending, with many planning to socialise less, give up personal treats, avoid buying adult gifts or reduce spending on trips and clothing. Some even expect to cut back on food or heating, while parents face pressure to buy expensive items such as smartphones, games consoles and premium tech. Consumer experts Vix Leyton and Jasmine Birtles advise setting realistic budgets, focusing on one main gift, using loyalty points, cashback, community schemes and cheaper alternatives, and prioritising shared experiences over expensive presents.

Myleene Klass discusses how four miscarriages led her to campaign for better miscarriage care and receive an MBE for services to women’s health, miscarriage awareness and charity. She hosts Boots Opticians’ See What’s Possible podcast, where guests including Steven Frayne, Christine McGuinness, Chris Kamara, Anna Whitehouse, Philippa Kaye and Ellie Simmonds discuss illness, disability, neurodiversity, grief and other personal challenges. The podcast emphasizes vulnerability, support networks and transforming painful experiences into advocacy and resilience.

A thinkmoney survey found that British adults face at least two unexpected bills a year on average, costing £776, with vehicle breakdowns, appliance repairs and dental treatment among the most common expenses. Many respondents rely on savings or credit, and nearly half feel one financial shock could cause serious difficulty. Experts recommend starting with an achievable emergency buffer for immediate repairs and gradually building toward three to six months of essential outgoings, while considering income stability, planned large expenses and retirement needs. Emergency funds should generally be kept in accessible, interest-bearing savings accounts or Cash ISAs, and households should review their insurance and breakdown-cover terms, including excesses and accidental-damage protection.

Parents are advised to respond to teenage behavioural difficulties with empathy, patience and calm rather than anger or defensiveness. Expert recommendations include active listening, avoiding attempts to immediately fix problems, staying regulated under stress, using clear “until” statements instead of threats, not shouting, remaining curious, summarising a teenager’s feelings, being approachable and allowing time for emotional development. The guidance emphasizes that adolescence involves significant brain and hormonal changes and that supportive communication can reduce stress and strengthen parent-child relationships.

Singer Russell Watson discusses his long-standing tendency to hoard possessions and the difficulty of parting with items tied to personal memories. On Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House, he sold ten belongings, including a Fender Stratocaster for £900, an Ulysse Nardin watch for £5,100 and a white-gold ring for £1,400, while his white silk suit failed to sell. The auction raised more than £7,000, some of which will go to charity. Watson also describes life with his wife Louise on their Cheshire farm, its animals and positive effects on his wellbeing, while noting that he has recovered from two brain tumours and currently feels healthy.

Lauren Child discusses the enduring popularity of Charlie and Lola, which has sold more than 15 million copies and continues to resonate with readers who grew up with the books. She reflects on receiving messages and tattoo photographs from fans, the series’ renewed visibility on Instagram and TikTok, and her decision to write a Christmas story focused on children’s anticipation and anxiety while waiting. Child also explains that children’s picture books should address emotional truths, encourage conversations between parents and children, and foster bonding, language development and confidence.

UK parents-to-be are advised to plan early for the sharp drop in income during maternity leave, when Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance may be far below normal earnings. Research cited by Maternity Action found widespread financial anxiety, borrowing and debt among pregnant women and new mothers, with some returning to work earlier than planned. Experts recommend checking employer benefits, discussing finances and shared parental leave before the birth, avoiding unnecessary baby purchases, considering parental benefits when changing jobs, and using MoneyHelper budgeting and benefits tools.

TV and radio presenter Gaby Roslin discusses her belief that moments of joy can be found even during severe hardship, drawing on her experience caring for parents with cancer. She promotes small, practical activities such as smiling, dancing, exercising, wearing colourful clothes, spending time outdoors and reconnecting with one’s inner child. Roslin’s book Spread The Joy: Make Every Day Brighter expands on these ideas while stressing that genuine joy is not the same as pretending to be happy or denying difficult emotions. She also describes her Shopping in Your Wardrobe movement, which encourages people to reuse existing clothes and wear colours and patterns that make them feel good.

Andy and Oliver Cope, authors of the book LADULT, offer seven recommendations to help teenage boys develop into confident, resilient and considerate men. Their advice includes building face-to-face friendships, protecting screen-free family mealtimes, setting personal rather than social-media-driven standards, prioritising sleep, praising effort over natural talent, learning from failure and making space for independent dreams. They argue that modern pressures including the pandemic, social media, artificial intelligence, mental-health concerns and changing ideas about identity make adolescence especially challenging.

Stroke recovery varies widely, with survivors experiencing physical, cognitive, emotional and often hidden effects such as severe fatigue. Experts Sarah Adderley of the Stroke Association and Austin Willett of Different Strokes recommend early and sustained specialist rehabilitation, regular therapy practice, patience and respect for communication difficulties. They also stress the importance of peer support, support groups and recognizing that family members and carers need help themselves.

Oti Mabuse discusses continuing her work as a dancer, teacher and choreographer after leaving Strictly Come Dancing, as well as her writing career and family life. She describes balancing work with caring for her young daughter alongside husband Marius Iepure, and says she hopes to have more children. Mabuse also explains how diet, exercise and nutritional planning help manage her PCOS symptoms and past pregnancy-related pre-diabetes, while promoting Green Chef’s women’s health meal-kit range.