Home and Family

Budget 2025 Tax Cut

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Malta’s birth rate is now the lowest in Europe, and that’s worrying not just for policymakers, but for all of us thinking about our families’ futures. Fewer babies mean fewer young people to sustain the country’s economy and care systems in the years ahead. During his Budget 2026 speech, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced a significant tax cut for families with two or more children, hoping to make family life a little easier, and perhaps, encourage couples to grow their families. But let’s be honest: when it comes to taxes, many of us find the numbers confusing or hard to follow. To make sense ofRead More…

how to increase fertility rate in malta

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Malta currently has the lowest total fertility rate in the European Union…a figure that raises important questions about our country’s future. But fertility isn’t just about numbers; it’s about women’s lives, choices, and the support systems around them. Across the world, countries are searching for ways to encourage family growth without compromising women’s independence or wellbeing. From financial incentives to workplace reforms, these global examples show that the path forward lies not in pressure, but in empowerment: creating environments where women and families can thrive. 1. Policy Approaches: Beyond Cash Incentives and Childbirth Grants Many governments have experimented with financial support to encourage parenthood. InRead More…

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We need to talk about something most of us would rather avoid: money. You know that moment in a meeting when people start throwing around words like budget forecast or interest rates, and you’re just sitting there thinking, “Did I miss a whole class on this?” Yeah. Same. Money talk can feel intimidating, but it really doesn’t have to be. So… Why Is It So Hard to Talk About Money? Women face some pretty specific challenges when it comes to money, and we’re not doing ourselves any favours by pretending otherwise. Let’s start with the obvious one: the wage gap is still very much aRead More…

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‘Mum, do you remember me?’ ‘Dad, what are the names of my children?’  ‘No, my mum doesn’t understand us’. ‘You can order pizza for lunch; she does not like fish’. This scenario is seen and heard all too frequently within the community, in care homes, and even on social media. As a speech-language pathologist working with adults and the elderly, I am pained each time by the look of confusion and desperation in the individual with dementia, who is often unable to reciprocate or understand a conversation. ‘Why?’ one may ask. The answer is that we should preserve one’s dignity throughout the disease’s progression. OneRead More…

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In: Home and Family, Raw Motherhood, Women

Today, we’re delving into a topic that’s on the minds of many parents: the adventure of raising pre-teens. Ah, the tween years! It’s a time of growth, change, and a fair share of emotional rollercoasters—both for kids and parents. Let’s unpack this exciting and challenging phase together in this tween-parent guide. The Tween Transformation: What’s Happening? Pre-teens, typically between the ages of 9 and 12, are in a fascinating phase. It’s like one foot is still in childhood while the other steps towards adolescence. They’re growing quite fast, both physically and emotionally. This period is marked by significant changes: Navigating New Waters: Conversations on SexualityRead More…

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In: Home and Family, Mental Health, Wellbeing

Each and every family has a member who stands out from the rest and conforms to traditional expectations. The member who does not seem to fit within the family’s norms and behaviours may be labelled as the “black sheep”. Being the black sheep of the family can often lead to a lonely and challenging journey, yet it gives rise to an opportunity for personal growth and resilience. Let’s explore ways to navigate the challenges of being the black sheep and form a unique, strong identity during your healing journey. Being the black sheep in the family can present challenges while offering opportunities for growth andRead More…

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In: Contributors, Education and Careers, Home and Family, Women in Business

In a world where we’re always racing against time, trying to keep up with the hustle and bustle of life, being able to incorporate the much-coveted work-life balance has never been so crucial. Gone are the days when a household can have children and live on ‘just’ one salary, unless it’s an excellently paid job. Of course, even for those who are childless, the need to be able to juggle work-related duties with familial or personal ones still remains. And let’s not forget time to ourselves, which, let’s face it, is more often than not, overlooked. This is precisely why everyone dreams of having aRead More…