Alison Pike is a professor of child and family psychology at the University of Sussex’s School of Psychology.

She will appearing at the University of Sussex Community Festival on Sunday June 24, giving tips on how to deal with the drama of day-to-day family life in a talk entitled Psychology 101 for Parents at the Gardner Tower in the Attenborough Centre between 2pm-3pm and leading Bucketfuls of Happiness for Kids workshops about how to do good and feel good through storytelling, bucket decorating and filling in the same location with 30 minute sessions running from 11am until 1.30pm.
For more information visit sussex.ac.uk/about/community/get-involved/visit-campus/community-festival

What is your favourite place in Sussex?

I love a sunny summer afternoon on Rottingdean seafront. I love scrambling over the rocks that you aren’t supposed to climb, I love the views, the fish and chips and the ice cream.

What do you love most about living in Sussex?

What I love most is that Sussex (and Brighton in particular) feels like home. I was born in Oxford, grew up in California, and spent my twenties in London. There’s no place like home, no matter what age you are when you find it.

What advice do you have for your 12-year-old self?

Don’t worry, it’s best not to peak too early. The teenage years may not be kind, but you will rock being an adult.

What is your most valued possession?

My iPhone is my most valued possession. What else gives so much in such a well-designed tidy package?

What is your biggest regret?

I spend too much time striving for the next thing and planning for the future rather than enjoying the here and now.

What is your biggest fear?

Stupidly, I have a phobia of spiders. The treatment (exposure) sounds worse than living with the fear.

What is your proudest achievement?

In 2014 I was determined to get a handle on my temper. Specifically, I wanted to stop shouting at my children. Much to my surprise, Buddhist meditation was the most effective strategy by far. I can’t say I that I never shout, but it’s fairly rare.

Which five people (living or dead) would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?

Dan Harris (10% Happier)

The Dalai Lama (The Art of Happiness)

Noel Janis-Norton (Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting)

Gretchen Rubin (The Happiness Project)

Laura Vanderkam (168 Hours).