The family of a girl who died from inhaling aerosol deodorant say events held in her memory have spread awareness to thousands of people.

Giorgia Green, who was 14 and from Derby, had a cardiac arrest after spraying the deodorant in her bedroom in May 2022.

Since then her family and friends have campaigned through a group called Bee Angels.

They have already held two roller skating events and are about to hold their second Christmas crafting event.

Emily Griffiths wants to have an operation to remove her womb, known as a hysterectomy.

At 26, with no children, she knows it is a big step. But endometriosis and adenomyosis have left her housebound, in debilitating pain, and unable to see a future as a mum.

Right now, she simply dreams of being able to go for a walk unaided. But she says she has been unable to find a clinician who will discuss the procedure because of her age.

“Doctors are too busy planning ahead for the child I might want in the future and can’t see where I am right now,” said Emily, from Carmarthenshire.

As part of his 12 pillars of economic freedom, Nana Kwame Bediako is introducing what he calls the “SSNIT Revolution”.

Speaking to officials at the Hohoe Hospital in the Volta Region as part of his 276 nationwide tour ahead of the 2024 elections, Mr Bediako, who expatiated on his plan to revolutionize how pension contributions are used by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) will be a game-changer for healthcare affordability and the sustainability of public health facilities.

In a conversation with an official of the hospital, Nana Kwame Bediako highlighted the obstacles within the health sector, particularly the lack of affordable healthcare options.

He said the introduction of the “SSNIT Revolution,” one of his 12 Pillars for Economic Freedom, will ease this burden.

Under this policy, SSNIT contributors would gain access to their funds after five years to cover healthcare expenses, promoting a more active circulation of funds in the system. He said this measure will also attract investors to the health sector to improve health delivery in Ghana.

“We really have something to help this country, and that’s why we want you to believe in us. One of our ideas is the SSNIT revolution. Why are you holding the money for 40 years? Release the money in five years and put the money in an insurance scheme so that everyone who gets sick and works can now use the insurance to cure themselves, which means the money will now start circulation in the system.”

The problem is the circulation of the money. So because there’s no circulation, maybe 50% of the people in Hohoe cannot afford their hospital bills” he noted.

He said the lack of circulation of funds eventually takes a toll on many public health facilities that eventually rely on donations to stay afloat.

“Then the hospital building is just there and after 20 years it gets depleted and then it comes with complaints and everything. It’s like a hotel that’s running down because there’s no sustainability. I think this is what is happening in every hospital we’ve visited. It’s the same thing I saw in Sunyani, somewhere in Tamale, and many other places. It’s because there’s no affordability and circulation.

“That’s why we believe that the SSNIT revolution where we invest people’s tax money into an insurance scheme to become like some sort of bank funds to pay for these things will not only let the money circulate in the hospitals but will also invest and attract investors because now the money is there. Without the money, no one is going to put in their investment” he noted.

Nana Kwame Bediako visits the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS)

Still, in Hohoe, Nana Kwame Bediako in the company of his running mate, Dr Maryam Issaka Kriese and other members of the New Force engaged with executives of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) to discuss other critical issues facing the country.

In his address, Nana Kwame Bediako emphasized the Volta Region’s potential to become a major industrial hub, capable of connecting the nation through the Volta River and establishing vital distribution channels for locally processed goods.

He also expressed concern about the “brain drain” phenomenon, noting that Ghana invests heavily in educating its citizens, only to see them leave for opportunities abroad, while the country imports finished products made from its raw materials.

He noted that this cycle must end for Ghana’s growth to be realized.

He further advised the people of the Volta Region to prioritize the nation over party loyalty, suggesting that they vote for meaningful change rather than sticking with one party that has not delivered progress.

A couple in India have said they are “delighted” after a court ordered a hospital to hand over the frozen semen sample of their dead son to them so they could have a grandchild through surrogacy.

The landmark Delhi High Court order came after a four-year legal battle.

“We were very unlucky, we lost our son. But the court has given us a very precious gift. We would now be able to get our son back,” the mother, Harbir Kaur, told the BBC.

Ms Kaur and her husband Gurvinder Singh petitioned the court after Delhi’s Ganga Ram Hospital in December 2020 refused to release their son’s semen, which was stored in their fertility lab.

The couple’s 30-year-old son, Preet Inder Singh, had been diagnosed in June 2020 with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – a form of blood cancer – and admitted to the hospital for treatment.

“Before he began chemotherapy, the hospital advised him to store his semen as the treatment could adversely affect the quality of his sperm,” Gurvinder Singh told the BBC.

Preet Inder, who was unmarried, agreed and his sample was frozen on 27 June 2020. He died in early September.

A few months later, when the grief-stricken parents sought access to their son’s frozen sperm, the hospital declined their request. The couple then petitioned the Delhi High Court.

Getty Images

Self-medicating gorillas may hold clues to future drug discovery, according to scientists.

Researchers in Gabon studied tropical plants eaten by wild gorillas – and used also by local human healers – identifying four with medicinal effects.

Laboratory studies revealed the plants were high in antioxidants and antimicrobials.

One showed promise in fighting superbugs.

He was born with feminine features, but never knew such acts existed until his first experience with his pastor.

Bills Berry, who spoke on Joy Prime’s Changes show with Roselyn Felli, narrated that it was an encounter he never anticipated while growing up, but he was living alone and had no financial support from family.

Then, the pastor of the church began calling him, falsely requesting to hold teen classes and other church-related activities with him, but ended up having sexual intercourse with him.

His pastor further recommended him to other men who showed interest in him. He accepted their proposal because he needed to survive on a daily basis.

“My pastor was the one who introduced me to it and destroyed me. Someone would see me, discriminate, and insult me. I was ‘Kojo Besia’ and I’m proud of myself. I haven’t learned anything from a lady. There are times I would try to dress and walk like a man but would still go back to walking like a lady,” he said.

Following the incident, he could not stop but continued for monetary purposes. This made him lose trust in men of God and quit attending church.

Currently, he has learned a trade in cosmetology, graduated, and has opened his own salon. He is more focused on establishing his business and earning money so as not to return to his old ways. He confessed that he slept with over thirty men.

Bills Berry yearns to have children of his own because some of his colleagues, who unfortunately died due to stigmatization and other societal attacks, have been able to procreate with females. But no lady is willing to accept his proposal due to his physical appearance.

He still believes in God and is willing to join a church that will reshape his life completely.

“I’m ever ready because my name is Godwin,” he said on the show.

Source: myjoyonline.com

Cohabitation is to live together and have a sexual relationship without being married.

The situation is attributed to the extreme freedom in the private hostels enjoyed by the students, unlike the traditional university halls, where some control mechanisms have been instituted.

In a few cases, the students put their resources together to rent the space for economic reasons.

While the majority of students thought cohabitation was bad, a few perceived it as good, fun and normal.

The study, which was also conducted in some adjoining communities, found that the practice was contributing highly to teenage pregnancy and child marriage.

Professor Georgina Yaa Oduro, the Head of the Sociology and Anthropology Department at UCC, shared the findings at a workshop on ending child marriage and Gender-Based Violence for some traditional council registrars from eight regional houses of chiefs and the National House of Chiefs.

The training, organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, sought to deepen the understanding of the registrars on child marriage, gender-based violence and other harmful practices to help them function effectively.

“If you are on campus and in the halls, you have the hall masters, tutors, and the hall council to control you. In the girls’ hostels, for example, guys cannot visit the halls after 10:00 PM,” Prof Oduro said.

“But in the private hostels, comparatively, you have the freedom to do whatever you want.”

Prof Oduro said the partners performed all the roles of married couples, including sex and domestic chores such as cooking, washing and giving out money.

Some of the students, particularly the young women who had to juggle academic work and domestic chores for their partners, sometimes missed lectures or attended late, affecting their studies, she noted.

Like in the communities, she observed that cohabitation among students was also characterized by gender-based violence such as forced sex, abortions and quarrels often due to the freedom in such relationships.

She narrated how a 22-year-old male student of UCC died by suicide this year following a misunderstanding with his partner he was cohabiting with.

Many of those relationships unfortunately ended after school, she noted.

The professor noted that very little attention had been given to the issue and called for concerted efforts by stakeholders, including parents, lecturers, school authorities, and traditional and religious leaders, to mitigate it.

Prof Oduro observed with worry the abuse of emergency contraceptives by young girls and cautioned against the same.

“It is my understanding that such pills are supposed to be taken once in six months or so. But for some children today, it’s their everyday pill,” she stated with concern.

Source: GNA 

The data also showed that 4.05 per cent of the number were severely anaemic, while 37.55 per cent reported to the antenatal clinics anaemic at registration (first day of visit).

Samuel Atuahene Antwi, the Tema Metropolitan Nutritionist in an interview said, “Anaemia at 36 weeks of pregnancy increased by 84 per cent in 2024, as compared to 2023.”

Mr Antwi revealed that Tema Manhean recorded the highest increase of 31.3 per cent in anaemia at 36 weeks from 23.16 to 72.4 per cent respectively for the 2023 and 2024 first halves.

He said 1,804 pregnant women received nutrition counselling and “only 30 per cent of ANC attendants had their BMI checked to monitor their nutritional status.”

He stated that the high number of anaemic expectant mothers could be attributed to their intake of inadequate iron-rich foods, for which household food insecurity due to economic hardship could also be the cause.

However, a few of them who might have certain nutritious foods available did not take it because of some traditional and spiritual beliefs concerning those foods, he said.

Mr Antwi urged pregnant women to take adequate iron-rich foods such as red meat, liver, shrimp, fish, eggs, milk, and dark green leafy vegetables.

These should be consumed alongside oranges, pineapples, and other vitamin C-rich fruits to help absorb the iron.

Source: GNA

Do you even have a date night? When my daughter, now a high school sophomore, was much younger, one of the topics among parents at the playground was date night.

Many couples paid for sitters and spent their entire romantic evening either talking about what their son or daughter had done that day or wondering what the child was doing at that moment with the babysitter.

It’s great to catch up on the latest developmental milestone or cute phrase from your daughter or son, but that’s something that can be done after you’ve put the kids to bed.

In hopes of stimulating your special time together, I offer the following date night ideas perfect for any parent.

Here are 10 easy-but-romantic date night ideas for parents:

1. The daytime date “night”

Many parents find that after a workday filled with responsibilities and pressure or a weekend that’s packed with activities, they are too exhausted to enjoy each other’s company. They sit across the table from each other and struggle to stay awake. Contrary to the name of the article, make it a daytime date. During the day, you may be more awake and alert so you can enjoy each other’s company.

2. Get nostalgic

Do something together that you enjoyed doing when you first met. It could be bowling, seeing a play, or going to hear your favorite group. Doing an activity that’s a “blast from the past” can help you reconnect.

3. Role reversal

Instead of going out to dinner and a movie with your spouse, send your child and the sitter out to dinner and a movie. You and your spouse stay home and make full use of three hours of glorious privacy.

4. Book a cheap hotel room

We’re not talking about leaving the kids with a sitter overnight, just three or four hours of hotel/motel bliss. This could be a little costly but look for hotel/motel deals and grab one. Even in a major city, you may be able to find a last-minute deal for a romantic interlude. Here’s how to make the most of this date idea without further bank account damage. Take a picnic basket with chilled champagne, fruit, a cheese plate, and some fancy chocolate. Bring some scented massage oil and use your imagination/

5. Phone a friend

For a less expensive alternative to the previous date night idea, ask friends who are going out of town if you may use their home or apartment as your “hotel room” for the night. Bring your sheets and towels and leave a bottle of champagne as a thank you, along with an offer to return the favor when you’re out of town.

6. Double date

Make it a double date with the parents of your child’s friend. If the kids are old enough for the sitter-to-child ratio to work, pool your resources and let the kids have a play date while the adults have a double date. You get the enjoyment of remembering how much fun your spouse is when you see him or her interact with others outside of the rut that the two of you may have fallen into.

7. Be original

Try an activity the two of you have never done. Maybe that’s taking a cooking class, a dancing lesson, or visiting a ceramics make-it-yourself studio. Doing something new forces you to connect in a new way.

8. Set up a babysitting cooperative

Work out a deal with your children’s friend’s parents to babysit each other’s kids on alternate weekends. That way, each weekend your kids have a standing play date while the parents get alternating date nights.

9. The work-week daytime date

Skip the babysitter and go on a date while your child is still in school. If you know you have personal days or sick days left at work, use them and explore your city. Go to your favorite restaurant at lunch when the menu is usually cheaper or hit a museum or gallery. Enjoy playing hooky with your spouse.

Pexels / cottonbro studio

10. Skip out early

Get a sitter and go to an evening PTA meeting together — that’s not the romantic part. Leave the meeting a little early before the crowd of parents and tack on a romantic dinner together before you head home to relieve the sitter.

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Unfortunately for one woman on Reddit, her partner was far from supportive, making unfounded accusations that left her hurt and dejected. Now, she is questioning how involved she wants him to be in their baby’s life.

He accused her of cheating on him and kicked her out while she was pregnant.

In her since-deleted Reddit post, the 34-year-old woman explained that her husband’s job requires him to travel for months at a time. While he was away on a business trip, she found out that she was pregnant.

“I thought he would be very happy,” she wrote. “We were trying for a baby and he always wanted to be a father.”

However, he didn’t react to her news at all, and when he finally returned home, she was confused to learn that he was furious with her instead of excited.

While her husband had been on his trip, one of her old high school friends who works as a photographer came into town and wanted to spend the day with her.

“I was very happy to see him. I drove him around the whole day. I had hugged him before he was going back,” she recalled. “Someone had snapped a picture of that and sent it to my husband. Later, I found out it was his aunt, [a] single and bitter woman [who] puts her nose in everything.”

Because of the picture, her husband assumed she was cheating and was unwilling to listen to her explanation.

He argued that he didn’t believe the baby was his and kicked his pregnant wife out with nowhere to go.

“I was a crying mess by then,” she wrote. “I requested him to let me stay the night [since] it was going to be dark soon,” to which he refused.

Her husband was adamant that while he was away on a business trip, she got pregnant by someone else. “He said he’s sure the baby isn’t his” and insisted that he didn’t want to see her right now and would be getting things in order to file for a divorce.

Then he — literally — pushed her out of their home. “I seriously thought I was going to fall and get hurt,” she added.

Unfortunately, her parents were out of town and she didn’t have any trusted friends to stay with. She also had no money on her. The worst part was that her husband knew all of this and still decided to kick her out while she was pregnant and defenseless.

She ended up calling her brother, who drove four hours straight to get her. In the meantime, she sat on the porch steps of their house, cold and alone, while her husband ignored her.

“After that, [my] husband went totally [no contact] with me and my family members,” she wrote. “He didn’t ask about me throughout the whole pregnancy, but he did make posts about his wife cheating on him on [Facebook] and posted pictures with random girls.”

“He never answered my texts or calls. He wasn’t there at the birth of my boy. He didn’t even come after 3 days,” she continued.

Her husband refused to interact until a paternity test revealed he was the baby’s father.

Lo and behold, the paternity test proved the baby was his — just like she said throughout the entire pregnancy.

Embarrassed and remorseful, her husband attempted to finally make amends, but it was far too late.

“He told me he made a mistake, he really loves me, he will make it up to me,” she wrote. “I told him I’m not buying it.”

The woman stood her ground and informed her husband that she didn’t want him around the baby at all because of the way he treated her — a reasonable reaction considering his refusal to listen to her and his cruelty in kicking her out, knowing she was pregnant and didn’t have anywhere else to go.

It was his knee-jerk reaction that landed him in this predicament, and instead of trusting his wife, his pride got in the way, ruining both his marriage and the beginning relationship with his son.

The infant, born to Felicia Dery, was taken under alarming circumstances, highlighting critical lapses in hospital security protocols.

Zangina Grace, a midwife on duty, narrated the sequence of events to Adom News.

According to her, the baby’s mother gave birth on May 25, 2024, at the hospital.

On Saturday evening, the mother, having befriended a stranger posing as a patient’s relative, entrusted her baby to the stranger while she took a bath. It was later discovered that this imposter had a male accomplice.

“When she returned, the man and the lady were not to be found. They left with the baby. So it has been very sad,” stated Grace.

She emphasized the oddity of the situation, noting the misplaced trust. “A mother who came to deliver through a C-section met some strange people who befriended her. She left her baby with them to go and have her bath, and when she returned, they had disappeared.”

Grace further lamented the hospital’s lack of adequate security measures.

She revealed that the absence of CCTV cameras and proper fencing made it easier for such incidents to occur unnoticed.

Meanwhile, the midwife also advised stricter visitor regulations, suggesting that adhering to visiting hours and limiting visitors could prevent similar incidents in the future.

The baby’s father also spoke to Adom News, providing additional details on how the culprits were identified and apprehended.

“She left her ID cards, and that was how we were able to identify her. They circulated it, and that was how they caught her. I wanted to see her, but the police didn’t allow me to enter the station,” he explained.

Nonetheless, Dr. Ayobi Abdul-Rahaman, the Medical Superintendent of Zebilla District Hospital, confirmed the incident, stating that the police were immediately notified and have since apprehended the suspects along with the baby, who has been safely recovered.

“We had an unforeseen incident where someone was able to outwit a mother and steal her baby. During visiting hours, she gained the mother’s trust, who gave her baby to take her bath. When she returned, the baby was gone. Through timely community intervention, we have apprehended the suspect, and the baby is safe in our custody. The suspect has since been arrested by the police,” Dr. Abdul-Rahaman stated.

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Victor was a lousy husband. He drank a lot and never took care of us or the home. I was patient with him for a long time but things only got worse. We even started sleeping in separate bedrooms since our relationship had gone stale. So, you can imagine my surprise when he told me that he was planning a family vacation out of the blue.

One day while I was cleaning the house, he pulled me aside and I noticed that he had a worried look on his face. That was probably the first time that we had a long conversation in a while.

“I know I haven’t been the best husband to you.” He started. “So, I was thinking of taking you and the kids for a vacation this weekend.”

“Are you serious?” I asked excitedly.

At that point, I was at my breaking point but that simple gesture gave me hope in our marriage. I thought that an angel had touched my husband and made him a new man.

“Of course. You deserve it for putting up with me.” He said then hugged me and tears rolled down his face.

“Thank you,” I replied while embracing him.

The days leading up to the trip were magical. I couldn’t stop talking about everything I wanted to do while on vacation and Victor seemed equally excited.

“I can’t wait to go to the beach. It’s been such a long time.”

“Do you have a swimsuit?” He asked.

“No, I don’t think I’ll go swimming.”

“You should. It will be fun.”

My kids were also excited too. They had told their friends how their dad was taking them on a trip that weekend and eventually, some of my friends found out.

“I thought you were planning to divorce him.” One of them said after calling me.

“I know, but it seems like he’s turned a new leaf.”

“I’ve been there, babe. I hope you enjoy your trip but don’t get your hopes up.” She warned me.

While I wasn’t expecting miracles, the trip was a step in the right direction and I planned on making the most out of it. I prepared everything we needed for the trip and waited anxiously for the day we were to travel.

I wanted us to take the train but Victor insisted that he wanted to drive all the way to Mombasa.

“It will give us more time to spend together.” He explained.

“Okay. That’s a good idea.”

On the day of departure, we packed our bags in our car and hit the road. Victor was quiet most of the time but I assumed that he wanted to focus on the road. The kids, on the other hand, were so hyper. They couldn’t sit still for more than 10 minutes. I was happy to see them have so much fun with their dad involved.

At some point, we all fell asleep and by the time I woke up we were in a hospital compound.

“Is everything okay? Did you get injured?” I asked Victor worriedly.

“I’m fine. I just needed somewhere to use the bathroom.”

“Why didn’t you go to the side of the road?”

“I think I have a stomach problem. You don’t have to come with me. I won’t stay too long.”

“Okay.”

He dashed out and ran inside the hospital. I could see him talking to a nurse who then escorted him. Victor came back after 10 minutes but told me that he was feeling sick and he needed to get a few tests done which would take about an hour. Again, he asked me to stay in the car which I agreed to.

However, I started getting a bad feeling in my stomach and decided to go and see what was happening. I got my kids out of the car so they could stretch their legs and we went into the hospital.

“Hi, I’m looking for the man who just came in a few minutes ago,” I asked the receptionist.

“Oh, he’s at the maternity ward.” She answered with a smile.

“Maternity ward?” I asked to confirm if I heard the right thing.

“Yes, he’s visiting a patient there.”

“I thought he came with a stomach ache.”

“Are you talking about Victor Maingi?” She asked checking the guest book.

“Yes, that’s my husband. How could he be visiting someone at the maternity ward?”

“I don’t know, ma’am. That’s where he said he was going.”

I felt like I was in a bad dream but I quickly snapped back to reality, left my kids at the reception and headed to the maternity ward.

Of course, they didn’t allow me to go inside so I had to wait for Victor to come out so I would confront him.

“What’s going on?” I asked almost in tears.

“I didn’t know how to tell you but I got another woman pregnant and she just delivered my baby today.”

“This is disgusting even for you. Your children are here. Why would you do this to us? Do you hate us that much?”

“I didn’t expect things to go this way. Besides, I knew you would question me if I told you that I was going on a trip.”

“When did you even get her pregnant? You’re not even the cheating type.”

My husband was a lot of things but I never thought he was a cheater. He had never slept away from home during our 7 years of marriage so I was so confused to find out he was having a child with another woman.

“What did you expect? We haven’t been intimate in years.”

I was silent for a while as I tried to understand everything.

“I thought that I would be able to take you and the kids to Mombasa then come to the hospital before she gave birth but I got an alert while we were on the road that she was in labour. I’ll still take you to our destination but I have to come back to the hospital.” He explained

At that point, I didn’t care what was going to happen. I already knew that I was going to get a divorce so I decided to have a few moments together as a family for the sake of my children.

He took us to the hotel then left shortly after and never came back. I went back home with my kids alone who had started suspecting that something was wrong. I started the divorce process the same day I got back home. I’m now divorced from Victor and I couldn’t be happier.

Children don’t owe their parents anything, parents owe their children safety, growth, nurturing, and support. If you already think your child owes you, you are off to a tumultuous journey.

Here are 5 things a child never, ever owes their parents, according to YourTango experts:

1. Unquestioning obedience

A child never owes a parent an apology for their existence. While respect and care are important in a parent-child relationship, children are not indebted to give unquestioning obedience or loyalty at the expense of their well-being, autonomy, values, or happiness.

— Eva Van Prooyen, Marriage and Family Therapist and Relationship Specialist

2. Obliged loyalty

An adult does not owe parents loyalty and devotion if/when their parents did not show it to them as children. You may still be loyal and devoted to them, but it isn’t something you owe them — it’s more of a gift you choose to give them for your reasons. As long as you are aware it’s your gift — not your obligation —it makes it a little easier on your spirit.

— Dr. Gloria Brame, Therapist and Author

3. Unconditional love

A child never owes their parents unconditional love. Love inherently has conditions; it does not grant the right to abuse or neglect someone simply due to familial ties. While a child may need to obey household rules for safety and to maintain certain privileges, they are not obligated to sustain love in the face of abuse or neglect. Accepting such conditions sets a harmful precedent that equates love with enduring mistreatment, which is not the essence of genuine love.

— Erika Jordan, Dating Coach, NLP Practitioner

4. Their future

I gave my daughter life, and I’m raising her the best way I know how, but I have no expectations as to how our relationship should be when she is old enough to make her own choices, and I think it would be cruel of me to start.

I wouldn’t dare attempt to place an agenda on her life, even by planting seeds that one day I should become her responsibility. (I shouldn’t, by the way. I’m an adult. I’m my responsibility. Frankly, the best gift I could give my daughter is to never burden her with trying to manage my care when I have plenty of forewarning that time in my life is approaching.)

Similarly, she does not owe me companionship, emotional support, grandchildren, or a marriage under that antiquated lie that settling down means she’s taken care of for the rest of her life.

My daughter doesn’t owe me any of those things. She deserves a life of freedom and choice, and while that’s sometimes a challenge, I owe it to her to do my part to facilitate that.

— Elizabeth Z Pardue, Author

5. The right to their autonomy and life choices

Just because parents provide for their children’s basic needs doesn’t mean they should be able to control their children’s decisions or make them feel obligated to follow a certain path and express gratitude to them.

Kids don’t owe debts to parents. Let me say that again. Kids don’t owe debts to parents. Debt is from the world of finance and business. Debt ignores the collective and compassion. Though we live in an age of capitalism, your children are not property, clients, or in your employ.

The 44-year-old comedian, who dated Common between 2020-2021, disclosed her personal struggles to People on Thursday, April 25.

She said: “It’s so devastating. It’s like, I won’t know why there’s so much blood. And then I go to the doctor and they’re like, ‘Oh, you’re miscarrying right now.’ And I just get a D&C (dilation and curettage, a procedure to remove pregnancy tissue).”

Tiffany continued: “Every time I find out I’m pregnant, I’m like, ‘Don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t do nothing.’ Even if I don’t really want [the baby], I still try to give it a chance.”

Haddish is currently celibate yet dating “multiple guys” but she’s not certain she wants to remarry after her two divorces in 2011 and 2013 from ex-husband William Stewart.

“There is a part of me that wants to [be a mother],” the Emmy and Grammy winner said. “I’ve got all this love, I should give it to somebody who can grow with it.”

Tiffany suffers from long excruciating periods, fainting spells from the pain, and she’s had to undergo surgery to remove fibroids due to the chronic condition where the endometrium extends outside of the uterus and can result in pelvic pain.

“I’m pretty sure the devil is real,” said Haddish, who was prescribed a hormone medication. “Because the first day of my period, no matter what, the devil goes into overdrive. I feel like my life gets turned upside down…The pain is crazy. It feels like somebody is kicking me in my back.”

However, she said hopefully: “The last two months have not been as bad. I just feel drowsy. But I’ve been working out even more. And I’ve gone from 11 days [on my period] to four or five, which is kind of normal, so that’s nice.”

According to him, he had a difficult time combining the work of God and taking care of his family in the early days of his life.

Sharing his experience during a sermon on Sunday, March 10, the renowned preacher disclosed he got married at age 23.

“I got married at the age of 23 and I didn’t understand a lot of things. Ministry was tough in those days, so my life was always on the road; I was always gone,” he stated.

His absence he admitted has created a vacuum which impacted his life and relationship with his children.

“At the time, I could go for six weeks and sometimes eight weeks to North and South America and Asia travelling for days to be able to make ends meet and be able to take care of the family because the church could not take care of me. I learned very early not to depend on tithes, offerings, or people because that will wound you. I had one experience, and I told myself I was not going to depend on anybody but God.

“When I look back and look at the lives of my kids, I realise that there is a vacuum that has been created, and it will take a lot of grace and wisdom to bridge that gap. This was what created the vacuum; I was never there,” he recounted.

Archbishop Duncan-Williams has four children who are in different capacities currently.

They are Elsie Duncan-Williams, who is also known as Mrs Elsie Otoo, Ella, Joel, and Daniel.

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I knew what it was like being the new kid on the block.

It was a pattern I did not want to repeat with my children. I planned to raise them in a “forever” house. The forever house was a beautiful concept to me.

We all know someone who spent their whole life in one house. Either their parents still live there, or they bought it from their parents.

And it’s this gorgeous, proper house with a lot of bedrooms, plenty of space, a lovely yard, and amazing neighbors. (And they bought it so long ago that the amount of appreciation and equity they have in the house now is staggering! The children are set for inheritances!)

My ex and I were fortunate because we could buy one of these spectacular forever homes: a 3,000-square-foot architectural on the hills of Brentwood.

It was gorgeous and everything I ever dreamed of open floor plans, 11-foot ceilings, large spaces, four bedrooms, a huge playroom, and plenty of outdoor space. There was room for a pool if we ever desired to have one.

I was in love. Life was sublime until one day, it wasn’t anymore.

My ex and I divorced when the children were 7 and 5. Instead of alimony, I fought tooth and nail to keep my “forever” house. I struggled for two years, paying the mortgage on time and watching as my savings dwindled. But, in my head, I knew it wasn’t a wise choice financially; I was suffering under the weight of this house, and it wasn’t good for anyone.

I had to come to terms with letting my house go. Not a remotely easy thing to do. It was my dream, my promise — to myself and my children and to not move them around. It was my “forever” house … the one I thought I would ultimately die in. Of all the places I’d lived, this was the home I’d been in the longest. I struggled with what I should do. Many nights were filled with tears.

I would lie on the floor of my children’s rooms and weep (as quietly as possible).

My heart broke at the thought of leaving. But one day, my perspective changed. I decided to stop feeling sorry for my children and myself and instead feel grateful I’d had the honor and the privilege to live in such a beautiful place, even if it was a far shorter time than I had planned.

I walked around my house, gave myself time to appreciate its beauty and craftsmanship, and recalled the happy times I spent with my family in each room. Out loud, I said “thank you” to my house. I cried tears of joy mixed with sadness. Nostalgia is a powerful emotion.

I had no regret about taking my house instead of alimony. Doing so allowed me independence, and I could sell my home on my terms and timeline. I saw my house as a means of financial freedom from my ex. When I ultimately sold it, I could walk away with a chunk of cash I could then invest on my own, supporting my two children and myself.

Slowly and carefully, I allowed myself to feel my emotions to move forward. I wrote in a journal for forty days straight to get my feelings out. I enlisted the help of a friend to go with me and see the rentals first, examining them before taking my kids. He offered a shoulder to cry on when reality hit home. I would live in one of these “temporary” abodes.

Saying goodbye is challenging.

Divorce is heart-wrenching. Moving is stressful. And putting a dream to rest is overwhelming. Combine all these, and it’s too much for one person to experience all at once.

Crying helped and having support was my lifeline.

As a realtor, I knew the real estate market so my knowledge was an unbelievable blessing. Eventually, I found the place I was looking for a large condo in the heart of Brentwood. The location allowed me and my kids to walk everywhere. I chose it for its novelty, and I wouldn’t feel alone when my children were off with their father. It was affordable, convenient, and easy — plus a pool, hot tub, and ping-pong table!

I was apprehensive when I took my kids to see it. My son, in particular, loved our old house and was so upset about the idea of moving. To my surprise and relief, he loved the condo and told me we should move there.

It turns out we were happy in our condo.

We lived there for 15 months, which gave me time to regroup. It was indeed easy living. We walked, swam, hit countless ping-pong balls, and laughed. I won’t gloss over the fact I missed my house. I longed for my place, pond, yard, and life in the hills. But the condo gave me time and space to heal and realize my kids and I were OK.

We loved being together. And I was proud of myself for facing and embracing reality.

Today, I’m a homeowner once again. I live in a slightly smaller version of my first “forever” house. Built the same year, 1959, it was a mid-century architecture, with slightly lower ceilings but a much larger piece of property.

The house is not in Brentwood, I couldn’t afford that, but it’s in a location I’ve learned to love in the hills of Sherman Oaks. Our neighbors are fabulous, and we’ve got a nature preserve right behind our house, where I go hiking with my dogs.

I’ve never been happier in a house. Life is funny that way. I won’t say it’s my “forever” house because I don’t want to tempt fate. I will say it’s a dream come true, and I’m forever grateful.

He, therefore, advocated an extensive leave for working parents to replace the existing three-month maternity leave, which he described as insufficient, particularly for women.

Mr Sosu, also a Human Rights Lawyer, made the statement at a stakeholders’ briefing workshop on Maternity Leave Extension; Paternity Leave Introduction and removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported pads Bill held in Parliament in on Monday.

The workshop is part of the MP’s efforts to address a Private Member’s Bill proposing an amendment to extend maternity leave from three months to four months introduced in Parliament.

The Bill, which seeks to amend the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), is also proposing an option for an additional two weeks of maternity leave in the case of a caesarean section (CS), stillbirth(s) or multiple births.

The Bill’s primary objective is to promote gender equality and ensure protection for both men and women in a suitable context.

The Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2023, also known as Parental Leave for All, is pushing for the introduction of paid paternity leave for men for a minimum of seven days.

It is aimed at allowing new mothers adequate time to give birth, exclusively breastfeed, care for and bond with their new baby, as well as recover before returning to work.

The essence of paternity leave is to enable men to take care of their wives and assist the new mothers with domestic chores.

Mr Sosu emphasised that the proposed parental leave for fathers was pivotal in fostering shared responsibility in childcare.

“The significance of the initial seven days will allow fathers to actively participate in late-night feedings and baby care, thereby contributing to the establishment of a strong bond with their newborns.”

“I have had some women say why do you want men to also have parental leave? Well, and I said, it’s the same thing. The advocacy in terms of bridging the gender gap has to do with protection for both men and women,” the MP said.

Mr Sosu noted that the initial seven days were a critical period for “responsible” fathers to be present during late-night baby care, fostering a deeper connection with their newborns and providing support to their wives who had given birth.

Madam Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, a National Democratic Congress MP of Ada, said the affordability and availability of sanitary pads were a fundamental necessity to health, dignity, and access to education.

“The call for the elimination of import duties and Value Added Tax is rooted in the belief that financial barriers should not deny anyone their basic human right to menstrual hygiene,” she said.

A New Patriotic Party MP for Abuakwa North, Gifty Twum Ampofo, called for the non-politicisation of the issues and that concerted efforts were needed to address them holistically to support both genders.

Other speakers called for the availability of sanitary pads to students in various schools as part of their prospectus.

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Genevieve is brimming with excitement, revelling in the joy of becoming a first-time mother. However, her delight at embracing motherhood is tempered by the anticipation of celebrating her daughter’s birthday only every four years.

In an interview with JoyPrime’s Lois Shoila Adeyimi, after giving birth on February 29 at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Genevieve shared, “The day I realised I was pregnant, I was so happy, even my mom. We wanted a baby and he came.”

She continued, “I didn’t want to give birth on the 29th because it’s actually a leap year, which comes every four years. God has reasons for everything, that’s what I think, because everybody is celebrating the birthday on a normal day, then you alone, you celebrate every four years, it’s weird.”

However, the same sentiment does not hold true for Abigail, who longs for the joy of motherhood. Although she was initially due to deliver on February 28, that did not happen.

The 29-year-old is eager to welcome her little one on any day except the elusive February 29.

She stated, “I would love to celebrate every year. A memorable year of the pain I went through during this childbearing and everything. I want to experience it all over again every year. And look at the fact that I have to do that every four years, I wouldn’t feel that. I need to feel it each and every year.”

As for Sharifa, she cared less about the date. The moment she held her baby, all the pain seemed insignificant. Birthdays, leap years—everything became background noise to the new mother.

What matters to her is the little one in her arms. She remarked, “I was not expecting it, but it happened and I’m happy with it.”

A midwife at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital emphasised that mothers should view giving birth on February 29 as a special day, recognising it as such and being happy about delivering on that unique day.

She added, “And for the kids, you have to accept it and also be happy that you have been delivered on that day because it happens every four years and it’s a special day.”

Declaring your love verbally is critical, but it isn’t the only thing our kids need, not by a long shot! Love looks different to each of us and how we give love and experience depends on our background and temperament. In other words, love is a subjective experience, even in childhood.

Raising successful children is not an easy road, and doing it well takes practice and courage. We ALL make tons of mistakes along the way. I was a teen parent and a single parent, so I made more mistakes than I can count.

My kids, now grown, still love to remind and chide me about mistakes I made when they were small people.

At this point, we can laugh about it, and thankfully, we communicate with each other honestly and with mutual respect. Clear, honest communication with your children is the starting point, and then all other things flow much easier.

Here are 6 things that mean way more to your kids than hearing ‘I love you:’

1. When you open up communication (and keep it open)

Listen to your kids, ask questions, and show them that you understand. Authentic listening is a lost art that needs to be revived, and there’s no better way than teaching children how to listen and be listened to. Say what you mean, mean what you say, make no idle threats or promises, be true to your word, no baby talk or talking down, no false voices — essentially, be clear and real. 

How you talk about hard things is the real issue, so words need to match experience, and difficult subjects should not be avoided. If you are crystal clear about your intentions and why you are discussing a particular topic, then you can choose your words carefully and wisely. Speak clearly and calmly, ask questions, and listen carefully. You will teach your children powerful communication skills.

2. When you make it okay to learn from mistakes

Demonstrate through your own mistakes how to learn, change, and grow. If you show your children how to recover from mistakes and make better choices, they will be more likely to talk with you honestly about themselves. You will also be letting them know that you will not reject them for making a mistake. Not only is learning from mistakes possible, but it makes us better people!

3. When you help them do their best

Teach your children to always do their best and be true to their ideas by putting your best effort into parenting them. Help them explore their ideas and thoughts even if those ideas aren’t popular or interesting to others. Sometimes this one is really painful and hard because we so badly want our children to fit in and feel included.

However, often the best lesson is learning to be different in the world and still feel good about yourself. Embrace a “give a good try” mindset in your family. Teach your kids to love learning and curiosity. It will help them to do their best always.

4. When you make sure everyone in the family is treated with respect

Be kind and considerate of others because manners will take you very far in this life. Good manners are keys that open doors. Parents need to model respect as well as expect it. As you would also treat the planet with respect by not littering, this encourages the building of empathy and teaches kids (and us) to be present to the wonder around us.

5. When you share your feelings (and let them share theirs)

Feelings come and go, whether we like the feelings or not. Allowing our children to experience emotions is important. If we teach kids to acknowledge their feelings in childhood, to discuss them as needed, and not to run away from painful emotions; we further their abilities to be emotionally healthy adults. It’s also okay to be human (albeit, age-appropriate) about sharing your own emotions. 

6. When you accept your kids for who they really

Accepting kids for who they are is more important than telling them they can be whatever they want to be. Let your kids be themselves while you love and accept them because our kids are not mini replicas of us, but unique people with their gifts and interests.

Help them to find their strengths. When we let our children discover their talents and love, then they become well-rounded people and have better coping mechanisms throughout life.

If you incorporate these 6 behaviors into your family’s daily life, you will have marvelous children, guaranteed! The key to remember is that you have to practice them, not only with your children but also with yourself. Eventually, many of us come to realize upon growing up that we need to learn to parent ourselves because we did not receive the parenting we needed as children.

There’s a poem I remember from my childhood, it used to be a poster on people’s walls, and it said, “Children Learn What They Live.”

 I remember, wishing that my parents would follow the advice of that poem, but using the advice with my children while hoping they do the same as we go onward, doing our best every step of the way, failing, succeeding, and learning to show our love the best we can

Among the number, between 13 and 17 per cent develop suicidal intentions.

The analysis was conducted by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the UK-Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (UK-FCDO), the Mental Health Authority, academia, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) among other partners.

The report on maternal mental health was disseminated among key stakeholders in Accra last Tuesday.

Maternal mental health refers to the mental well-being of women during pregnancy,  childbirth and the postpartum period and includes depression,  anxiety,  post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis.

The exercise was to review literature, existing policies and the state of maternal mental healthcare to identify gaps, strengths and make recommendations that would improve mental health and mental healthcare delivery during and after pregnancy.  

Stakeholders at the dissemination workshop included the WHO, the Ghana Medical Association, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, the Mental Health Authority, academia, scientists among others.

Gaps 

Throwing more light on the report, a consultant to the WHO, Dr Promise Sefogah, said even though sufficient evidence existed on the adverse impact of maternal mental health disorders on mothers and infants, coupled with the high prevalence in the country, there was little provision in the healthcare system for its screening, early detection and effective management.

He also mentioned the findings to include inadequate training of healthcare workers on maternal mental health and lack of knowledge on diagnostics, management and referral pathways.

He said the report, therefore, called for an integration of maternal mental health interventions within the health system along the entire value chain at all levels of care delivery and a national policy in that regard.

He also mentioned other recommendations to include high-level advocacy in Parliament, increased government investment in the sector and the inclusion of maternal mental health in the National Health Insurance policy to make it accessible and affordable for all. 

The outgoing Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, said maternal mental health issues could have significant implications for maternal and child health outcomes. 

“Untreated maternal depression and anxiety can lead to adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm birth and may affect breastfeeding practices and infant bonding. 

“This can also lead to long-term consequences for emotional, cognitive and behavioural development of children,” he said.

“To address these challenges holistically and globally, WHO member states adopted and committed to meeting global targets of the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030 for improved mental health services to the people,” he explained. 

Mr Agyeman-Manu said through the review, the government had made several efforts to ensure the provision of high-quality mental health services to the population.

He said strengthening the mental health system and ensuring that women had access to the support and care they needed during pregnancy and the postpartum period was a collective effort that required all levels of society to provide high-quality sustainable maternal mental health services. 

“I wish to assure you that the Ministry of Health will provide the necessary leadership and direction to ensure the full implementation of the recommendations in this report,” he said.  

WHO

In a speech read on his behalf, the Country Representative of WHO, Professor Francis Kasolo, said over the past decade, maternal health indices had been the priority of the global community with a focus on maternal mortality to the neglect of other conditions that affect the wellbeing of the mother, particularly her mental health.  

Globally, evidence suggests that the prevalence of postpartum depression, anxiety and stress is relatively very high.

“The dissemination of the status report today is the first step in translating policy into action and I want to congratulate the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, the Mental Health Authority, academia and civil society organisations on your commitment in conducting this assessment. 

“The WHO and partners would continue to work with the Ministry of Health and its agencies to ensure that identified strengths and opportunities such as the Network of Practice (NoP) approach are leveraged in developing specific interventions that promote the integration of maternal mental health services into routine perinatal care across various levels of service delivery,” he said. 

He said that would ensure improvement in the well-being of pregnant and postpartum women generally, as well as focused intervention targeting those with vulnerabilities such as adolescent girls, women with disabilities and those who have suffered foetal loss. 

Neglect 

In a speech read on his behalf, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, said it was an undeniable fact that the bid to significantly reduce preventable maternal and newborn mortality had diverted attention from the agony and personal sad stories of numerous women and families that go unnoticed even in health facilities.

He said improving the quality of maternal and newborn care as outlined in the Reproductive Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) strategic plan 2020-2025 would require considerable improvement in the individual experience of women during childbirth, with particular attention to their psychological and social wellbeing.

“It is worth noting that in childbirth in its entirety, the related vulnerabilities place a mental health burden on women, if not supported.

The situational analysis has provided significant insights into the structure gaps in our healthcare setting, the extent of the human resource challenges in mental health and the highly stigmatising environment we live, in our communities.

“Nevertheless, these are the opportunities to craft pathways for more humane and enabling care through promoting family involvement and support during childbirth, which has traditionally characterised our society. 

“Improving access to maternal mental health services in a congenial atmosphere, supported by the right skills mix and equitable distribution of healthcare workers with the capacity to deliver comprehensive and integrated maternal mental health services at all levels of care, needs to be prioritised,” he said.

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Now aged seven, they are thought to be the only growing conjoined twins in Europe.

While both girls have their own unique personalities and moods, they rely on each other to survive.

“When you are told from the beginning there is no future, you just live for the present,” said their dad, Ibrahima.

Conjoined twins are rare, representing about one in every 500,000 live births in the UK.

Around half are stillborn, with another third dying within 24 hours of birth.

So seeing Marieme and Ndeye celebrate their seventh birthday with a classful of friends doesn’t just give Ibrahima joy, but also to the doctors who have cared for them.

Marieme and Ndeye share one pair of legs and one pelvis but each has a spinal cord and a heart.

They have round-the-clock care but go to a mainstream school in south Wales with their friends.

“They are fighters and proving everyone wrong,” said Ibrahima.

“My daughters are very different. Marieme is very quiet, an introverted personality, but it’s completely different with Ndeye, she’s very independent.

“I would not pretend it’s easy but it’s a huge privilege. You feel lucky to witness this constant battle for life.”

When the twins were born in Senegal in 2016, their parents had been expecting one baby. Doctors didn’t expect them to live much longer than a few days.

“I was preparing myself to lose them very quickly,” Ibrahima told the BBC’s Inseparable Sisters documentary.

“The only thing we could do is be beside them and not allow them to walk alone through this journey. We saw very clearly early on that we were dealing with warriors, who hang on to life.”

Their best chance of survival was believed to be separation.

After calling hospitals around the world “begging” for help, the family arrived in the UK for treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London in 2017.

Ibrahima hoped that the renowned children’s hospital, which had separated more conjoined twins than anywhere in the world, would be able to separate them and that they could go back home to their brothers and sisters in Dakar – but it didn’t work out that way.

Tests found that Marianne’s heart was too weak for the complex surgery.

The medical experts warned the family that, without separation, neither daughter may survive more than a few months.

But, doctors advised, separation would give Ndeye the best chance of survival.

“It was killing one of my children for another, it’s something I can’t do,” Ibrahima said at the time.

“I can’t allow myself to choose who will live and who will die now.”

As their mum returned to Africa to look after their other children, Marieme, Ndeye and Ibrahima remained in the UK for medical care and the three moved to Cardiff.

An uplifting insight into the lives of seven-year-old conjoined twins, who weren’t expected to live more than a few days.

“Not being able to go back home was very difficult because you had the rest of your family and your job back home,” said Ibrahima, who is the former managing director of a travel organisation in Senegal.

“It’s into the unknown but I didn’t think too much, I just followed my heart. It is my parental responsibility to make sure they will have somebody who will be here for them, that will be my life purpose.”

The twins need regular hospital check ups as they are at serious risk from infection and heart failure.

“At first it was a bit of a novel excitement and then a realisation that this is something I’ve only ever read about in text books,” said Dr Gillian Body, a consultant paediatrician at the University Hospital of Wales.

“They’ve got one pair of legs between them and one pelvis. Moving up through their abdomen we’ve got a lot of different organs. We don’t know exactly, but we know some bits are shared and they have some individual bits.

“They’ve two separate spinal cords with all their nerves yet somehow they completely coordinate and they don’t have to tell each other how to move an arm or how to move a leg, it just works.”

Clothing the twins is challenging.

“You have to buy two identical tops and take them to the alterations shop to join them together,” said Ibrahima.

“They have two legs, so they can have regular trousers, but their hip is very wide so you have to take that to the alternations shop too.”

The family have now integrated into their community in Cardiff and the twins are looked after night and day as carers help dad with respite support.

They are in year three at their local mainstream primary school, where the sisters are helped by two classroom support workers.

“I want them to have a normal life, play and laugh with kids and make friends and develop as individuals,” said Ibrahima.

“They don’t have to hide from anybody and being in mainstream school shows they’re part of society and they are lucky to be part of this community.”

The next challenge for Marieme and Ndeye is to try to stand and walk. They are currently managing about 20 minutes each day with the help of a standing frame.

“They have achieved things that nobody thought they would,” said Ibrahima.

“When you’re told from the beginning there is no future, you live for the present,” he added.

“I know that any time, I can receive a call to say that something bad has happened.

“How long? I don’t want to know. We’re going to make every day a surprise and celebrate life.

“It can be conflicting but you feel lucky despite whatever the difficulties you’re having. They are bringing me such joy. It is a huge blessing to be their dad.”

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Children are born innocent, curious, exuberant, and loving. A child must be taught to hate, blame, and condemn people who do not look or think like their family. Parents are the front line of saving the world, their children directly behind them as reinforcements who hope to preserve their future.

Our public spaces have become battlefields where skirmishes spill into schools, the conflicts we see on the news showing up in our children’s lives. As a therapist for many decades, I believe there is hope for the future. 

Admitting our failure to create a safe world for children is a first step — but merely accepting our failure is insufficient for building a new vision of the world. But it is a vision we must make a reality. Our children deserve a world they want to live in, a world without active shooter drills, threats of invasion, or deadly drone strikes.

A few ways parents can help their children grow into peaceful, humanitarian adults

1. Empower children to create a better future.

We persistently tell our children the future of the planet and our country is theirs. We have admitted failure here, passing it on to them. Our failure cannot be the end of the story.

While we feel powerless to affect their future, we can empower them to make a difference for themselves and their yet-to-be-conceived children to create a new future.

I doubt many parents intend to sit down with their children and teach hate and violence. Children learn to hate the atmosphere in which they live. That atmosphere starts in the family home with direct expressions to the children, in parents’ off-the-cuff reactions and pontifications, and how they respond to their children’s questions, peer problems, and the media they consume. Social media affects children, but parents are not powerless in limiting what and how much is allowed.

2. Know how the choices we make shape our kids.

The state, city, and neighborhood parents choose (or are stuck in) also have an effect. Your children’s peers also influence their values and attitudes, but it’s also true your children can influence their peers. That skill has to be actively taught because children who grow up in a hateful family are harmed, angry, and reactive with their peers, which begins at an early age. So, we have to provide alternative views.

Children, especially before the ages of 7-10, are sponges. They hear and know everything that goes on in their homes. We must create a healthy, loving, tolerant atmosphere. We can’t be perfect, but we can catch ourselves reacting poorly to kids and others. When we do, we can make amends and use our errors as a teaching opportunity.

3. Utilize active listening to lead by example.

The first two jobs of all parents are to provide a safe and nurturing atmosphere and to know that we must actively teach values, attitudes, and a willingness to listen to others. Listening is not the same as hearing. Pausing our speaking when a child says something conveys interest and clarity that we are interacting as two humans.

Parents often chastise a child for not listening when we mean they are not obeying. Likewise, children get upset when we don’t give them what they want, like a gift, a privilege, or a choice. That’s their version of a parent not obeying.

Children are not fluent in their language for many years after birth and don’t have the language skills to convey their thoughts coherently. We must help them by modeling active listening. When my son was about 8 or 9, he was upset with me for not agreeing to something. As his emotions rose, his speech became more confusing to me. Instead of raising my voice or continuing to talk over him, I stopped, stayed face-to-face with him, and focused on listening.

That focus without any nonverbal contradictions to listening resulted in him calming down. As he became calmer and with me not interrupting, he pulled his speech together to make his expression of need more coherent. When I understood what he was saying, I said, “Oh. I get it.” Now, more than twenty years later, neither of us remembers the subject, but we both remember the “Oh” moment. And neither of us remembers if he got what he wanted.

4. Become active and intentional about guiding children.

We can be active and intentional in teaching and encouraging our children’s natural loving, curious, and playful ways of being.

First, pay attention to what’s happening with the kids when they are not directly in front of you. Catch them being themselves. You’ll learn a lot.

Second, ask questions with interest and curiosity. Children don’t know the word “rhetorical,” but they know when a question is not a question and is a criticism or reaction. Kids are sensitive to “Why” questions. When a parent asks, “Why did you track mud all over the floor?” They know the parent is not asking for information or even an explanation; they know the sentence means “Don’t…” or “That was bad” or “I’m mad”.

The Greek philosopher and teacher Socrates taught not by lecture or direction but by questions designed to open a student’s mind to possibilities, wonder, and curiosity. Socratic questions have no obvious correct answer and are not aimed at leading or shaping. Therefore, they are not close-ended nor insincere. They often start with “how,” “what,” or “when” but can even start with “why” when the intent is seeking information or knowledge.

5. Teach acceptance and love in this culture of pervasive violence

Many of us are distressed about the killing and blame that is pervasive in our culture, and we continue to comply even though we know how terrible it feels. Even if your children are not watching intently, violence and hate are getting through to them. We may feel at a loss for how to protect them. We can’t protect them from the pervasive violence, but here’s what we can do. We can talk and ask our children questions.

“What do you think when you see those videos of bombing or starvation?” “How did you feel when that girl said that? What do you think she was feeling or thinking?” Even “Why do you think people get angry and hurt other people?” “What could we do differently?” These questions help teach children you care about what they think and feel.

6. Help children develop non-violent and empowering habits

If you are not in the habit of talking to your kids like this, be aware they may feel uncertain or suspicious. It may seem strange for a parent not to have an agenda, and you may need to persist with the question to demonstrate interest.

Pre-teens and teens often think their parents are highly manipulative. So, you might begin a massive change in your family dynamic. Be patient, persistent, and intentional, and be prepared for your children’s questions of you. Parents are often impatient with a 5-year-old’s repetitive “whys”. If you’ve heard enough or sensed the child intends to be annoying, turn it back on them. “Hmmm, that’s a good question. Why do you think it is so?” Or “How do you think it is?”

Can this way of being be brought into everyday interaction in the family, and can it be used as a foundation for love, acceptance, and children’s empowerment to make a better world for themselves? I believe it can if enough parents practice it.

Blame and retribution are pervasive. Many games and sports are founded on violence and destruction. Therefore, parents must offer their kids an alternative. Restrictions and consequences play vital roles in child rearing, while firmness and the judicious use of “No” are necessary, particularly for younger children.

A child’s developing brain is so explosive and formative (the psychological term is “plastic”) that virtually anything is possible for their development. That’s why a 6-year-old can pick up a new language in a matter of weeks. That’s why children will develop new alternatives to war, hate, and the climate of fear if we only empower them and model acceptance and non-violence for them.

Many people would love to give birth to twins because they are cute and shorten the stress of undergoing childbirth many times.

There are two types of twins: fraternal twins and identical twins.

Identical twins are born when an egg is fertilised by a single sperm and two identical twins with the same sex and DNA are produced.

Fraternal twins are born when two different eggs are fertilised by two sperm cells. They can be of different sexes, lack the same DNA, and do not look alike.

What can you do to give birth to twins?

1. Drink milk and eat dairy products

Consuming dairy products can increase the chances of twin pregnancies due to the growth hormones released by cows in their milk.

Dairy foods can boost insulin-like growth factor (IGF) production in women, promoting the release of eggs by the ovary and making two more likely to be fertilised simultaneously.

2. Marrying a partner with the twins gene

Finding a partner with a family history of twins increases the chances of having twins. If you have a lot of twins in your family and your partner does, there is an even higher chance you will give birth to twins.

3. Getting fatter

Studies have found that people with a body mass index of 30 have a higher chance of giving birth to twins.

Obesity increases the chance of twin pregnancies due to increased levels of oestrogen, a female sex hormone, and excessive stimulation of the ovaries that comes from extra body fat.

This can result in multiple eggs being released instead of one.

4. Get pregnant in your 30s or 40s

Those over 30 years old are more likely to conceive twins due to increased production of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is responsible for egg development in the ovaries. Lower fertility levels can cause follicles to overreact, releasing multiple eggs and causing multiple births.

5. In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

Expecting mothers who undergo IVF may be given drugs that boost the likelihood of twin pregnancies. Twin pregnancies are more likely, depending on how many embryos are transferred during the procedure.

If numerous embryos are transferred, the successful attachment and development of two or more embryos into a set of twins or more may result in fraternal twins.

Here are some reasons why you might consider stopping this practice after a certain age:

1. Privacy

As children get older, they begin to develop a sense of privacy. They may become uncomfortable or self-conscious about being naked in front of their parents or caregivers.

Respecting their need for privacy is important for their emotional and psychological development.

2. Independence

Bathing together may hinder a child’s ability to learn how to bathe themselves and develop essential self-care skills.

Encouraging independence in tasks like bathing can help them build confidence and a sense of autonomy.

3. Safety

As children grow and become more mobile, there may be safety concerns when sharing a bath.

They may become too big or active to safely share the space without the risk of slipping or other accidents.

4. Boundaries

Teaching children about personal boundaries is important to their social and emotional development.

By stopping communal bathing, you can help them understand and respect the concept of personal boundaries and consent.

5. Developmental differences

Children mature at different rates, and what’s appropriate for one child may not be for another.

It’s essential to pay attention to your child’s comfort level and maturity to determine when it’s time to stop bathing together.

Though they are children respect their boundaries and provide guidance on personal hygiene and privacy as they grow.

The teacher shared the outcome of an after school run-in with a student that she never could have predicted.

In a post shared on the r/Teachers subreddit, and later transcribed on the “Ifey” TikTok account, she explained that she didn’t think much of running into him outside of the classroom, but that turned out to be an incorrect assumption. 

When she returned to school the following day students stared at her strangely. She asked several of the high schoolers what was up and they all pretended to know nothing about the weird energy in the air.

“They’re smart enough to not let slip to me what was wrong,” she said. But she was still bothered and knew something was amiss, but hoped it was nothing too big.  

The answer to the students’ mysterious behavior came during her lunch break.

A colleague approached her and told her that a picture of her from the previous weekend in her bathing suit was circulating around school.

The student thought it was funny and that the other teacher could use a good laugh. The exposed woman, on the other hand, was not amused, especially since admittedly, “It’s not exactly flattering.”

She’s embarrassed about the photo but is unsure how to confront the issue. According to the humiliated teacher, what makes the picture so bad is that it “shows most of my belly which is bigger than I’d like and I’m clearly out of breath.” Apparently, she was in the midst of chasing her child and caught in an awkward position.

She knows exactly who the culprit is but doesn’t know the appropriate action to take.

She turned to Redditors for their input, who overwhelmingly suggested that the teacher contact the boy’s parents and let them know what he has been up to.

“Hopefully the parents have at least a bare minimum sense of decency to feel ashamed of their son being a massive creep,” one person said.

Others tried to deter her from writing the student up since the photo was taken in a public place and off school grounds. But there might be some possible disciplinary action that can be taken for distributing the picture. 

The student’s behavior should be addressed. 

If a teacher were to pass a student’s swimsuit-clad photo around, it would likely result in severe disciplinary action. That educator’s job could be on the line, and depending on the circumstances, there’s even the possibility of legal prosecution. But when the situation is reversed, the only possible repercussion seems to be suspension from school.

The young man should be made aware that his behavior is unacceptable and will be met with appropriate discipline. 

But more than a disciplinary issue, this is a moral issue.

The student should know that what he is doing is not okay and should have some concerns about his parents finding out and becoming disappointed. Kids can be cruel and without the emotional intelligence to understand how their actions can impact others, they do things that can damage the self-esteem and reputation of other people with little to no regard. 

Respect is something that is instilled in children from the day they are born. They learn by example and any disrespect toward other people should be addressed immediately. Parents and caregivers should ensure that their children understand the consequences of their actions. WebMD explains that disciplining teens can be tricky, but teaching them responsibility is integral to their success as independent adults. Paramount to that lesson is that the choices they make are directly related to the outcomes. Empathy can be taught through compassion and consistency. 

This student should be taught the lesson that every action has a reaction, and he should be held accountable for the damage and pain he has caused. 

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While many people share the joys of motherhood, certain aspects often go unspoken.

Here are four things that new mothers may find themselves grappling with:

1. The fear of dying: Before motherhood, we often take our own lives for granted.

However, when you become a mother, the fragility of life can weigh heavily on your mind.

Suddenly, you develop a fear of the unthinkable—leaving your children behind.

The responsibility of nurturing and protecting another life can make you hyper-aware of your vulnerability.

2. Concerns about parenting style: Every mother strives to be the best parent they can be, but self-doubt can creep in.

You may question your parenting style, wondering if you’re making the right choices for your child’s well-being.

It’s common to worry about whether you’re striking the right balance between nurturing and discipline, setting boundaries, or providing enough love and support.

3. The constant worry: Motherhood often brings a constant undercurrent of worry.

From concerns about your child’s health and safety to fretting over milestones and developmental progress, it can feel like your mind is always occupied with concerns.

This level of vigilance can be exhausting, but it’s also a testament to the deep love and commitment you have for your child.

4. Self-identity shift: Before motherhood, your identity may have been primarily centred around yourself.

With the arrival of a child, you undergo a significant transformation.

You become a different person, defined in many ways by your role as a mother.

This shift can be both beautiful and challenging, as you navigate the merging of your pre-motherhood identity with your new role.

Motherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs, you’re not alone in experiencing these emotions.

As you grow as a parent, you’ll find your unique path through the challenges and rewards of motherhood.

A Child Protection Specialist and Advocate at the Child Health Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Harriet Odoley Klufio, who gave the advice in an interview, explained that some sexual abuse cases the department had attended to occurred during such sleepovers in friends’ homes.

“When your children are going for sleepovers in their friends houses, please ascertain whether there is a male adult or an older male sibling of the friend in that household. We’ve had cases where some children were abused during those occasions so we are trying to discourage parents from allowing their children to do that,” she explained.

Bathing the girl-child

Mrs Klufio, who is also a forensic nurse, again advised against the habit of male parents bathing their daughters, explaining that since the male parent would have to clean the vagina of the girl-child when bathing them, it would cause the child to think it was normal for any adult to put their fingers in their vagina and, therefore, would not report such incidents.

“We should let the child know that wherever the clothes are covered, nobody has the right to touch it. Nobody has the right to touch your breast, nobody has the right to touch your buttocks, play with it nor touch your vagina. Once anybody tries to do it, they should report to an adult person around them. It doesn’t matter if it is their mother or not, once the person is an adult and can listen to you, report to them,” she advised.

Right names of body parts

Mrs Klufio said it was also important for parents to teach their children the right names of the parts of the body.

This way, when the children find themselves in situations of sexual abuse, they will not feel shy to say they have been touched at those places.

“So teach children the right names of the body parts. You mention the nose as nose, the ear as ear so what is wrong with calling the vagina, vagina and penis, penis. Say it because we’ve made them to think that when they mention it, it’s an anathema. We should use the names correctly” Mrs Klufio added. 

They’re told they’ll be exhausted, and they’ll never get a full night’s sleep again. There are endless piles of laundry, constant diaper changes, along with all the emotional highs and lows involved in caretaking.

Yet as one new mom explained on the subreddit r/AITAH, not all entry points into parenthood have to be quite so hard.

The new mom described a conflict with her older sister, Jennie, who has three kids of her own, explaining, “Jennie gave me several warnings about postpartum depression and how hard the baby will be on my marriage.” 

The mom explained that her postpartum experience was actually wonderful, full of practical and emotional support from her husband and his family. She noted, “I’m extremely lucky and privileged in my situation and I acknowledge that.”

“I married a man who comes from a culture where women are doted on and not allowed to take on any chores outside of the baby within the first year postpartum,” she stated. “For the first 2 months, all I did was look after our daughter. My husband and his family took care of everything else.”

Her husband took two months of parental leave from work. Her husband’s family cooked their meals and helped clean their house. She explained, “They say that’s what’s normal in their culture… a woman who has just given birth should be taken care of.”

“It makes me emotional just thinking of how much they’ve done for us and how beautiful my experience in motherhood has been so far,” she said, recognizing that her experience is very different from that of other moms, especially those who give birth in the U.S.

She recounted a conversation she had with Jennie, in which she mentioned that she was making her husband’s favourite meal to welcome him back from a business trip. Jennie responded, “Normal women call that just being a mother and a wife, but it’s just a fun activity for you.” 

The new mom’s sister told her that she doesn’t ‘sound like a real mother and wife’ because she’s had so much postpartum support. 

The mom defended herself, saying, “Not struggling 24/7 doesn’t mean I’m less of a mother.” She told her sister that she sounded “jealous and bitter and that I’m not going to apologize for not struggling as much as she did.”

“I don’t regret it,” the mom stated. “But she ranted to our brother and he told me I was being too harsh instead of understanding why seeing me live an easier life than her would be hard on her.”

A tweet from the account AskAubry noted, “Her sister is mad at the wrong person.”

Her sister is mad at the wrong person. pic.twitter.com/cQ5frg6JD8

— AskAubry ? (@ask_aubry) August 27, 2023

People on Reddit acknowledged that the differences between the two women’s postpartum experiences indicate how deeply American society has failed moms. As one person eloquently explained, the challenges that Jennie went through in her postpartum period hinged on “living in a society that is pro-birth, not pro-child, pro-mother, pro-community, or pro-mutual aid.”

“She’s angry and upset at the way the system has failed her without recognizing that it is the system that failed her — not you — and she’s lashing out at you because it hurts to see you receiving the support that every woman inherently wants (and deserves) postpartum,” they stated. 

“It’s sad how we expect motherhood to mean suffering and stress,” noted someone else. “Your husband’s cultural practices sound lovely, and honestly the way things should be when a new life is brought into the family. It’s a lot of work spread among many hands.”

The new mom’s postpartum experience shows how truly beneficial it is for parents to receive tangible support. The aim of her sister’s anger was off, yet her reaction proves that the way motherhood is structured in America causes harm on every level.

He stated that he and his wife have “a lovely 19-month-old son, who’s a really sweet child,” before explaining that his wife stayed at home until their son was 14 months old, then returned to work.

The dad expressed feeling ‘lonely and excluded’ because of his wife’s intense parenting style and ‘very deep connection’ to their son.

He explained that his wife’s undivided, one-on-one interactions with their son are “excellent for his social, affective and language development,” while acknowledging that his own father-son time is “45 to 60 minutes max, then I encourage him to play on his own while I go do something else.”

“She’s so absorbed by him when we’re sitting [with] the three of us for a meal that I can’t engage in the most basic conversation with her,” the dad said. “She tends to ignore (unintentionally, I hope) my questions and generally talks to him.”

The dad went on to say that while they were on vacation, his wife expressed “that a full week like that is exhausting for her because now he’s so used to it that he asks for her all the time and is generally unable to be on his own, or even just with me when she’s at home.”

“I feel like we don’t interact as a healthy couple anymore,” the dad proclaimed, as a result of how much his wife focuses on their toddler.

He noted that his wife doesn’t have a fulfilled “social [or] cultural life” because of “the sheer time she dedicates” to parenting. He also expressed worries that “not letting our son explore on his own and find his own ways to self-entertain or even be a little bored alone might hinder his autonomy skills.”

He and his wife have had open conversations about parenting, in which he shared his ‘feelings of loneliness and of being excluded.’

“I am counting on the fact that this will be temporary when he’s still a baby and that, eventually, things will settle back to normal,” the dad added. He noted that even though he and his wife have talked openly about their parenting conflicts, “she can’t seem to be able to act on it… include me more and let the child be more on his own.”

The dad added an edit to his original post, explaining that the 45 to 60 minutes of one-on-one time he claimed that he spends with his son doesn’t represent a full day’s time; rather, “it’s in a single sitting to illustrate the fact that I have other things to handle besides exclusively playing and interacting with my son.”

The dad clarified further, saying, “I am a part-time stay-at-home dad so stuff needs [to be] done around the house during the day.”

Many comments from other parents pointed out that from a developmental standpoint, a 19-month-old baby is still young and, at that age, kids do need major one-on-one focus.

While some parents criticized the dad, offering the opinion that he needed to contribute more and complain less, others were more generous, offering validation and guidance on ways to navigate feeling excluded from his family life and distant from his wife. 

One woman offered a view of the situation from a mom’s perspective, saying, “Becoming a mother really does change you into another person… Now is the time where she can slowly start to build her new life back up.”

The mom suggested that his wife join a mom’s group, so she could make friends in a similar situation while their son learns to play and socialize with other kids. She noted, “It’s a journey to find your new self,” advising them to “support each other and work on a new balance.”

Another parent noted the inherent impermanence involved in parenting, explaining, “It’s important to remember that no stage lasts forever.” They commented that his wife is balancing many new roles, and he should “give her grace.”

They noted that there’s validity to the dad “feeling displaced,” yet he should “be intentional” in working to fix that feeling, advising him to “take action to work on your relationship, don’t just complain to her and then expect her to do everything to make it better.”

Within the comments thread, the dad posted a reaction to some of the responses, proclaiming, “I think we haven’t quite landed yet from having a baby, our relationship is still reshaping itself and maybe I should embrace it and not cling to how things were.”

He vocalized an extremely common feeling that can occur for couples after they have a baby — the sense that their worlds have shifted and they have to find their footing as both partners and parents.

For parents, there will always be a push-and-pull between balancing the responsibilities of parenting and maintaining both a sense of self and a healthy partnership. Openly discussing family dynamics and expectations is the first step for parents navigating a complex emotional situation, one that is sure to ebb and flow as their children grow.

The dad is valid in wanting a deeper connection with his wife, and his wife is valid in how she interacts with their son. As the two come together to reestablish a routine, they will likely feel more connected, by virtue of supporting each other’s happiness. 

These seemingly innocent foods may not only contribute to excess calorie intake but also affect hormonal balance, metabolism, and satiety.

By identifying and understanding these culprits, you’ll be better equipped to make informed dietary decisions that align with your weight loss objectives.

So, let’s explore the unexpected food suspects that might be thwarting your progress and learn how to make smarter choices to finally achieve that desired weight loss.

Breakfast Cereals

Although breakfast cereals are “healthy,” they typically contain high amounts of added sugars and lack fibre.

Many breakfast cereals are laden with trans fats, so choose healthier options like porridge or steel-cut oats. These alternatives provide a more nutritious choice and contribute to overall well-being.

Salad Dressings

Salads are a fertility ground for weight loss as they can be packed with nutrient-dense, low-calorie ingredients. But beware of the dressing you choose to drench your salad in. Creamy dressings like ranch and Caesar salad add calories quickly and counter all the work you’ve put into assembling a healthy salad. 

White Pasta

White pasta is a staple in many diets, but it can be responsible for your difficulty with weight loss. White pasta has a high glycemic index, bringing blood sugar spikes that increase fat storage and diminish metabolism. Switch to whole grain options as healthier alternatives. 

Fruit Juice

Fruit juices seem like a healthy alternative to soda, but they hold more sugar and calories than soda. You should eat whole fruits rather than juices to experience the nutritional advantages of fruit without consuming extra calories.

Low-Fat Foods

Low-fat foods are designed to help people lose weight, but the associated health claims lack evidence. Low-fat foods contain additives that increase calorie intake. It is better to eat healthier whole food with fewer processed ingredients. 

High-Fibre Snack Bar

Despite their labels, many snack bars don’t have much fiber. The ingredients list usually reveals the presence of added sugar and unnecessary additives. To maximize your dietary benefits, choose whole foods rather than processed snacks. 

Frozen Meals

Frozen meals are convenient, but their excessive salt, sugar, and hidden calories are not the best option for those trying to lose weight.

Look out for portion size, as many frozen meals have a single-serve disguise on the box but provide two servings. Also, they lack freshness, so they fall short nutritionally compared to homemade meals prepared from scratch.

Diet Soda

People substitute diet sodas for regular sugary sodas. But even diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners, which increase the likelihood of obesity. If you aim to reduce your sugar intake, unsweetened iced tea is better for your health.

Flavoured Water

Flavoured waters are less healthy than they appear. These waters contain artificial sweeteners, sodium, and other additives contributing to weight gain. Opt for natural water or infused versions with fresh fruits and herbs to stay hydrated without compromising your health goals.

White Rice

White rice contains minimal fibre, which slows digestion and causes bloating. Switch to brown or wild rice as they have higher fibre content that keeps you fuller for extended periods. Additionally, these alternatives are nutritionally superior, providing vital vitamins and minerals not found in white rice.

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According to her, she was diagnosed with secondary infertility which cause was unknown after visiting several hospitals.

In her quest to find a solution for her condition, she engaged medical specialists for direct insemination and In Vitro fertilisation (IVF), which she said exceeded 15 before she finally conceived her triplets after her first son.

Joyce Mogtari made these revelations in an exclusive interview with Roselyn Felli on Joy Prime’s morning show on Wednesday.

“When I tell you my journey through secondary infertility, whose cause nobody could establish, the hospitals I’ve been to, the specialists I’ve had to engage, and the number of times I’ve had to have direct insemination or In Vitro fertilisation, I think with the IVF, I probably went through about 15 or 16 of them between 2008 and maybe even more, and just as many surgeries, maybe about three or four in between, just to be sure that everything was okay,” she revealed.

However, before having her first child, she underwent extensive surgery to rectify several medical difficulties with her immune system. She had no complications during her pregnancy.

After that experience, she tried several ways and means to have an additional child for over 15 years, but to no avail.

“There’s absolutely nothing we didn’t do. There’s nowhere we didn’t go, no amount of money we didn’t spend, no amount of prayers and fasting that we didn’t engage in, and all of that, nothing happened until these blessings were bestowed upon me.”

When she was finally confirmed to be pregnant, she almost collapsed because she was overwhelmed.

Given the age at which she had her children, she believes some happenings in life do not operate equally for everyone at the same time.

The former minister says her children, especially the triplets are blessings upon her life. She urged women never to give up on themselves if they do not have children soon after marriage but to hope in the Lord for the right time.

“There’s only one thing that we shouldn’t give up on, and that’s hope. Life will always throw something at you, no matter who you are,” she advised.

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At Asafo, one of the biggest lorry terminals in Kumasi, the menace of streetism continues to be a threat to society and a worry to city authorities.

The space under the Asafo Interchange is home to scores of people, mostly children who are often at the risk of sexual abuse.

They are either chased out by domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, death of a parent, family breakdown and other socio-economic factors.

Maafia is heavily pregnant. She sleeps under the Asafo Interchange despite the unfavourable weather.

She became a commercial sex worker after the death of both parents.

She cannot track her external family because she was born on the street.

She already has one child who has been adopted due to poor parenting.

Maafia says life on the street is difficult but she has no option than to resume her sex-for-money business after delivery.

These children living on the street want the government to assist them start apprenticeship.

Gender activist, Akua Afriyie and the Assembly Member of Asafo, Ernest Okai, support the children with food and clothing.

They are looking up to the government to help get them out of the street.

The disgruntled lady, Diana Ama Boahemaa, went into a frenzy when after two years of dating, Samuel Nyarko decided to deny responsibility.

When the two appeared on Nhyira FM’s Obra Show, Diana claimed she started dating Samuel at age 16 while in JHS 2.

“I had multiple sexual encounters with him after accepting his love proposal. We were even intimate during Nana Addo’s election victory in 2020,” she claimed.

According to the girl, she realized her pregnancy in her fifth month but when she informed Samuel about it, he suggested abortion.

Diana, however, turned down the suggestion and gave birth.

She was catered for by her father in the pregnancy period until she delivered.

After delivery, Samuel and his family offered her 50 cedis with the assurance of helping her take care of the child.

Diana told Mama Effe that the allowance from Samuel ceased after sometime.

But Samuel Nyarko, who was on the show with his uncle, denied being the biological father of Diana’s child.

He, however, admitted to flirting with Diana anytime his fiancé was out in nursing training school.

This triggered a near-slap from Diana on the live show. She was angry that Samuel had ‘wasted’ her life.

Mama Effe and the Obra crew on their part pledged support for the child to go for a DNA test.

But at what age do you stop getting naked when your kids are around, and when is it time to start putting a swimming costume on just to help them shampoo their hair?

That’s the question one mum asked people online recently as she was looking for advice on the topic, and her query sparked fierce debate – with some saying you should stop when your children are around seven years old, and others saying there’s no age limit.

In a post on Mumsnet, the parent asked: “What age is it appropriate to stop being naked in front of your children (if any) and does gender matter? ie: dad and daughter or mum and son?”

DM 6 signs you’ve got rats in your home

The answer to the question is largely down to personal preference, and this was evident in the responses as everyone seemed to have a different opinion.

However, many agreed that if you do want to put an age on it, then doing so when your children are in their pre-teen phase was the way to go.

One person said: “Same gender I think never. Opposite [gender] I think when they begin to feel uncomfortable … in our house about age 14-15 years old.”

While another added: “Both of mine probably saw me naked up to about 10 or 11 – after that, they would have been horrified, I think. But at least they saw what a normal woman’s body looks like and they’ve seen me in underwear well into their teens.”

There were some who thought that the behaviour should be stopped much earlier though, with one mum saying she stopped when her children were seven.

She wrote: “When they start to feel uncomfortable/embarrassed – which was 7ish for both of my children.”

And others said they weren’t “worrying about it”, and would stop getting naked around their children when either they or their kids began feeling “uncomfortable” with it – at whatever age that might happen.

Someone posted: “I don’t know. My oldest is seven and I’m still not worrying about it. She is starting to seek privacy though, closing the door to get changed etc, so I think soon.”

As someone else said: “When they feel uncomfortable, different for every child and family.”

Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your child, and while some families may not want to get naked in front of each other, others will continue to do so into adulthood.

And as one commenter pointed out, there may always be “some level of nudity” between family members as you may find yourself needing to help your child – or your parent – with some tasks if they ever suffer an injury.

They wrote: “I think there’s always going to be some level of nudity between close family because you end up having to look after each other. After I had my C-section my mother had to help me out of bed for a fortnight, she had to hold my breast and show me how to latch the baby on.

“When she thought she had a breast lump I had to examine it for her because she was scared. When I had a broken leg as a teenager my Dad had to lift me in and out of the bath, and when he had a hip replacement many years later I had to help him get in the shower and change his clothes.”

Scrambling to remember lunch, scrambling to find shoes, scrambling to pack diaper bags. Some moms deal with the scrambling better than others. They lay out plastic bags of extra outfits.

They pre-make peanut butter and jelly. They plan field trips, complete with little binoculars and mini-notebooks, in which their kids record observations of unmoving zoo animals.

Those moms always have change for the meter. They can actually parallel park the minivan (which, by the way, isn’t floored in fast food cups and French fries). They wear neat, unobtrusive outfits with vests and jeans, and spotless sneakers. They favor headbands.

Then there are the rest of us. We aren’t lazy. We aren’t incompetent. We’re just, for lack of a better term, a hot mess. Our husbands know it. Our kids know it. The other moms certainly know it. Hopefully, they don’t judge us.

But regardless of mama judgment or swirling chaos, we are who we are. And that’s a hot mess. Here are nine signs you’re a hot mess of a mom.

Here are 9 signs you’re a hot mess mom:

1. Your kids have dirty faces

It’s not that you don’t look at your kids’ faces; you just don’t notice the jam smears. So your eyes may look fab, but your kids look like urchins. If you’re lucky, you notice the mess before you leave the car. If you’re even luckier, you can find the wipes to clean them.

2. You can’t find the wipes

Most moms carry multiple packs of baby wipes long past the baby stage. There’s the pack at home, the pack in the purse, the pack in the car, and the pack in the diaper bag. All are full. All are still wet because those mamas remembered to close the little tab.

Hot mess moms can never find the wipes. We carry one pair, which migrates from diaper bag to car to purse. We often forget to shut the sticky tab, so even if we can find the wipes, we can’t actually use them or have to use them with spit like a 1960s grandma. When our kid poops, we will borrow wipes from normal moms. No one will find this surprising.

3. You don’t have extra pants

Every mom worth her motherhood carries, somewhere on her bag or vehicle, one extra pair of pants per child. This is because children’s pants encounter regular atrocities, from mud to jam to urine.

We Hot Mess Moms never have extra pants. We just don’t think about it, despite how much small children leak. Other kids get a change of clothes; our kids ride home commando. Hey, at least we look good in that rearview mirror.

4. You forget the bake sale, party, or snack day

Normal moms mark these things on something called a calendar. Hot Mess Moms don’t use these. These normal moms have lead time to bake something, probably from Pinterest, probably with pumpkin spice, which everyone will rave over.

Hot Mess Moms, on the other hand, recall snack obligations when their spawn reminds them on the way to school. A tire screech, a grocery run, and bakery cupcakes for the whole team. They’re full of gluten and Red Dye #4. The kids will snarf them down like candy. Pumpkin Spice Mom will hate you.

5. You forget to sign permission slips

Or signed homework. Or any other kind of school-to-home communication. Yes, you want your kid to go on that field trip, and you can cover the $5 fee. But Junior only mentioned it once, and between laundry and cooking, you totally forgot.

All other school missives get packed into the paper detritus flooring Junior’s enormous backpack. Normal moms clean that out. Hot Mess Moms don’t look in backpacks. Don’t even get started on packing lunches.

6. You drop off and pick up your kids while wearing pajamas

Everyone excuses pajamas at 7 AM. But never admit that you didn’t have anything better to do than clothe yourself during the long stretch of school hours. 

7. You live out of laundry baskets and have totally gone to Target for more

Dressers? Folding? You sort all your family’s clothes into appropriate baskets, set them in the relevant bedroom, and call it a day. Each person requires at least two baskets, and your husband needs a vast pyramid of them wrapped around his dresser.

You have, at some point, run out of baskets for actual laundry. Rather than do some folding, you hit up Target for more baskets. You tell yourself that’s because you can never have too many baskets. This is a lie.

8. You can’t have people over

Normal moms sweep their arms over the room that looks like Martha does, indeed, live there, and say, “Oh, I’m sorry about the mess!” They mean the pile of books on the floor and the Legos in the corner.

Your house is an actual mess. You haven’t cleaned the baseboards ever, toys litter every room, and the sink in your master bath may be growing sentient mold. No play dates are happening here.

9. Your Christmas tree is still up… in March

You’re a hot mess. You know it. You’re always scrambling to keep your head above water; your kids might have some smudgy faces, and your housekeeping leaves a lot to be desired. It’s hard work being a hot mess, but at least your eyes look good.

I thought having a child would be my prerequisite for feeling like an adult. “When I have a child, I will feel like an adult.” But I didn’t — and I don’t.

Where’s the omnipresent wisdom, pantsuits, financial security, maturity, self-confidence, autonomy, clear decision-making, practicality, and belief that I know what the heck I’m talking about, and cocktail parties? Where have all the cocktail parties gone?

I’m living the motto of “fake it ’til you make it” — I’m good at simulating those adult characteristics (I rock a stellar pretend pantsuit), but when will I officially become an adult? Is there a course I need to take?

They need to bring Home Economics 101 back to all high schools and make both genders participate. I blame not taking Home Ec. on not feeling like an adult. 

I also blame being raised by a group of adults so rad that they made the whole adult thing look easy.

They also sheltered me from the full impact of many of life’s left hooks. See, if I were truly a grown-up, I wouldn’t blame other people for not feeling like an adult. And I wouldn’t write the word “rad.”

My parents always seemed so purely adult-like when I was little.

They had gigantic car phones, talking in hushed voices, had dinner parties, went to meetings, gave “knowing” looks, pretended like they always had the “right” advice, and were good at telling me what to do. Oh, and obviously, they knew everything.

The “know everything” charade is starting to fade with my parents; I’m at the age where I realize they do not, in fact, know everything.

It makes me like them more, but it also makes me fear life more.

What do I do now that I know my parents don’t know everything? Where can I find someone who does?

I’m scared I don’t feel like an adult after coupling up, pinning down a career, and having a baby.

I’m scared unexpected tragedies will cripple me. The “adults” in my life always handled that department.

I’m scared a real grown-up will pop their head into my life and tell me I’m not a proper mother.

I’m scared the world might crush me if I don’t figure out how to “adult.”

But I’m also a little relieved I don’t feel like an adult. Being an adult always seemed a bit boring to me. (Maybe that’s the real reason my mind has resisted full-on adulthood.)

I was pleasantly surprised that the adult act of becoming a wife wasn’t boring. Probably because my husband and I don’t really act like adults; we prank each other like prepubescent boys, divulge embarrassing insecurities like preteen girls, text like horny teenagers, and sing each other our toddler’s favorite songs like Barney characters.

We’re into a few of the benefits of a “grown-up relationship” — like honesty, fidelity, having jobs, paying for shelter, grocery shopping, and sex — but beyond that, I often feel like we’re two kids living in adult bodies.

Maybe no one ever feels like an adult.

Maybe that’s a secret blessing: that we can all hold onto a piece of that childlike wonder, occasional cluelessness, silliness, dreaming, and deep respect for “real adults.”

I would like to be more adult-ish in the sense that I trust my instincts (and myself) more, but I’m quite content to have the sense of humor of a thirteen-year-old, the clothes of a sixteen-year-old, and the same love for Christmas as a four-year-old. (And the perky butt of an eighteen-year-old when I’m dreaming.)

Here’s to being an adult while feeling like a whimsical child still trying to figure it all out.

His mom was there. She was laughing at us. She chipped in, “You’ll be amazed who he resembles as time goes on and his face keeps changing. He’ll even come to resemble me at some point, you watch it.”

It was just a light moment we all had, talking about resemblance, delivery, the suffering I’d been through and rude nurses who didn’t deserve to wear the green and white uniform. I was discharged the following day and my husband came for us. In the car, he asked us a question that made me feel like he was not happy about the baby not resembling him. He asked, “Is it possible for a baby not to resemble anyone?” I screamed, “Arrrh, won’t you give this topic a rest? Some babies even resemble potatoes until they start forming up. Let our ears rest wai.”

It didn’t stop there. Every now and then he’ll say something around the same topic. He’ll make it look like a joke by laughing while saying it. I was getting angry. There’s more to a baby than resemblance. They were a lot of work and I preferred he offered a helping hand when it mattered instead of going around saying all that. We were living with his mother so I expressed my displeasure to his mother. She told me, “It’s his first child so he might not understand it. Give it some time, he’ll stop making those jokes and start behaving like a father.”

His mother was teaching him how to handle the baby and he was doing well at it so I parted his back and said, “Good daddy, you’re even doing better than me.” This moment and what I said didn’t warrant a resemblance argument but this man found a way of bringing it in. I asked him, “Are you genuinely worried or it’s just a joke you can’t stop telling because it’s all you have?” He answered, “I’m only saying what’s the truth. This “baby doesn’t resemble anyone.

I started getting worried too. For a man to keep saying this same thing for over two months meant something. “Is he thinking that I brought someone else’s baby home? The baby doesn’t resemble him or me so it could be another man’s baby? He’s thinking I cheated and brought another man’s baby to him?” I slapped myself out of those thoughts and labelled them as being extreme but thoughts don’t just cross your mind and leave. They stay and you use them when the time comes for them to be useful.

One day, he was talking about the baby being three months and still not resembling anyone he knows when I went at him, “Are you trying to say the baby is not yours? Go straight to the point and stop hiding behind insinuations because it’s getting tiring and annoying. What’s that? Can’t you move on? Am I a photocopier to reprint your own image for you? Stop being childish and let’s think about important things.” I must admit that my anger was extreme but hey, I was too tired of becoming the mother whose son didn’t resemble his father. I had pent-up emotions and once I exploded, I let everything out.

He didn’t stand and watch me, he also came at me; “Why should you be angry if that wasn’t the case? Can’t I express my observation in peace? They say only mothers know the true fathers of their children. If you know something I don’t know, this is the time to confess.” What he said really hit harder and it made me angrier. We both exchanged words. His mother heard us shouting and she came to take the baby away. He stormed out of the house and I collapsed on the bed and started crying. It was a big deal for me. He had confirmed my suspicion and it broke my heart into pieces.

It brought a lot of questions into my head. While his mother was trying to make the issues look light, I was thinking of what could make my husband reason that way. “That I cheated on him? He sees me like a woman who’ll go behind her husband to have illicit affairs? What did I do to give him that impression? He started thinking about infidelity in the marriage when the baby was born or it’s something he’s been carrying all this while?”

When he came back home, I put these questions to him and he didn’t answer any of them. He was fuming with anger. He said I’d disrespected him in front of his mother so I apologized. After the apology, I brought these questions out and told him it was important to me that I get answers from him. He told me, “You can’t force me to answer questions. I’m not your student.” I thought he needed time to simmer down so I gave him days. When things came back to normal I played out the questions to him and begged him for answers. “It’s important that we resolve these doubts between us. I don’t want us to keep a child you can’t relate to. Come clean. He doesn’t resemble you so you suspect he’s not your child?”

He told me it was an old argument and we didn’t need to stress it. “But are you OK? Do you understand why it hurts me when you go around questioning who the baby resembles? I don’t want this to come up again so speak out.” He dodged the questions and pretended everything was alright. I don’t have a problem with whatever he suspects. I know his suspicions ain’t true but I don’t want us to have a home built on doubt so I suggested to him; “Then let’s do a DNA test. That way, both of us can have respite from our doubts.”

This man got furious and made it look like I was the one with the faults. He said, “If you have sins to confess then do it now and stop pushing agenda on me. Did you cheat? When was that? Say the truth and stop making it look like I’m the one pushing things in your head.” I stopped talking and left the scene. I felt misunderstood. He made me look like I’m being extreme. He even told his mother about it. That the skeletons in my closet are haunting me so the mother should coerce me to speak the truth.

Currently, I don’t know his mind. I can’t read him. He gets angry easily and whenever he’s angry, he goes back to remind me of that fight and the fact that I didn’t come clean. I want to know, am I blowing things out of proportion? Did I say anything wrong by requesting the DNA test? He was joking and I instead took it seriously because I felt he was doubting my fidelity?

The whole thing is spinning my head around. Anytime he goes close to the baby I watch him to see if I can detect doubts in his demeanour. He’s no longer talking about the resemblance issues but the residue of those arguments is killing me. And the fact that the texture of our marriage is affected is also worrying my head. I don’t even know if I’m making sense here. If anyone here can hear me, please tell me something. I want to know what to do to restore our bruised marriage.

–Alberta

According to him, it is one unfortunate act that has folded many prime businesses in our part of the world.

He explained that, it is even dangerous, both spiritually and physically, for managers to envy the wives of their subordinates.

In an interview on Adom FM‘s Work and Happiness show, Mr Hammond mentioned lots of spiritual factors that tend to affect the financial strength of people, especially men.

“If someone is coming to look for a job in your company don’t try to sleep with her before you give her the opportunity. She can cause you to thrive or not but roughly about 65 per cent destroy the business. If you want to employ her, it’s okay but do not ask for sex before the job,” he advised.

“Do not envy the wife or your junior workers. A lot of people do that a lot… There are some things that when you do, you cannot prosper in life.”

Talking further against the gesture, Mr Hammond added that, “women, naturally, have powers than men. If you don’t know, and you open a business with your wife and think you will do stuff with your secretary, and she is smart, she can cook for you to break your marriage.”

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Motherhood is a beautiful thing which is accompanied by lots of unexpected challenges.

Expectant mothers need their parents’ care, love, and assistance throughout their nine months.

Here are some things every husband can do to pamper his wife:

• Grocery shopping every weekend
• If you don’t have a washing machine. Sitting or bending down for hours to wash is not ideal at her stage. Give her some time to rest and take care of laundry.
• Massage her feet every evening.

• Accompany her to antenatal appointments.
• Pamper her every weekend by preparing her favourite meals or anything she craves for.
• Find a hairdresser to fix her hair at home because going to the saloon is very stressful at her stage.
• Pregnancy comes with mood swings. Have sex when she is in the mood and you must try positions that won’t put her off.

But what’s shocking about it is that she did it by purchasing an artificial insemination kit costing only £25.

The young woman from England seems to have been “desperate to be a mum” and “didn’t have a desire to be in a relationship”. Following the artificial insemination, she became pregnant in October 2021 and welcomed her son, named Lorenzo, on 2nd July 2022.

Bailey is currently a single parent and says that she “couldn’t be happier”.

“Having a baby by myself is the best thing I have ever done. Being a mum is wonderful and I am so happy I decided to go it alone.

“I’ve wanted to be a mum since I was a teenager and as a lesbian, I always knew it would need to be via artificial insemination. I didn’t have a desire to be in a relationship. I just wanted to have a baby.

Lorenzo is amazing and looks just like me,” she expresses.

The 24-year-old shares that she wasn’t looking for any particular features, while searching for a donor. ” I just wanted someone trustworthy and as healthy as possible,” she said.

“I found someone who had a healthy medical record and had been a donor for two others before for two LGBTQ couples.

“I found my donor and we WhatsApped and met up for a coffee before both agreeing he would be my donor. He has agreed to be my donor for as many children as I would like.

“I wanted to have blood-related siblings,” she adds.

The cost of a single artificial insemination cycle or (IUI) intrauterine insemination with a partner’s sperm is high. While legal, it can burn a hole in a person’s pocket. Although private transactions are discouraged due to safety measures, Bailey seems to have taken the risk and is now a single mum.

Sex is a natural, normal part of pregnancy if you’re having a normal pregnancy.

Penetration and intercourse’s movement won’t harm the baby, who is protected by your abdomen and the uterus’ muscular walls.

If you probably thought having sex during your pregnancy was dangerous to your baby’s health, here are some reasons why you shouldn’t be afraid at all:

• Aids blood circulation

Blood supply doubles up during pregnancy to meet the requirements of the mother and child. Increased circulation is one of the importance of sex during pregnancy period.

With the release of hormones, sex restores the adequate supply of oxygen and nutrition to the foetus to aid growth and development.

• Speeds up post-partum recovery

Orgasms during sex during pregnancy prepare the pelvic muscles for birth which in turn speeds up postpartum recovery.

• Induces labour and easy delivery

This can best be known as the most important reason as every woman desires to have an easy delivery.

Having an orgasm spurs your uterus to contract therefore regular sex during pregnancy helps to contract the pelvic muscles and open the cervix. This helps in a normal delivery as the process of labour becomes easier and does not need any external help to bring the baby out.

Some doctors even suggest having sex closer to your due date to induce labour.

• Reduces the risk of high blood pressure

Having a healthy blood pressure is always a good thing. But it’s especially important when you have a baby on board since high blood pressure is linked to the pregnancy complication preeclampsia.

• Reduces stress and pain

Although pregnancy is usually a happy time, it’s normal to worry about things like work and how your life will change after your baby is born.

Oxytocin, the love hormone that your body releases when you have an orgasm, can help to negate some of that stress and also help you sleep better.

When, as a child, no one notices enough what you are feeling or what you need, you receive covert messages that are never stated outright, but which will nevertheless guide your life going forward. 

Silent, unintended, and usually invisible, these messages take root early and well. As you go through adolescence, they undermine the self-confidence and self-knowledge you should be gathering. As you grow into adulthood, they prevent you from making the choices that are right for you.

As you form relationships and fall in love, they prevent you from valuing yourself. As you have children and raise them, they weigh you down and leave you feeling mystified about what you are missing and why.

The only way to reduce their power over you is to realize they are there and how you got them. And to make a conscious choice to stop letting them hold you back and push you down.

Here are 10 lessons victims of childhood emotional neglect learn early on and how these lessons are wrong.

1. It’s not good to be too happy or too sad.

As a child, you naturally had intense feelings, as this is how all children are wired. Exuberant one moment, intensely frustrated the next, you needed someone to teach you how to understand and manage your emotions. But what you got instead was a covert message that your emotions were excessive. What you learned was to dampen your feelings, not the skills you needed to manage them.

2. You are overly sensitive.

As a child, you naturally felt upset when things upset you. You naturally felt angry when you were hurt. What you needed was to have your upset feelings soothed by a loving parent so that you could learn how to soothe yourself. But what you got was a message that your feelings were a weakness. What you learned was to judge yourself for having them.

3. Your needs and preferences are irrelevant.

As a child, you had needs, just as all children do. You had things that felt important to you, and things that felt good or bad to you. What you needed was for someone to notice, or to ask what you needed or wanted, so that you would feel that you mattered. When no one asked you enough, you learned instead that you don’t.

4. Talking about a problem will unnecessarily burden other people.

Growing up, you had problems with school, siblings, and friends. What you needed was to know that you could talk to a parent, but instead, you knew that they, for whatever reason, could not handle it. What you learned was that others couldn’t handle your problems, so you’d best keep it to yourself.

5. Crying is a weakness.

All humans cry, and for a reason. Crying is a way to release and process your emotions. As a child, you cried sometimes (maybe often). What you needed was for this to be okay. Instead, your family didn’t know that crying has a purpose, so they ignored your tears or shamed you for having them. Perhaps they never showed tears themselves. You learned that crying is negative and should be avoided.

6. Others will judge you for showing your feelings.

Were you judged for showing feelings in your childhood home? This powerful message has been carried forth with you. “Hide your emotions from others” is the message, “or others will think less of you.” Or worse, they will use your feelings against you.

7. Anger is a negative emotion and should be avoided.

As a child, of course, you often felt angry, as this feeling is a natural part of life. As a child, what you needed was a help to name, understand and manage your anger. Perhaps instead your anger was squelched or overwhelmed by another’s. Maybe you were punished for showing it. What you learned was that anger is bad and that you should suppress it.

8. Relying on another is setting yourself up for disappointment.

Children need help, period. So do adolescents and adults. As a child, you needed support, direction, suggestions, and assistance. But you could see that your parents were not up to that. What you learned was that it is best not to ask for help in general because you are setting yourself up for a letdown.

9. Others are not interested in what you have to say.

As a young child, you had endless wonder at the world around you. As you grew, you had endless things that you wanted and needed to ask and say. Yet talking was not valued in your family and you were not asked or listened to enough. What you learned is that your questions and words are not valuable and that you should keep them to yourself.

10. You are alone in the world.

As a child, you needed to feel that an adult had your back; that no matter what happened, there was support and help for you. Instead, when you needed something you discovered that your adult(s) were busy, overwhelmed, or not aware. What you learned was that you were all alone.

These lessons all seem so real and so true when you grew up receiving them in such a subliminal, global way. But do not forget that they are merely lessons of your family, not truths. The fact that you learned them does not make them right.

The truth is that strong feelings connect us to ourselves and to each other and that being able to have them is a sign of health and strength.

Knowing your own needs and preferences and expressing them is a key to living a happy, fulfilled life.

That talking about your problems helps you solve them.

That crying is a healthy way of coping.

That letting others see your feelings helps them know you better.

That anger is an important message from your body that empowers you.

That mutual dependence is a form of teamwork that makes you stronger.

That what you have to say is important, and you should say it.

And last but not least, that you are human. You are connected, you are important. And you are not, in fact, by any stretch, alone.

That’s exactly what one mum-to-be wants to do with her baby boy, as she’s said she’s keen to call him Eden, after her best friend who died earlier this year.

But in a post on Reddit, the pregnant woman also explained that her husband hates the name and is refusing to let her use it for their son, even as a middle name.

She said: “My husband and I have been trying to figure out names for our son for a while now.

“I’ve been set on using the name Eden ever since my best friend of 19 years died five months ago. She was so excited to meet my baby and she would always talk about being my son’s godmother. So I thought the best way to honour her was to give him her name.

“My husband, however, doesn’t like the name. This isn’t just some Pinterest name I saw a week ago, this is my best friend’s name and I wanted to use it in her honour. He’s been dead set on hating the name so I decided to drop it but now that I’m close to giving birth, I’m not so sure I’m willing to let it fully go.

“I asked him if we could at least use it as a middle name and he still shot me down, he said we could maybe use the name if we had a daughter. So I did what most extremely hormonal people do and I lost it.

“I said he was a d**k for not letting me use it as a middle name at least, and who’s saying we will ever have a daughter to ever use the f***ing name on. My husband said it was just a stupid name and if I really cared about him I wouldn’t force him to use it.”

Commenters on the Reddit post sympathised with the mum-to-be’s desire to name her son after someone important to her, but many said that she can’t discount her husband’s feelings on the name either.

One person said: “Your partner hates the name. I get that you are emotionally attached to it but if one part is opposed you keep looking for a name you are both happy with.”

While another added: “Both parents need to agree on the name.”

The woman later returned to the post to offer an update, in which she said she’s had a conversation with her husband and they’ve both agreed not to use the name and to come up with something together.

She said: “I’ve talked with my husband and although I love the name and my best friend, I can’t expect him to love it as well. So we won’t be using the name but we will try to agree on a name similar to it.”

If they had a boy, the wife would have first dibs, but they welcomed a daughter it would be up to the hubby to pick.

The woman was so convinced they were going to have a boy that her family gave her a pile of blue gifts at her baby shower and her mum was knitting clothes bearing the male name she’d chosen.

However, when the big day finally arrived they were blessed with a little girl, so the dad started thinking of the perfect name.

He decided to go for a name he had been keen on throughout the pregnancy and told his wife he would be popping it on the birth certificate. She appeared to have no objection so he went to make it official.

But a year later, he came home from work and found his wife and mother-in-law discussing their daughter, but they were referring to her by a different name.

Taking to Reddit, the confused father wrote: “When I enquired who they were talking about, they kinda went ‘deer in headlights’ and blurted that they were talking about my daughter.

“When I asked why they were using another name, my mother-in-law said ‘because that’s what we decided to name her’. Then she went on a rant about how it’s unfair that I chose the name and how it’s completely unsuitable for her, etc.

“I was shocked because this was the first time anyone had claimed any objections to the name.”

It then dawned on the poster, who goes by the username u/Ok-Toe-5157, that his daughter has always struggled to recognise her own name because he and his wife have been using two completely different names for the past year.

His wife later suggested they go as far as to officially change their daughter’s name. When he stuck to his guns, a fight erupted, with the new mum accusing him of being ‘unsupportive’ and stealing ‘her right to name the child she gave birth to.’

He continued: “Here’s the worst part. I could be convinced to change the first name but the one she wants is a very odd feminine version of the name she wanted for her son.

“Imagine using a female version of the name Drake or Thomas. She got angry and left both my daughter and me, and went to her parents.

“Her entire family except my father-in-law is calling me controlling and saying how it’s unfair I chose the entire name and made it all about myself.”

He claims his wife’s behaviour is “out of left field and creepy” that he’s even considering divorce, and has begun to feel that “she may be trying to recreate this son by sacrificing our daughter”.

His fellow Reddit users have agreed that her actions are completely out of order, viewing this long-held secret – and subsequent explosive reaction – as a ‘huge red flag’.

One person wrote: “You not only had an agreement that she’d choose a boy’s name, and you a girl’s, but that you both had veto power. She had every opportunity to have input into the name.

“The only person being controlling here is the one trying to insist that twelve months later she gets to change your daughter’s name. To basically the boy’s name she’d chosen. That’s weird and mildly disturbing.”

Another advised: “Your wife and mother-in-law are engaging in some A-1 quality gaslighting. You and your wife had an agreement and they’re trying to turn you into the bad guy because you’re sticking to it.

“Get some family counselling to understand what is going on here. Divorce may be inevitable but they’re the ones going down that path.”

As such, you need to at least look at how you can pluck yourself from this kind of misfortune.

Here are three disadvantages of being single for too long.

• You will always prefer the cheapest options available

When you are not in a relationship, you have nothing to commit to and nothing to work on and perfect. With all this relative comfort, you will drift into a dangerous plateau where you will be very comfortable with the cheapest options available.

From clothing to food and from friendships to the fulfilment of the adventurous instincts of your desires, you will always settle for options just below average and, on a few occasions, average.

This can be disastrous for your personal development. You can never grow when you are always okay with the cheap options.

• You lose interest in the surrounding

Your environment is a very important component of your being. You cannot thrive in an environment that you do not understand.

If you are to pursue personal development and the fulfilment of your goals, you will have to begin with an understanding of the very environment you live in.

Without such mastery, you will always find yourself drifting to the very deserted areas as far as personal development is concerned, which can be disastrous.

• You have no desire to make things right

When you are not committed to anyone, you can lose your situational and personal awareness instincts.

You will be subjected to many wrongs but you will have no desire to make anything right. You kind of ‘let everything happen as it deems fit.’

That is very disastrous for anyone willing to grow and become successful in life.

Except in some cases, penetrative sex is possible in any of the three pregnancy trimesters.

In the second trimester, it is normal to feel extremely horny because there is more blood flowing to the genitals.

The first trimester is usually full of morning sickness and fatigue and that might not put a woman in the mood for sex. During the last trimester, be careful to prevent preterm labour.

It is essential to have as much sex as you can before the baby comes because the decline in your sex life when the baby arrives would be drastic and abrupt.

There are circumstances like placenta previa that can make sex unsafe, placenta previa is when the placenta is near or covers the cervix and makes penetrative sex risky. In any other event, pregnancy sex is safe. Here are some positions that will prioritize comfort;

1. Rear entry

This is not anal sex but it is when the woman is on all fours and vaginal penetration happens that way. This position allows for deeper penetration but if you notice some spotting or bleeding afterwards, don’t be worried, it is normal.

2. Laying side by side

This is when the woman makes a v-shape on the bed, with the wife’s leg on her husband’s lap. She lays comfortably and he does all the work.

3. Spooning

This is a type of cuddling. The man hugs her from the back. This position will keep the baby safe and make sex enjoyable for the mother-to-be.

4. Woman on top

With this position, the man does not have to bear all the grunt work. By being on top, her stomach is protected, and she has a good time.

5. Standing against the wall

This is almost like the rear entry, the only difference is that she is standing and her hands are on the wall.

If the woman isn’t ready for penetrative sex, then some sensual massages, oral sex or hand-to-genital sex can also do the trick.

With this in mind, she claims she decided to go down the IVF route, using a sperm donor to get pregnant. However, as she was keen to vet their medical history first, she didn’t want to opt for an anonymous donor.

Therefore, the perfect solution appeared to arise when an old friend she’d known since her high school days offered to be her donor, all while happily accepting that he’d play no parental role whatsoever in the child’s life.

The 30-year-old ended up getting pregnant with her pal’s donor sperm, and, at 33 weeks, is soon set to welcome twin daughters into the world.

However, her friend had failed to mention one very important detail during their arrangement – he hadn’t told his wife.

Taking to Reddit, she explained that she’d generously taken her friend and his wife out for dinner as a thank you, but was surprised when the wife didn’t understand where her gratitude was coming from.

She wrote: “His wife was confused when I explained the reason for the dinner and then angry, demanding to know why we kept this from her.

“I was just as shocked and asked my friend if he hadn’t told his wife. He tried to explain to both of us that he hadn’t thought it’d matter as he has no rights to them at all.

“His wife got even angrier at that part stating she isn’t comfortable with their six-year-old son having siblings that aren’t really his siblings and she wants that part changed so that her husband has a legal say over the girls.”

The poster, who goes by the username u/RadiantAppearance57, was left shocked by this demand, making it clear to the wife that she didn’t want her friend involved at all, and that she intended to raise her daughters alone.

She continued: “The three of us got into a huge argument and his wife demanded to know why I wouldn’t tell her that her husband had offered this in the first place.

“I feel very guilty for not checking with his wife first but it honestly never occurred to me that he wouldn’t have done that, so I thought if he was offering she had to have already given the okay.”https://get-latest.convrse.media/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mirror.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fweird-news%2Fim-pregnant-twins-friend-sperm-26754991%3Fint_source%3Dnba&cre=center&cip=18&view=web

The poster went on to clarify that, had she known the wife had been left in the dark, she’d never have agreed to him being her donor in the first place.

One fellow Reddit user wrote: “It wasn’t your responsibility to check with the wife – it was his! This is his problem, not yours. Stand your ground with the agreement made with him – the wife sadly has no say in it.”

Child online protection experts are worried that Ghanaian parents are spending about 24 per cent of their productive hours on social media.

A survey conducted in about 2,000 households has revealed that screen time is significantly increasing among the adult population at the expense of their parental duties.

It added that on average, sleep takes 24%, entertainment scores 12% while household chores and errands consume 8% and 4% respectively of the time of the adult population.

At a workshop organised by non-profit group Child Online Africa, Desmond Israel explained that the situation may have serious implications on families if the trends do not change.

The facilitator highlighted that the adult population spend about 16.7% of their time with their families while using 50% of their time for work.

“Work covers everything else from school for the young ones and then work for the adult who are actually engaged in something productive.

“But if you look at the statistics in detail, the real use of the time has varied. You’d see that you actually give only 4% to family…and social media is a whopping 24%. Work takes 24%. So, your productive work hours are now competing with social media,” he disclosed.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the group, Awo Aidam Amenyah, has urged parents to guide their wards to be responsible users of the internet.

“You know that when you connect to a device, it gets so exciting, you get to do things easily; it’s all fun. Nobody thinks about any other thing apart from being able to do the work effectively. That has to do with the connectivity but then when it’s time for us to disconnect, it’s hard for us.

“Some of us, during the Covid-19 situation, we had difficulty just staying at home without our devices or without being connected to our devices. All these things that we do have implications for us and even for children that we are dealing with.

“When you sit down and think through what the effect of overuse of a device brings to you, it only bring some fear in you to be mindful whether you should even purchase the device for the child or not.

“Clearly, it has short and long-term effects and these effects will have to be deliberately thought through before we can be able to meaning of them,” she stated.

The unnamed mum-to-be took to the internet to share her frustration and quickly went viral.

She told how a doctor had confirmed the sex of her unborn child at a scan and she was delighted to be having a girl, however, her in-laws don’t seem to share her excitement.

The baby is set to be her mother-in-law’s first grandchild and she reportedly did “prayers and rituals” that it would be a boy, so they could name the child after her late husband.

Writing in an anonymous post on Reddit, which since appears to have been removed, the 27-year-old said that her husband cried after they found out they were having a girl and then turned his phone off to “hide” from his family.

The woman says she bit her tongue throughout all of this but decided enough was enough when her mother-in-law threw her a baby shower for a boy.

She shared: “When I arrived I saw blue balloons, blue cake with father-in-law’s name/decorations around. I was so confused I had to sit down.

“Sister-in-law explained they were ‘still’ hoping the gender results are false and it’s a boy.

“I looked at my husband and he agreed with her.”

The mum-to-be told the family to “stop treating my daughter like she’s unwanted” before storming out of the party.

Her husband was furious with her, claiming she’d “insulted” his family and demanding she apologises.

Many fellow Reddit users were outraged by her partner’s behaviour, branding it a “red flag”.

One person replied: “The fact that your husband is supporting them (and also delusional) is a HUGE red flag. Unless you want your daughter raised by a bunch of misogynists, I would seriously consider getting out of there NOW.”

Another commented: “These people are terrifying. Rituals and prayers followed by a baby shower for a boy? I understand disappointment or whatever but this is just too far. It’s like they thought if the baby was a boy it would be the father-in-law reincarnated.”

A third added: “Does your husband know his sperm determined the baby’s gender? If they want to blame someone they should aim that at your husband for failing to give you a boy baby.”

He’s had several affairs, but the latest one was the nail in the coffin and I finally found the courage to walk away.

He’s still with this woman and has moved into her place.

I couldn’t care less, to be honest, but we have three children, so I have to maintain a civil relationship with him for their sake.

We agreed that the kids shouldn’t meet her until they’d got used to the idea of us separating, but then I found out that he’d introduced them to her without telling me first.

My daughter let the cat out of the bag, obviously, and he must have known this would happen, which means he doesn’t care what I think.

I’m so angry with him and feel we should discuss everything that concerns the children. Surely I’m right about this?

Coleen says

Yes, I think he should have told you because you’d discussed it beforehand and he knew what your take on it was.

However, if the kids are OK with it, then for your own sake, as well as theirs, move on from it without creating an issue.

You have every right to say to your ex that he shouldn’t have gone behind your back. But it sounds as if he’s serious about this woman as they’re living together, meaning the relationship isn’t going away. So it’s not realistic for her to leave the house every time the kids come over.

You say you’re not bothered, but you are. Maybe it’s because he’s taken this out of your control and it might have been the one area, throughout the affairs and the separation, that you felt you had some control over.

It might be a question of having another discussion to reestablish how things are going to work with the children moving forward.