In 'Merchants of Doubt', historians Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway expose how a loose-knit group of high-level scientists, with deep connections in politics and industry, ran effective campaigns to mislead the public and deny well-established scientific knowledge over four decades. The book highlights how the same individuals repeatedly denied the truth of studies linking smoking to lung cancer, coal smoke to acid rain, and CFCs to the ozone hole, all while promoting an ideology of free market fundamentalism aided by a compliant media.
This book delves into the complexities of sibling relationships, exploring how these bonds shape individual identities and understanding. It examines the dynamics between siblings, highlighting the unique roles and interactions within families. The book offers insights into the lasting impact of sibling relationships on personal development and self-perception. It provides valuable perspectives for parents and individuals seeking to understand the significance of sibling connections. The book also explores the various challenges and opportunities presented by sibling relationships.
David Sedaris's "Calypso" is a collection of essays that showcases his distinctive voice and his ability to find humor in the everyday. The essays are characterized by their witty observations, self-deprecating humor, and unflinching honesty. Sedaris writes about a wide range of topics, from his childhood experiences to his travels abroad, always with a keen eye for detail and a sharp sense of irony. His work is known for its ability to make readers laugh while also prompting them to think about deeper issues. "Calypso" is considered a significant work in contemporary American literature, further solidifying Sedaris's status as a master of the essay form. The collection's exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the search for meaning continues to resonate with readers.
What do you think of this episode? Do you have any topics you'd like me to cover?
Is conflict never-ending in your home, or are your teenagers benefitting from having a sibling? We talk about our own experiences - memories of driving our own siblings up the wall - and the research we've read that will help you to make the situation positive.
One thing to note is that if you have an only child don't panic. There are some enormous benefits of not having a sibling; it's just different.
Top tips from Positive Parenting Solutions for reducing the conflict between the siblings in your home:
- Don't label your children, or compare them. Don't make them the pretty one or the clever one or the sporty one. It's very limiting and is bound to create conflict.
- Arrange for attention. Make sure they each feel they are being noticed, and that their needs are being met. Those needs will differ between children.
- Prepare for peace and set grounds for acceptable behaviour. Teach them the language they should be using to communicate properly, be clear about what is expected from them in your home, and arrange ways in which conflicts can be resolved without fighting.
- Stay out of the conflict. Don't always step in to resolve it. They may be fighting just to get your attention. Each time you feed that behaviour by getting involved you run the risk of making things worse. Teenagers need to be developing the skills to fix problems themselves, so give them time to work it out.
- Calm the conflict if you do get involved listen to both sides, getting them to talk in terms of 'I feel'. Don't apportion blame, get them to discuss ways in which they can stop the situation escalating again.
- Put them all in the same boat. Make the consequences of their behaviour the same for everyone involved. If they end up fighting they both end up suffering. If they behave themselves, they both benefit.
Listener's question: We discuss the case of a thirteen year old girl who is doing very well at school, but misbehaving at home, vaping and swearing. What's going on? Could her parents approach the situation differently? How should we handle vaping?
For vaping, watch Big Vape with them. It’s on Netflix in the Broken Series.
Resources referenced in the podcast:
Sibling rivalry:
- Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
- The Sibling Connection by Jane Mersky Leder
- Calypso by David Sedaris
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/articles/199301/adult-sibling-rivalryJudy Dunn, professor of human development at Penn State University.
- Deborah Gold, Ph.D., senior fellow at the Center for Aging and Human Development at Duke University
- www.posit
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I don't have medical training so please seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping.
My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com
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Susie is available for a free 15 minute consultation, and has a great blog:
www.amindful-life.co.uk
Parenting teenagers untangled. 🏆 The audio hug for parents of teens and tweens. 
