Becoming a parent: Joys and challenges

Are you expecting a baby or caring for a young child? Join us for a friendly and informative session designed for families with babies and toddlers. Discover how parenting has changed over time in the UK, and explore what really matters to parents today. Hear from our expert panel, and take part in informal and wide-ranging discussions.

Enjoy light refreshments and pastries while connecting with other parents.

Chat with representatives from the Brazelton Centre UK (www.brazelton.co.uk).

Bring your babies and toddlers! There will be fun activities and music making to keep little ones entertained while you enjoy the event.

Meet our speakers (with Dr Stephanie Archer as facilitator):

Dr Hannaliis Jaadla (historian and demographer), who will share fascinating insights from historical UK census data on how society has shaped parenting.

Professor Claire Hughes and Dr Or Perah Midbar Alter (psychologists), who will present research that follows first-time parents through pregnancy and early parenthood – looking at how thoughts and feelings before birth influence parenting, and how mothers’ and fathers’ experiences compare.

Dr Sara O’Curry, who will reflect on supporting parents’ wellbeing during these early years.