Positive Parenting Malta

L-idea ta’ dan il-ktieb ħarġet minn esperjenza ta’ omm li għaddiet mid-dipressjoni ta’ wara t-twelid. Riedet tgħaddi messaġġ li din il-kundizzjoni hija trattabbli u bl-għajnuna l-omm tista’ tfiq minnha.

Digital technology is part of children’s everyday lives, but balance is important.

Research with children in Malta aged 7–15 found that excessive digital engagement is affecting important parts of daily life.

Nearly 45% reported missing homework or studying, while about one-third missed sleep or hobbies because of time spent online.

Parents can support healthier habits by encouraging balanced routines that include sleep, study, hobbies, and offline play. Setting clear but supportive screen boundaries helps children learn to manage technology in a healthy way.

Source: Attard et al., Children and the Impact of Technology on Their Wellbeing (2025).

One of the most damaging aspects of cyberbullying is how quickly harmful content can spread. A single message, image, or comment can circulate widely among peer networks, leaving a lasting digital record.

For children and adolescents, this can lead to intense embarrassment, social exclusion, and emotional distress.

Parents can help by talking to children about digital responsibility, empathy, and the long-term impact of online behaviour. Encouraging kindness and accountability online helps create safer digital communities.

Parenting can feel heavy sometimes… like we should always be doing more, giving more, being more.

But what if the most important things our children need are actually much simpler?
-Connection.
Presence.
Space to grow.

This blog is a gentle reminder to come back to the basics—and to trust that you might already be giving your child what they need most.
Read more in the blog: https://positiveparenting.gov.mt/en/coming-back-to-the-basics-what-children-really-need-from-us/

Positive Parenting Malta at the European Social Services Conference 2026. Bridging Boundaries: International Insights into Social Services.

Cyberbullying can be especially harmful because it does not stop when the school day ends. Online harassment can follow children home, happen around the clock, and sometimes be carried out anonymously.

These factors can intensify the emotional impact on young people and make it harder for them to escape the situation.

Parents can play an important role by keeping conversations about online life open and supportive. When children feel safe sharing their experiences, they are more likely to seek help if something goes wrong.

Did you know that how parents work together has a powerful impact on a child’s development?

Research from the Parents as Partners Programme, developed by Philip A. Cowan and Carolyn Pape Cowan, shows that when parents strengthen their co-parenting relationship, children benefit through:
• Better emotional regulation
• Fewer behavioural difficulties
• A greater sense of security
The programme provides practical tools for communication, teamwork, and navigating the challenges of early parenthood together.
For parents of babies up to age one.

Message us to learn more about upcoming groups.
Because strong parents build strong families.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the heartbeats that make our homes full of love. To every mother, stepmom, guardian, and caregiver — your love shapes us, nurtures us, and inspires us every single day.

Thank you for everything you do.

Sensory Play Supports Healthy Development

Sensory play is more than just fun — it plays an important role in early brain development.

Research in early childhood development shows that when babies and children explore textures, sounds, smells, and movement, they strengthen the brain pathways that support language, problem-solving, motor skills, and emotional regulation.

Sensory play also encourages curiosity, creativity, and independent exploration.
Even more importantly, when parents join in, these activities create moments of connection and shared discovery, which help children feel safe and supported while they learn.

The best part?

Sensory play doesn’t require expensive toys. Everyday objects, nature, and simple household items can become powerful learning experiences.

Try this activity this week and explore the world through your child’s senses.