W is for Why? This post (in the A-Z of humanist parenting series) explores how children’s ‘Why? Why? Why?’ stage of questioning shows their natural curiosity, why it can be challenging and how raising freethinkers is about supporting them to ask, reflect and listen more effectively.
Humanist Heritage/Women’s History Month event report. Madeleine Goodall's led a discussion at Haywards Heath Humanists. Her talk told the stories of 3 inspiring local heroines of freethought, their contributions to secular education and public services and the lessons for humanist communities today.
I wouldn’t watch Mussolini’s 1934 World Cup so can’t in 2026 watch Trump’s in the USA. I couldn’t find joy in football used (once again) to sportswash authoritarianism and corruption.
This is something I've been looking forward to the entire time I've been a Brighton Women's fan.
shegulls.com/2026/01/29/s...
Humanists may be more intentional about their values, but more wary of codifying them or talking about their impact on parenting. This post (V is for Values) in the A-Z of humanist parenting explored how values statement exercises can help reflection and learning.
This IPSO adjudication against the Telegraph is quite something
Confirms their story titled: ‘We earn £345k, but soaring private school fees mean we can’t go on five holidays’ was completely fabricated, with the family involved non-existent and stock pictures used
www.ipso.co.uk/rulings/0210...
Last month our community group came together for an informing and energising event on asylum and immigration. With contributions from attendees, expert speakers and activists we busted myths, and championed a more compassionate, informed and humanist approach.
In the penultimate entry in my A-Z of humanist parenting (Y is for Yes) I talk about how teaching consent, dissent, and critical thinking gives kids necessary tools to say “No”. But we must also create conditions where they can say Yes to new ideas, experiences and activities.
buff.ly/kD96jrn
I love watching Brighton WSL games at the Broadfield. But since started following the Shegulls, them getting their own stadium actually in Brighton has been part of the appeal. Despite the delays this article on 'Schrödinger’s Stadium' shows why it's still the right thing to do.
buff.ly/EgVyL6k
I wouldn’t watch Mussolini’s 1934 World Cup in fascist Italy so can’t in 2026 watch Trump’s in the USA. I couldn’t find joy in football used (once again) to sportswash authoritarianism and corruption.
OK, the Gorton and Denton by-election, I have some thoughts!
Let's take a look at some of the FACTS and burst a few of the more ridiculous takes doing the rounds
But first up, can we acknowledge just what bad losers Reform are?!🤣
Right, let's get started...
🧵 1/
King Charles is taking no chances. Would you trust Trump to know the difference between the BBC and Channel 4 if your life depended on it?
ICYMI last week's post on how a World Humanist Day (21 June) display or a reading in your local library - as with other solidarity, cultural and awareness events - can be a great way to improve community representation and understanding.
buff.ly/D38bTam
I'm looking forward to our local humanist group's talk on humanist heritage and #WomensHistoryMonth So it's time to put up our feminist pride flag and re-share this piece on the fun creative and educational opportunities of decorating for different awareness and solidarity months.
buff.ly/eshRqnV
Donald Trump’s FIFA World Peace Prize is looking a bit shaky at the moment.
It's also such an illustration of the conservative vs. progressive mindset. It's ok to like something and then change your mind or improve it when you become aware of problems.
It turns out that (1) the publishers changed the name to Binky as it had previously been an actual literal hones to god racist slur and (2) there is an unhinged and hilarious Facebook thread of Enid Blyton fans that are outraged at this 'political correctness gone mad'.
My kid wants to go as Binky the pixie (from the Wishing Chair books) for World Book Day. So the first thing I suggest to my wife is that we Google it to check there's nothing problematic. Oh boy oh boy was I correct. And I took my victory lap.
But that’s a problem with FPTP, and it is a relief that where the tactical vote is clear that progressive voters can and do coalesce. That will be key to beating Reform in the next general election.
It will depend if the Greens and Lib Dems can get their targeting right and if Labour can change leadership and direction.
I’m not sure about the long term political impact of entire elections being run essentially on squeeze messages.
(1) A far right Reform government or (2) a progressive realignment with three major progressive parties. Sadly, under FPTP, board public opinion will have very little say on what direction we ‘choose’.
Congratulations to Hannah Spencer on the Gorton and Denton byelection win. It’s a massive relief to see Reform defeated. It’s not wise to read too much into by-elections, but this does hint at some of what we will see in the next general election. It feels like our country could go in two ways:
Kansas has, overnight, invalidated the drivers’ licenses of trans people, a pointless cruelty that upends their lives
If Brits think “it won’t happen here” think again! Groups in the U.K. who want the same thing are routinely invited to consult with Labour and normalised in our press!
Our community group’s event with a local climate journalist explored humanist perspectives on nature, individual versus collective action, and optimism verses urgency. Check out my event report for ideas on how you can organise a similar community event.
It covers how experiences of immigration, cultural differences, xenophilia and xenophobia impact humanist families and communities. There are practical ways humanist values can encourage our children to think critically, gain cultural literacy and engage positively with diversity.
Honestly, I didn't think X is for Xenophilia would be as personal an entry in my 'A-Z of humanist parenting' series. But it turned out to be a timely piece (given events in my humanist community) and one I'm really proud of. I'd love to get more readers, so please comment and share
buff.ly/L4h76oE
A World Humanist Day (21 June) display or a reading in your local library - as with other solidarity and awareness events - can be a great way to improve community representation and understanding. How I approached my local libraries and advice on talking to your own.
humanistdad.uk/2026/02/23/a...
Last week I was on the Humanism Now Podcast to discuss Camp Quest UK. We had a fun great chat about our upcoming (May 2026) Family Camp, as well as the Camp Quest approach to encouraging critical thinking through fun, friendship and freethought.
For the final A-Z of humanist parenting, I wanted to go full circle, to illustrate that humanism is an ongoing creative process and we are still finding the language to describe it, and how this search for language is part of reflecting on the type of parents we want to be. buff.ly/5Z17PXn
I’ve been workshopping my talk on humanism and neurodivergence this for a while, and am currently researching for a major overhaul. But this 2025 version was pretty good. Check it out if you're curious about the intersections and correlations between autism and non-religion.
buff.ly/izhuWZC
