Columns - Irish Examiner

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Joanna Fortune

Dr Joanna Fortune is a psychotherapist working with children, teens, and adults. She is a recognised expert in play and the author of four books on the subject.

Portrait of sad schoolboy with schoolbag standing in campus

Joanna Fortune: Our son isn't settling in school — should we move him?

People have advised me that it can take until the mid-term in October for students to settle in, but we've reached that point now, and he's still not settling.

Tue, 03 Nov, 2026

Joanna Fortune: Our teen burns through money — how do we help her to manage it?

It's like she feels she has to spend it immediately and will impulsively buy whatever gadget or fad everyone is into at that time.

Tue, 27 Oct, 2026

Two toddlers, a boy and a girl, are sitting on the floor at home and crying, arguing over toys

Joanna Fortune: My son is acting out in creche — what should we do?

Up until now, he's had no problems at all, so we were taken aback by his behaviour.

Tue, 20 Oct, 2026

Child is climbing up the tall bed, there's a risk of him falling down. Kid aged two years (two-year-old boy)

Joanna Fortune: My son has boundless energy — do I need to encourage more quiet time?

He’s less interested in sitting at the table to go colouring or do jigsaws like my other children enjoyed at this age.

Tue, 13 Oct, 2026

Group of Gen Z boys having fun outdoors in nature without smart phones, featured boy with acne

Joanna Fortune: My son wants to hang out in the village — I don't think he's ready

My instinct was to say no, as I feel he’s a bit young to be ‘hanging out’... I’m worried I’m being overprotective.

Tue, 06 Oct, 2026

Joanne Fortune: My son is lost in secondary school

He has no one to hang out with during breaks, and most days, he comes home with his lunchbox unopened.

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

Young woman crying holding picture frame remembering husband

Joanna Fortune: I feel sad that my children have no relationship with my late husband's family

We didn’t have a particularly close relationship with his family. They said their goodbyes after his funeral and wished us well.

Tue, 22 Sep, 2026

Portrait of a beautiful teenage girl posing against a dark background in beauty style

Joanna Fortune: My granddaughter is struggling since her mum left home

My granddaughter stays in her room all day with the curtains pulled, we are very worried about her, what do we do?

Tue, 15 Sep, 2026

Portrait of a young schoolgirl in a white shirt carrying a pink backpack against a vibrant yellow background

Joanna Fortune: My child wants to go back to playschool

Starting ‘big school’ becomes over-hyped, and when the child finally starts, the reality can feel underwhelming

Tue, 08 Sep, 2026

Physically Abused Child At Home Sitting On Sofa

Joanna Fortune: Could my grandchild be jealous of the attention I give to her older sister?

Young children don’t have the emotional language to express their frustration, confusion and indeed, jealousy, other than through their behaviour.

Tue, 01 Sep, 2026