BY THE OPTMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the North of Canada, where distances are vast and winters long, institutions really matter. Schools, clinics, and community programs are more than just services; they are anchors. This week, Ottawa pledged new funding aimed at strengthening those anchors, including support for the first Inuit-led university in Canada. The federal government will provide $50 million (roughly $36 million USD) to help build Inuit Nunangat University in Arviat, Nunavut, alongside more than $170 million (roughly $125 million USD) in additional funding for tuberculosis elimination, food security, and child and family supports across Inuit communities. Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty is set to formally announce the funding in Kuujjuaq, Quebec, during a meeting with the Makivvik Corporation, which represents Inuit in Nunavik. “Together, we can create lasting opportunities that empower Inuit communities to thrive and shape their own future,” Gull-Masty said in a statement. She described the investments as part of a broader effort to address “long-standing gaps in health and community services, while supporting Inuit-led priorities and strengthening the foundations that sustain vibrant, healthy communities in the North.” A university rooted in the North The $50 million commitment for Inuit Nunangat University will be funded through Budget 2025’s Build Communities Strong Fund. While the project was referenced in last fall’s budget, a specific dollar figure had not previously been attached. Housing Minister Gregor Robertson called the university “a transformative initiative that will strengthen Inuit-led education and community wellbeing, and contribute to long term economic and social development across Inuit Nunangat.” “Learning and working at home means that more Inuit will have the opportunity to grow in the North,” he added. For many Inuit leaders, the announcement marks a long-awaited step toward self-determined education that is designed by and for Inuit, grounded in language, culture, and northern realities. Renewing support for Inuit children and families Ottawa is also allocating $115 million (approximately $85 million USD) to renew the Inuit Child First Initiative, a temporary program that ensures Inuit children have equal access to health, social, and educational services without delay. The initiative, which includes support such as food vouchers, was set to expire at the end of March. The renewal comes at a time when food insecurity remains stark. In 2022, more than three-quarters of Inuit children in Inuit Nunangat experienced food insecurity, according to Statistics Canada. Yet challenges remain. There are currently up to 7,000 outstanding funding requests that have not been processed by Indigenous Services Canada, according to figures shared with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK). “That is an indication that there are huge administrative challenges with this initiative,” said ITK president Natan Obed. Obed has urged the minister to prioritize clearing the backlog before turning to long-term program reform. He has also called for sustainable, predictable funding to ensure children and families are not left waiting for essential supports. Makivvik president Pita Aatami welcomed the funding, while underscoring the work ahead. “This funding will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our children and families,” he said. “However, much work remains to close long-standing gaps and address the systemic challenges that Inuit continue to face.” Addressing food security in isolated communities The announcement also includes $30 million (roughly $22 million USD) for Nutrition North Canada, the retail subsidy program designed to lower the cost of perishable food and essential goods in 124 isolated northern communities. An additional $6.7 million (roughly $4.9 million USD) will go to the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund, supporting local businesses and community groups working to grow and distribute food closer to home. Together, these investments aim to ease the high cost of living in the North, where groceries often travel thousands of kilometres before reaching store shelves. A renewed push to eliminate tuberculosis Ottawa is committing $27 million (around $19 million USD) over five years to support Inuit-led, community-specific efforts to eliminate tuberculosis through improved prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. In 2018, ITK and the federal government pledged to eradicate tuberculosis in Inuit Nunangat by 2030. Whether that target will be met remains uncertain. Inuit communities continue to experience some of the highest tuberculosis rates in the world, and Nunavik ended last year with a record number of cases. “Inuit are dying of tuberculosis,” Obed said. “This is a disease that has tremendous ramifications for the sustainability of our communities and the cost of our health-care system.” While he welcomed the new funding, Obed emphasized that tuberculosis cannot be addressed through healthcare measures alone, especially as Ottawa prepares to invest billions in Arctic security. “If the Government of Canada wishes to expand its footprint in Inuit Nunangat through the military … I would imagine that Canadian soldiers don’t want to contract TB either,” he said. Jessika Huard, tuberculosis elimination program manager at the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, echoed that broader view during last year’s outbreak. “We need housing, infrastructure and other social services to all work together in order to fix this,” she said. A step forward, with expectations for more The federal government has stated it will continue working with Inuit partners to develop solutions that reflect local priorities and strengthen communities across Inuit Nunangat. For leaders on the ground, the new funding represents meaningful progress but not the end of the conversation. Housing shortages, poverty, infrastructure gaps, and health inequities remain intertwined challenges. As Obed put it, “We are still waiting for the Government of Canada to honestly come to the table and work towards the elimination of tuberculosis as if it is the crisis that it is in our communities.” In the North, progress often arrives in increments. This week’s announcement adds new building blocks: a university, renewed child support, and expanded health funding. Whether they form the foundation that Inuit leaders envision will depend on what comes next.     Did this solution stand out? Share it with a friend or support our mission by becoming an Emissary.The post Ottawa funds first Inuit-led university on top of major health investments in Inuit communities first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Blending families can feel a little like merging two playlists: everyone has favorites, no one agrees on the volume, and someone inevitably wants to skip the track. In the middle of that adjustment, many stepparents are discovering a surprisingly effective strategy with a memorable name: nacho parenting. Short for “not your kid, not your problem,” nacho parenting encourages stepparents to step back rather than step in. It is less about indifference and more about clarity, something that is particularly important in blended families where roles can feel murky. According to child psychologist Sandra L. Whitehouse, Ph.D., the approach is often misunderstood. “Nacho parenting is a playful way of saying that stepparents should step back and disengage from trying to parent their partner’s children,” she explains. “Instead, a stepparent’s main role is to support their spouse or partner and respect the children’s biological parents as decision makers.” What nacho parenting actually looks like At its core, nacho parenting means resisting the urge to discipline or assert authority over children who are not biologically yours. Rather than trying to establish control, the focus shifts to relationship-building. If a stepchild refuses to eat broccoli or slams a door, the biological parent takes the lead. The stepparent concentrates on developing trust and connection. Dr. Whitehouse says that when practiced thoughtfully, this can reduce friction during what is often a delicate transition. “Children, especially those adjusting to a new family structure, tend to be more open to a stepparent who doesn’t try to replace their biological parent or disrupt routines,” she says. “The other parent might also be more willing to accept and work with the stepparent.” That openness can make everyday family life smoother. And in blended families, smoother is often the goal. The benefits (and the potential pitfalls) Nacho parenting can ease power struggles, but it does require communication. Without clear expectations, stepping back can sometimes look like stepping away. Dr. Whitehouse notes that problems can arise if boundaries are not defined. If children sense that a stepparent will never intervene, they may test limits. At the same time, the stepparent can feel sidelined if their role is too vague. The key is alignment between adults. “Biological parents and stepparents should understand the roles that each will play, and children should be told about the stepparent’s supportive role and given an opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts,” she says. Transparency helps prevent confusion. It also gives children a sense of stability, which is often what they need most during family transitions. When to step in anyway Even the most dedicated nacho parent is not expected to ignore safety concerns. If a child is about to run into the street or is harming themselves or someone else, stepping in is appropriate. Dr. Whitehouse advises that adults should intervene when a child’s behavior “has caused, is causing, or could cause harm to themselves or others.” If the situation is less urgent, she recommends discussing concerns with the biological parent first. When immediate action is required, she suggests keeping it simple: “keep your cool, be fair and firm, and follow up with a conversation with the biological parent.” In other words, nacho parenting is not a free pass to ignore serious issues. It is a framework for everyday boundaries. Is nacho parenting right for your family? Like most parenting strategies, there is no universal formula. Nacho parenting can work beautifully in families where roles are clearly defined and everyone understands the plan. In other households, a more hands-on approach may feel more natural. Dr. Whitehouse emphasizes that flexibility matters. “Like any approach to family life, its success depends on patience, empathy, and flexibility. Ultimately, each family creates its own harmony.” Blended families are already navigating change. Nacho parenting offers one way to lower the emotional temperature while relationships take root. It may not solve every challenge, but for many stepparents, stepping back can create the space needed to move forward without turning every disagreement into a referendum on authority. Sometimes, in family life, knowing when not to jump in is its own kind of wisdom.     Did this solution stand out? Share it with a friend or support our mission by becoming an Emissary.The post Nacho parenting explained: a realistic approach for blended families first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

There’s a popular trend where parents often share they are creating “core memories” for their children on social media posts, whether it’s planning an elaborate vacation or creating an extra-special holiday moment. While it’s important for parents to want their kids to have happy childhoods, sometimes it feels presumptuous when they believe they can manufacture a core memory. Especially when a child’s inner world is so different than an adult’s. The concept of “core memories” was made mainstream in 2015 thanks to Disney’s Inside Out. In it, “core memories” are born from moments and experiences that majorly shape a part of the main character, Riley’s, personality. The experience(s) can be grand or benign; the point is these moments are ultimately forming Riley into the person she is. Seems pretty hard to manufacture such a moment, but parents are certainly trying. A media4.giphy.com Carol Kim, a mother of three and licensed Marriage and family Therapist, known as Parenting.Resilience on Instagram, recently shared the “5 Things Kids Will Remember from Their Childhood” on her page. The fascinating insight is that none of the entries had to do with extravagant vacations, over-the-top birthday parties, or Christmas gifts that kids could only dream about. According to Kim, the five things that kids will remember all revolve around their parents’ presence and support. “Notice how creating good memories doesn’t require expensive toys or lavish family trips. Your presence is the most valuable present you can give to your child,” Kim wrote in the post’s caption. View this post on Instagram   1. Quality time together “Taking some time to focus only on your child is very special. Playing games, reading books, or just talking can create strong, happy memories. These moments show your child that you are present with them.” 2. Words of encouragement “Encouraging words can greatly impact your child during both good times and tough times. Kids often seek approval from their parents and your positive words can be a strong motivator and source of comfort…. It can help kids believe in themselves, giving them the confidence to take on new challenges and keep going when things get tough.” 3. Family traditions “It creates a feeling of stability and togetherness … Family traditions make children feel like they belong and are part of a larger story, deepening their sense of security and understanding of family identity and values.”   Even the simplest tradition speaks volumes. Photo credit: Canva 4. Acts of kindness “Seeing and doing kind things leaves a strong impression on children. It shows them the importance of being kind and caring. They remember how good it feels to help others and to see their parents helping too.” 5. Comfort during tough times “Knowing they can rely on you during tough times makes them feel secure and build trust. … Comforting them when they’re struggling shows them they are loved no matter what, helping them feel emotionally secure and strong.” Kim’s strategies are all beautiful ways to be present in our children’s lives and to communicate our support. However, these seemingly simple behaviors can be challenging for some parents who are dealing with issues stemming from their pasts. “If you find barriers to providing these things, it’s important to reflect on why,” Kim writes in the post. “There could be several reasons, such as parenting in isolation (we’re not meant to parent alone), feeling overstimulated, dealing with past trauma, or struggling with mental health. Recognizing these challenges is the first step to addressing them and finding support.” This article originally appeared last year.The post 5 ‘core’ childhood memories your kid will cherish forever, according to a psychologist appeared first on Upworthy.

By 1973, the Bee Gees’ career had hit a low. After a series of hits in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including “To Love Somebody,” “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” and “I Started a Joke,” the band was in a rut. Their latest album, Life in a Tin Can, and single “Saw a New Morning” sold poorly, and the band’s popularity declined. On April 6, 1973, the Gibb brothers (Barry, Robin, and Maurice) appeared on The Midnight Special, a late-night TV show that aired on Saturday mornings at 1 a.m. after The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Given the lukewarm reception to their recent releases, the Bee Gees decided to change things up and play a medley of hits from their idols, The Beatles, who had broken up three years before. The Beatles were the biggest band on Earth in their heyday. Giphy The performance, which featured five of the Fab Four’s early hits, including “If I Fell,” “I Need You,” “I’ll Be Back,” “This Boy,” and “She Loves You,” was a stripped-down, acoustic performance that highlighted the Bee Gees’ trademark harmonies. “When you got brothers singing, it’s like an instrument that no one else can buy. You can’t go buy that sound in a shop. You can’t sing like The Bee Gees because when you got family members singing together, it’s unique,” Noel Gallagher, who sang with his brother Liam in Oasis, said according to Far Out. A year later, the Bee Gees performed in small clubs, and it looked like their career had hit a dead end. Then, at the urging of their management, the band began to move in a new direction, incorporating soul, rhythm and blues, and a new, underground musical style called disco into their repertoire. Barry also adopted a falsetto singing style popularized by Black singers such as Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye. This unlikely change for the folksy vocal group catapulted them into the stratosphere and they became the white-satin-clad kings of disco. john travolta disco GIF by uDiscoverMusic Giphy In the late ‘70s, the band had massive hits, including songs featured on the 40-million-selling Saturday Night Fever soundtrack: “Stayin’ Alive,” How Deep is Your Love,” More Than a Woman,” Jive Talkin’,” and “Night Fever.” In 1978, the band made a significant misstep, starring in a musical based on The Beatles’ music called Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, produced by Robert Stigwood, the man behind Saturday Night Fever and Grease. The film was a colossal bomb, although the soundtrack sold well. The Beatles’ George Harrison thought the Bee Gees film was about what happens when you become successful and greedy. “I just feel sorry for Robert Stigwood, the Bee Gees, and Pete Frampton for doing it because they had established themselves in their own right as decent artists,” Harrison said. “And suddenly… it’s like the classic thing of greed. The more you make the more you want to make, until you become so greedy that ultimately you put a foot wrong.” Even though the Bee Gees’ Beatle-themed musical was a flop, former Beatle John Lennon remained a fan of the group. He sang their praises after the public’s growing distaste of disco resulted in a significant backlash. John Lennon was a fan of the Bee Gees. Giphy “Try to tell the kids in the seventies who were screaming to the Bee Gees that their music was just the Beatles redone,” he told Playboy magazine in 1980. “There is nothing wrong with the Bee Gees. They do a damn good job. There was nothing else going on then.” The Bee Gees historic career ended when Maurice passed away in 2003 at 53. Robin would follow in 2009 at 62. Barry is the final surviving member of the band. This article originally appeared last year.  The post In 1973, the Bee Gees sang an unplugged medley tribute to the Beatles. It’s gorgeous. appeared first on Upworthy.

Baby macaque Punch-kun had a bit of a rough start at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Ichikawa, Japan. His mom abandoned him at birth, leaving him lonely. Zookeepers noticed the cute little monkey needed a friend and gave him a stuffed orangutan to play with. Punch and his stuffy became instant besties and stole the internet’s hearts at the same time. But as time passes, Punch is getting a bit more social and even made a friend or two, much to the delight of his friends. But Punch the monkey’s new trick has people positively squealing for joy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TMZ (@tmz_tv) We’re All Like Proud Parents Watching Punch the Monkey’s New Trick Punch the monkey now stands in his enclosure and waves at people as they pass by. It’s as if he knows we’re all out here rooting for him, and he wants to give the people a bit of thanks. TMZ shared the sweetest video of Punch just waving like it’s no big deal. “Protect Punch at all costs,” TMZ’s caption reads. “The viral monkey was caught waving goodbye to visitors at the Ichikawa City Zoo as they exited the park at closing time.” “Omg, I said the same thing. He’s waving back to the people lol so cute,” a fan wrote. This person is ready to take a trip to Japan just to see Punch the monkey. “soooo either I get a 24hr. live stream or I need a trip to see Punch in person,” they wrote. And this person isn’t messing around. They feel more love for Punch than anyone else they know, and they’re making it official. “I’ve left all my things to Punch in my Will,” they wrote. This story’s featured image is by JIJI PRESS / AFP via Getty Images / Japan OUT.