From Pandemic to Platforms - Raising Steady Kids in a Shifting World

The world has shifted. Family life has followed.

From lockdowns to logins, social distancing to screen addiction—today’s families are navigating a world that looks and feels nothing like it used to.

The pressure on parents and carers isn’t just growing—it’s transforming. From juggling uncertainty, online overload, and trying to support children shaped by both trauma and technology.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do we raise steady kids in an unsteady world?”—this event is for you.

We’ll explore:

• How digital life is reshaping identity, attention and attachment
• The emotional toll on caregivers—and how to respond without burning out
• What trauma-aware, future-facing support looks like in action
• Grounded ways to build calm, trust and connection—even on the toughest days

This session is for you if:

You're a parent, foster carer, kinship carer, grandparent or guardian—or you show up daily for children and teens who are growing up in a world of constant change.

Register now, through the form on this page, and join the conversation.

About our Guests:

George Hosking OBE is a rare blend of economist, accountant, psychologist and clinical criminologist — as well as a traumatic stress counsellor.

He began his career in high-level business, becoming one of Unilever’s youngest senior managers at just 26. Over 17 years, he helped shape strategy across 30 countries, before launching a consultancy focused on international strategy and turning around failing companies. His work restored profitability to dozens of businesses, adding over £10 million annually to the bottom line of names like Mothers Pride and Booker Cash & Carry.

But George’s mission changed. In the mid-1990s, he founded WAVE Trust to apply corporate turnaround techniques to social change — especially the lives of vulnerable children. Since then, he has advised government departments, police forces, and No. 10 Downing Street on tackling violence and supporting children’s wellbeing.

As a clinical criminologist, he’s worked hands-on with victims and offenders alike, delivering WAVE’s life-changing “An End to Violence” programme in prisons and communities across the UK.

His work is grounded in evidence, driven by compassion, and focused on breaking cycles of trauma for good.

Professor Jason Leitch, CBE is an international expert on health care quality, systems improvement and crisis communications. He is a Director of Leitch Health Ltd.

Jason is a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the US based global organisation responsible for health systems improvement around the world.

From January 2015 to May 2024 Jason was The National Clinical Director for the Scottish Government. He worked for Government from 2007 as the National Clinical Lead for safety and subsequently, for Quality.

Jason was the principal clinical communicator in Scotland to the public, stakeholders and parliament during the Covid pandemic. He was praised for his ability to speak accessibly to many diverse audiences and appeared daily on TV and radio.

He was elected to the US National Academy of Medicine in 2022, a rare accolade for a non-US citizen.

He is an Honorary Professor at the University of Dundee and a Visiting Professor at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

He is an internationally recognised speaker and adviser on health and care improvement, public health and crisis communications.

About our host:

Dr. Linda de Caestecker - is a seasoned public health expert with over 30 years of experience, including her role as Director of Public Health for Greater Glasgow and Clyde—one of the UK's most challenging areas in terms of health inequalities. With a clinical background in obstetrics and gynaecology, she continues to advise the Scottish Government on health policy and serves as a Board member for both Community Justice Scotland and Glasgow City Mission, where she contributes to vital work in social justice and public health reform. 

This event is part of our ‘Care Visions Family Talks’, a one-hour online interview where we profile our guest’s work, followed by an audience Q&A. Here we aim to extend our rich heritage in children’s care by sharing insights and expertise usually reserved for professionals with a broader audience, including parents and families.

This event will be held on Zoom. Register for free to be included in updates and be provided with access information.

Over the years, we’ve learned so much—by listening to young people and their families, and by working with leading experts in child development and well-being. Now, we want to share that knowledge with you. We know every parent or carer is doing their best, but let’s face it: parenting and caring can be tough at times, no matter who you are. That’s where we come in. Sometimes, a few helpful tips or a bit of advice from someone who's been there can make all the difference. 

Care Visions Family Talk is a series of online events, hosted by Dr.Linda De Caestecker. Each session will feature guest experts in parenting and child development, offering practical insights and strategies to support your journey as a parent or carer. Every session will be followed by a Q&A or open discussion, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, share your experiences, or simply listen.

We welcome every parent or caregiver to join us, and while we’re committed to keeping things relaxed and welcoming, we do ask everyone to follow a few simple guidelines:  

• No judgment, no shame: This is a safe space for everyone.  
• Keep it clear: We’ll make sure the conversation is accessible to all. If there’s any jargon, we’ll explain it. 
• Curiosity is key-: There’s no such thing as a silly question—ask anything! 
• Join in as much or as little as you like: Whether you want to participate or just listen, that’s entirely up to you. 

During each session, you’re free to ask questions or share comments..