Why Kids Are Struggling

Modern childhood is under pressure.

Rising screen time, falling literacy, and constant overstimulation are leaving many young children anxious, distracted, and struggling to cope, especially in the crucial early years, ages 3 to 7.

In this powerful in-person Family Talk Live event, Sue Palmer, author of Toxic Childhood, and 21st Century Boys, joins Dr Linda de Caestecker to explore what’s happening to childhood today, and how we can turn the tide.

We’ll cover:

• Why young children are struggling emotionally, physically, and socially
• How screens and overstimulation are affecting brain development
• The sharp drop in literacy—and why it matters for more than just reading
• The vital role of play, movement, and face-to-face connection
• Practical ways parents, carers, and educators can reclaim calm, joy, and resilience

Who It’s For:
Parents, grandparents, foster carers, kinship carers, early years practitioners, teachers—anyone who cares about the wellbeing of young children in today’s fast-moving world.

Why It Matters:
The early years shape everything—from learning and relationships to confidence and long-term mental health. This is your chance to hear directly from one of the UK’s leading voices on childhood, ask your questions live, and leave with fresh insight, tools, and hope for the children in your care.

👉 Free to attend — register now to join the conversation.

Let’s take a stand for childhood, together.

More About Our Guest:

Sue Palmer

Sue Palmer is a former headteacher, literacy expert, and bestselling author of Toxic Childhood, 21st Century Boys, and Upstart. Her work highlights the impact of technology, early education, and modern pressures on young children’s development. She is a leading advocate for play-based learning and has advised parents, professionals, and policymakers for decades.

More about Sue (including her publications) is available on her website: Sue Palmer – Literacy specialist, writer, presenter and ‘childhood campaigner’

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.

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 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..