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Colman Noctor

Child psychotherapist

child hand raised, holding gold medal against sky. education, success, achievement, award and victory concept.

Colman Noctor: It's self-worth, not confidence, that parents need to nurture

Often described as ‘sore losers’, ‘uber competitive’ or ‘high achieving’, these children fly under the mental health radar because to the outside they seem to be thriving

Tue, 03 Oct, 2023

Colman Noctor: Looking beyond our children's woke statements and teaching critical thinking

Colman Noctor: Looking beyond our children's woke statements and teaching critical thinking

Children need to be taught to be critical friends of technology

Tue, 26 Sep, 2023

Two girls hang on the horizontal bar on the playground.

Colman Noctor: We need to compete with online world by creating offline alternatives

Children have migrated online, where they primarily interact, socialise and communicate 

Tue, 19 Sep, 2023

Happy male teacher assisting his student on a class at elementary school.

Colman Noctor: Children need to see more male teachers in primary school

In many ways, the idea of a male primary school teacher or children’s mental health nurse does not fit people’s expectations of the role males should have in society.

Tue, 05 Sep, 2023

The imprint of the two hands of the rainbow colors, gouache, freedom

Colman Noctor: Young children struggle to understand complex gender debate

We have to consider whether the information may be too complex, too nuanced or beyond their comprehension

Tue, 29 Aug, 2023

Leaning on lockers in School

Colman Noctor: Students can face significant challenges during second year

The establishment of friendships and interactive patterns that occur during in second year is pivotal to shaping their future school years

Tue, 22 Aug, 2023

Little girl sharing her concerns with supportive child psychologist during therapy session in

Colman Noctor: Primary mental health care system could be a game changer for Irish children

Camhs is attempting to serve a function it is not equipped to or able to fulfil

Tue, 08 Aug, 2023

Weight of the world

Colman Noctor: At what age can you leave your child home alone?

There is no ‘legal minimum age’ a child can be left unsupervised

Tue, 11 Jul, 2023

Girl is consoling her girlfriend after break up

Colman Noctor: Help your child establish boundaries with friends

One teenage girl described herself as ‘the schoolyard social worker’ because she kept befriending people with mental health needs

Tue, 27 Jun, 2023

The father and son checking the bicycle chain

Colman Noctor: We all need to kick back during the school holidays

Show a bit of self-compassion this summer. Parenting children and teenagers at home for up to three months is challenging

Tue, 20 Jun, 2023