The Why...

I spent 2019 and a large chunk of 2020 on maternity leave. As well as adapting to the new rhythm of human-raising I've had a lot of time to think. Time to think about what's important to me and what I'd like to pass on to my sons.

On a personal and local level it's been fairly straightforward. Do the things that they need when they need them and live life a bit slower (no choice during the pandemic).

I'm very lucky to live on the edge of the Peak District and have used my time away from work to explore and soak up as much of the greenery as I can manage (even with high propensity for rain around these parts). I live a long way from my family and oldest friends so trying to find ways to feel connected to them has been a priority.

On a national and global level having time to think about current affairs has been at best daunting, at worst utterly, oppressively depressing. So much so that it's made it difficult to get up and do the personal and local things that are within my grasp. This then triggers a cycle of guilt around my sons' early experiences, and setting a good example. Like most parents I want them to have a childhood full of hope, a belief that other humans are essentially good and a bright and happy future on this planet.

So far parenthood colliding with world events in 2019 and 2020 has crystallised a bubbling sense of unease that I've been carrying with me for a while... that humans are collectively trashing planet Earth.

I've worked in museum learning and science engagement for 15 years. Before work I studied a psychology and anthropology degree. I believe passionately in the joy of learning and being curious as vital, human pursuits.

I am endlessly fascinated by people and am lucky enough to have forged a career thinking about humans; how they behave & learn, what big ideas and questions might pique their interest? What values they might hold? Why they might care? How we might create relevance together?

I've always come back to the idea that humans, in their varied shapes, sizes and hairless-aped ways, have more in common that not. It's a neat and optimistic way to tackle the world and especially good for thinking about overarching themes for programmes or exhibitions or identifying shared ground with new audiences.

Despite a 15 year career in STEM engagement, I've never been a passionate communicator of Science with a capital S. I'm more interested in WHY people are interested and HOW humans follow their personal curiosities to shape their experience of this blue & green planet. At its most universal and fundamental science is, afterall just finding out about the world around you. Professionally this way of thinking has served me well. It's been great to cut through complex topics a create inclusive, compelling narratives - for families and intergenerational groups especially.

With the remainder of my maternity leave I'm interested in developing a set of resources or principles for young families based on the idea of small pebbles = BIG RIPPLES. Using behavioural psychology, social anthropology & climate science to connect small everyday individual acts of human raising to big generational global shifts in the wellbeing of our planet. Simple!

I'm going to use this blog to share my research and thinking as it evolves.