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.

Joanna Fortune: My teen daughter is anxious about leaving home for the first time

In times like this, as with a lot of things, it is best to lead by example

Tue, 21 Jul, 2026

Joanna Fortune: My child has sensory issues— how do I keep them happy on holiday?

My other children are excited, but get upset when the youngest struggles

Wed, 15 Jul, 2026

Teenage Brothers Sitting Together Playing Video Games Indoors

Joanna Fortune: My teenage boys are spending most of their time in bed or gaming

How do I get my kids to help around the house more?

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

grandmother walks with her grandson on the beach on the sand by the sea

Joanna Fortune: I want to bring my mother on holidays with us but my husband doesn't agree

Clear boundaries are an important step to managing expectations among family

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

A girl, a brunette of seven years with a plush hare in her hands.

Joanna Fortune: Our four-year-old still sucks her thumb — what can we do?

Give her time to transition into school and you should see her settle and become less reliant on these external factors for regulation

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Stressed and unhappy young girl hide from domestic violence at home. Synchronos

Joanna Fortune: My partner and I have very different approaches to parenting

My partner lets our school children make their own mistakes, while I am more protective. Now our children are playing us off each other

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Joanna Fortune: My baby won't let me cuddle him since my hospital stay

He may look cross with you but the truth is probably nearer to the fact that he missed you — he was sad and couldn’t understand why you disappeared

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

girl listening to smartphone music wearing earphones

Joanna Fortune: My teenage daughter is obsessed with her fitness tracker

If she begins skipping meals or pursuing calorie deficits to lose weight, I would strongly advise seeking professional intervention

Tue, 02 Jun, 2026

Stressed Young Girl Holding Her Head at Home

Joanna Fortune: My child is struggling to get over the death of our family dog

Do not rush her through this process, nor should you quickly replace the dog with a new one

Tue, 26 May, 2026

Joanna Fortune: How can I have the talk about sex with my teenage daughter?

It is essential to keep the doors of communication open on this so she can come to you to talk through aspects of her relationships with you in a safe and supportive way.

Tue, 19 May, 2026