Consumerism: We as a community seem to have exchanged our day to day interactions & get togethers with material consumptions so much so that many of us are rating ourselves by what we have as opposed to what contributions we can give to our families and our wider communities.

It seems that the only thing that ties us together are consumer transactions coupled with possesions of mod cons. We no longer gel as a family unit. Whatever families are standing tall are fixed by purchasing power.

So, what can we suggest to tackle this grip of consumer culture dependence? Well firstly, we will need to build communities through local projects and initiatives that are based on communication, understanding and cooperation. Because we live in a society we need to build a chain linking community spirit with support. This may be achieved through community cohesion projects and social mobility projects based on effort and enthusiasm. We will need to believe in a form of cooperative competition.

The key to tackling consumerism is to support the development of a Sharing Economy which triumphs access over ownership and people over product. By demonstrating that sharing is fun, good for you and the planet, we start to engage people in a new, sustainable economy. Collaborative Consumption fosters the notion of 'cooperative competition' or as I like to call it 'co-operation'. I've founded The People Who Share to champion sharing in all its guises and build a Sharing Economy.

Seen Spain on Easter Day festival, just after Lent. All the Dads carry 3 children on each arm, I never worked out how they did it, just second nature to them. Back-packing in Italy - met another girl who was travelling with a toddler everywhere she went, she and her lttl'un were made welcome, with the tot a welcome guest no quibble ever. Holland has children dashing in and out of the cafes at Xmas, a fun custom, leaving sweets on all the adults' tables to hint for sweetness. The UK isn't there.

Indeed. Italy is very pro-children. 25 years ago whilst traveling with a particularly small baby (3lbs) I was often mobbed by Italian women openly fascinated to see such a small child.

Last Xmas, I was on the Internet and found a key US Government Office NORAD whose duty was to watch for air attacks, had its phone number printed in error on a Phone Santa bit of seasonal children's hi-jinks facility. The man there played along with the caller and assured the child that Santa was visible over the North Pole. This led to a Tracking Santa department which each year is staffed voluntarily by US military staff in Elve's dress "Santa's over Athens.." We don't seem 2 care collectively

Stella, I've received about 15 emails from you today...not sure how it's happening, but there's lots of duplication.

I've not sent one. What is your email address? I could take it out my my address book, not that it's definitely there. What do the messages say?

Having campaigned for Save the Children, I know that the Govt. has not addressed many issues regarding child poverty in the UK. The 'no child born without a chance' campaign has attempted to address the FAST programme; Family & Schools Working Together whereby underprivleged children can get a head start in education as teachers work with parents for the wellbeing of their children. Further issues include helping struggling families with their fuel bills to effectively help children at home.

I am absolutely gutted i can't make this. The reason I can't make it is because i have children to look after! I run a new social enterprise called Tea Dance for Little People, a family arts cafe that is just beginning to research and prove impact on the health and well-being of the families that attend. These are large issues for families but localised creativity activity can also have huge impacts on happiness and family attachment. Im sorry I cant be there

Education & Upbringing have been seperated. Grades alone don't get you into university or secure a job anymore. Intelligence is a poor cousin of Wisdom & Wellbeing is more than good food & exercise. The whole being of children needs nurturing. Starting a Wellbeing programme at one of the key youth centres in riot hit Tottenham, its clear that Wellbeing and Wisdom must come before targets for Grades and Salaries. Grades don't gaurantee wise choices and Money doesn't gaurantee a meaningful life.

Of course, good grades are not enough for even economic success. But poor grades will keep you out of many interesting opportunities. Colleges and employers want intelligence AND soft skills.

Jazz this is something we can easily miss although I agree we also need political action. Sometimes we can miss out on the obvious. When we meet children who are left very often to their own devices with no guidance around everyday skills and needs we realize there are several arms to action for the wellbeing of children. Each is vital. We need to change what is immediate as well as longterm planning. In short we need to invest in our children's future in all and every way we can.