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PARENTING - ADVICE

A collection of the latest columns, analysis and opinion relating to the world of parenting and its unique challenges. Enjoy.

<p>Particularly for teens, their room is “their little domain”, but if really bothering you, you might negotiate around doing “a big clean” once a month, says psychotherapist and relationship counsellor Bernadette Ryan. Picture: Alamy/PA</p>

parenting

Parenting teenagers: When to choose a conflict — and when to let it go

Everything from the clothes your children wear to the state of their bedroom can bother you but there is a time to get tough and there's a time to look the other way the experts tell Helen O'Callaghan.

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Aoife Hearne: How do I get my children back on track after they lost their appetite in the hot weather?

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Joanna Fortune: How do I reassure my clingy child that I'm going to come back every time?

Photo of baby boy sleeping together with teddy bear.

parenting

Sleep experts' top tips on getting pre-schoolers to bed each night

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Joanna Fortune: My son was spoiled while on holidays with a friend's well-off family

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Dr Phil Kieran: Is there anything we can do to save my son's injured toenail?

Beach toys

Julie Jay: My stomach sinks at the prospect of fun in the sun

More rain, less pain I say, at least when it comes to entertaining children over these summer months

Tue, 22 Jul, 2025

AOIFE KEARNEY

What is myopia and can it be caused by children spending too much time on screens?

Childhood myopia appears to be on the increase, and could be due to looking at small screens and less time spent outdoors

Sun, 20 Jul, 2025

Having so much fun under the sun

Joanna Fortune: I'm worried about my parents-in-law going on holiday with us — what should I do?

Arrange a big family day out and perhaps an evening or two when you and your partner can spend quality time together, connecting, sightseeing, or relaxing

Tue, 15 Jul, 2025

Happy friends with skateboard and roller-skates on the sports ramp playground

Colman Noctor: Should parents allow kids to take more risks from a young age?

By providing developmentally appropriate opportunities for independence, children can build confidence, resilience, decision-making skills, and a sense of responsibility — critical attributes for successful adulthood

Tue, 15 Jul, 2025

Smiling doctor showing diet plan

Dr Phil Kieran: Is my son's weight gain due to hormone changes?

Your child likely has nothing to worry about, but making a conscious effort at this stage to develop a positive attitude towards food and body image is an investment in their future health

Tue, 15 Jul, 2025

Two miniature houses in red and green

Joanna Fortune: How can I prepare my children to meet their dad's new partner?

"Co-parenting in a connected and collaborative way isn’t easy, but it is the greatest gift you will give your children."

Tue, 08 Jul, 2025

Tots to Teens: Go Wild in Waterford's Comeraghs this week

Tots to Teens: Go Wild in Waterford's Comeraghs this week

From Thursday, July 10 to Sunday, July 13, the lineup of events will celebrate Irish culture. These include outdoor set dancing and a Rambling House, where all are welcome to gather around and sing a song, play a tune, or tell a tale.

Tue, 08 Jul, 2025

Group of friends jumping into the lake

How to plan the perfect teen holiday: Real stories and expert tips for family travel

Most of us remember a pivotal trip with our family or school friends during adolescence, when we had exciting new experiences

Sun, 06 Jul, 2025

Young African American girl cooking a healthy meal with vegetables at home

Whisk up some fun with these online cooking classes for kids and teens

Sign up your teens and tweens this summer for an online cooking class where they’ll learn new skills, experiment with recipes and ingredients, explore better food choices, and even make you a rather lovely lunch

Fri, 04 Jul, 2025

Head And Shoulders Portrait Of Serious Teenage Boy

Joanna Fortune: My teenager doesn't want to get a summer job

"When talking with our teenagers, try to follow the mantra ‘your toes follow your nose’. Ensure that you turn fully to face them when speaking, giving them your full attention for a few moments."

Tue, 01 Jul, 2025

Tots to Teens: Bath toys are sure to make a big splash

Tots to Teens: Bath toys are sure to make a big splash

"Splash Pals are made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone and proportioned so that little hands can easily squeeze them to squirt water. They are also designed to be easy to clean."

Tue, 01 Jul, 2025

Young teenage female using laptop, ai, chatbot assistant

Colman Noctor: Helping young people find meaningful work in the age of AI

"I have observed a lack of direction among young people as they near the end of secondary school. While I recognise that most 18-year- olds are not ‘sure’ about what they want to do with the rest of their lives, there has been a noticeable decline in clarity."

Tue, 01 Jul, 2025

cute baby girl eating

Aoife Hearne: What is the best way to start my colicky baby on solid foods?

"Introducing solids is a milestone for young children and comes with a mixture of excitement and anxiety for parents. I’m glad to hear that you’re waiting until your daughter is six months old before starting."

Tue, 01 Jul, 2025

mean glare

Joanna Fortune: My daughters are constantly arguing with each other

Around adolescence, children increasingly pull away from their family as their primary hub of emotional and social development, and lean more on peers. This phase does not mean parents should also pull back — we need to be visible and available to our teenage children

Tue, 24 Jun, 2025

Tots to Teens: Kaleidoscope is a festival of family fun

Tots to Teens: Kaleidoscope is a festival of family fun

"Kaleidoscope, which takes place at Wicklow’s Russborough House from July 4 to 6, promises a star-studded lineup of young Irish talent alongside international music headliners."

Tue, 24 Jun, 2025

Young mother and teen girl daughter sitting on sofa using laptop planning vacation

Colman Noctor: Digital literacy does not happen by accident

"It is shaped by environment, opportunity, and belief. When children believe their education is preparing them for the future, they become more engaged in their learning."

Tue, 17 Jun, 2025

Broken eggs - accident at kitchen, mess. Legs on background

Julie Jay: The years go fast, but some days I can't help but wish they hurried up a bit

As much as we love our kids, we all have days which have us pushed to the brink of sanity. Today was one of those days

Tue, 17 Jun, 2025

Slime

Joanna Fortune: Does my anxious child need professional help?

Your first step is to take time to reflect on his anxiety. How long has he been experiencing it? Do you know what might have triggered it? It is OK if you do not know the answers, as his behaviour can still be addressed without identifying the root cause

Tue, 17 Jun, 2025

depressed, sad, lonely boy sitting on floor

Joanna Fortune: My husband and I have different parenting styles - how do we work on this?

It should be possible to discuss your different approaches to parenting as a conversation, but if it becomes heated, decide who will speak first (by flipping a coin) and agree that each of you will have five uninterrupted minutes on the matter

Tue, 10 Jun, 2025

'Be kind to people': Well-known faces share words of wisdom from their fathers

'Be kind to people': Well-known faces share words of wisdom from their fathers

Whether through words of wisdom or by setting a good example, high-profile people share what they learned from their fathers.

Tue, 10 Jun, 2025

Tots to Teens: Penguins waddle into the limelight in new book

Tots to Teens: Penguins waddle into the limelight in new book

Penguin TV by Niamh Sharkey and Owen Churcher imagines that the penguins are using a webcam to create their own reality television show

Tue, 10 Jun, 2025

Close up of young kid using smart phone at night

Colman Noctor: France pulls the plug on underage access to pornography

In a novel move, the law introduces a “double anonymity” mechanism, involving an independent third party overseeing the age verification process.

Tue, 10 Jun, 2025

Sick little boy cleaning nose in bed

Dr Phil Kieran: My child picks up every bug going — how can I help boost his immune system?

There are several steps you can take to help improve your child's immune system

Tue, 10 Jun, 2025

Cheerful and excited toddler with her coffer on a airport

Joanna Fortune: How can I control my young children on their first flight?

I’m already dreading the trip. What would you suggest?

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025

Little girl sitting on sofa and touching painful belly with arms at living room. Child suffering from stomach ache at home.

Aoife Hearne: Has my child inherited coeliac disease from her grandad?

Should I eliminate all gluten products from her diet? Or does she need to be tested?

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025

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