Current debate and research cautions parents about their teens constantly using mobile devices as a means of connection. Ms Sarah Boyle, Head of O’Connor House, advises adults to become informed and savvy in the developmental impacts of this new norm — and to learn how to effectively engage with it.
Friedrich Nietzsche’s ‘What does not kill me makes me stronger’ is an often-heard axiom. The ‘adversity hypothesis’ relates to people needing difficulties, trauma or setbacks in order to grow and develop as a person. School Psychologist Miss Lauren Phillips asks if this can be true; are stressors and challenges ‘good’ for us?
As a society, we are obsessed with the notion of talent. We see someone do something that we can’t and we immediately think of it as being innate; but what if this thinking is wrong? Mr Stephen Fogarty, Director of Health Studies, discusses the idea that purposeful practice is more important than talent.
Inspired by the Dalai Lama, Head of Griffith House Ms Jan O'Sullivan asks, ‘How do we grow a good person?’ Living a happy life depends on the nature of the society in which we live. We are social animals and a good person can only be ‘grown’ in a family or community of people who demonstrate genuine affection.