Joanna Fortune

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Joanna Fortune: Is my eight-year-old too young to hear about the facts of life?

#Joanna Fortune

Child psychotherapist

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>One of the hardest losses to process is of something we never had, says Joanna. Picture: iStock </p>

parenting

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.

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

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Joanna Fortune: My child wants to go back to playschool

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

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Joanna Fortune: How can I establish ground rules during my teen's Leaving Cert year?

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Joanna Fortune: How can I explain different family budgets to my kids?

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

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

Cute boy standing in the white room

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

couple in love

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

Busy bisness mother woking at home while little daughter being occupied by digital tablet

Joanna Fortune: My young children are struggling with the demanding online course I've taken on

My nine-year-old daughter says I’m busy all the time. I want to be a good parent, but I also need to think of my future career

Tue, 12 May, 2026

Reflective moments of a modern teenager in her cozy apartment during evening hours

Joanna Fortune: My teenager is refusing to talk to me after a big row

Initiating repair communicates that your relationship matters more to you than being right, and it’s stronger than this row

Tue, 05 May, 2026

Kindergarten Classroom With Table and Colorful Chairs

Joanna Fortune: My children are struggling to adjust to creche routine

Your children are still adjusting to a significant cultural upheaval, which may make the transition to their new group care environment even more challenging

Tue, 21 Apr, 2026

Tired concerned mother rocking sleeping baby.

Joanna Fortune: I'm at breaking point following arrival of my third child

You feel overwhelmed because this is an overwhelming time but putting a plan in place to get help from your husband or friends could make a big difference

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Unhappy teen girl wearing headphones feeling isolated and depressed

Joanna Fortune: My daughter is finding it difficult to find her tribe in secondary school

She clams up if I try to speak to her about it and it's difficult to see her struggle

Tue, 07 Apr, 2026

Two bikini-clad girls with outstretched hands near water

Joanna Fortune: My 15-year-old is going away on holidays with her friend's family

Her decision to go on holiday with another family instead of her own is not just hers to make

Tue, 31 Mar, 2026

Parent and teenage son conversing at home

Joanna Fortune: My teenage son and husband seem to be drifting apart

My husband is a big sports fan but my son couldn't care less so they miss out on the bonding opportunity of watching a game or going to matches

Tue, 24 Mar, 2026

Portrait Of Twin Brothers In Front Of A Blue Background

Joanna Fortune: My teenage sons argue all the time

The older one seems to take particular pleasure in annoying the younger one

Tue, 17 Mar, 2026

Teenage girl is applying make-up in her room

Joanna Fortune: My teen daughter wears high heels and makeup. Why does she try so hard?

Because this is not a shared interest for you, be careful you are not projecting your opinions about women who dress up or wear makeup onto her. She sounds like a happy, healthy, typically developing teenager

Tue, 10 Mar, 2026

Young happy family with one parent woman mother with two children girls eating cookies on bed room at home

Joanna Fortune: What is the best way to introduce a new partner to my children?

Don’t just focus on what you will say to your children, focus on listening to them and allowing them to share and express their thoughts, worries, or excitement

Tue, 03 Mar, 2026

Loneliness concept. Sad teenage boy on windowsill indoors

Joanna Fortune: My teenage son is missing his big brother

Child psychotherapist Dr Joanna Fortune gives advice about an evolving relationship between two brothers

Tue, 24 Feb, 2026

Little Girl Struggling With School Work

Joanna Fortune: My child says she is stupid because she finds school difficult

I’ve told her she’s smart almost since the day she was born, but nothing I say seems to make a difference

Tue, 17 Feb, 2026

Portrait of a little boy in blue at home standing in the middle of the room

Joanna Fortune: My toddler gets upset when I breastfeed the baby

There is no ideal way to navigate this transition — remember that good enough really is good enough

Tue, 10 Feb, 2026

Tired Schoolboy Sitting Alone on a Bench After a Long, Stressful School Day

Joanna Fortune: My young son hates going to school — what if it escalates to refusal?

I’ve tried every trick in the book to encourage him, but nothing seems to be working.

Tue, 03 Feb, 2026

Anxiety, thinking and window with child in home for mental health, adoption crisis or stress. Mistake, foster care trauma and ab

Joanna Fortune: My daughter feels jealous of her friend's friendship with another girl

I would urge you not to dismiss or minimise your daughter’s emotional response, writes child psychotherapist Dr Joanna Fortune

Tue, 27 Jan, 2026

You're going to be the best brother ever

Joanna Fortune: I'm not sure how I'm going to manage it all when my baby arrives

Keep in mind the old saying: ‘It takes a village to raise a child’

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

Presents near Christmas tree

Joanna Fortune: My teenage daughters barely said thanks for all their Christmas presents

I was shocked by their lack of gratitude, and said as much to them, but they just shrugged their shoulders and sloped off. Have I spoiled my children for life?

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Happy senior couple celebrating Christmas Eve together.

Joanna Fortune: It feels as if my in-laws hijacked Christmas

My husband was of little help and kept fussing about his mum, who expected to be treated like a queen

Tue, 06 Jan, 2026

Loving Little Sisters

Joanna Fortune: Our eldest child won't let her younger sisters out of her sight

Risk-taking activity enables children to experience mastery over a task and encourages them to stretch beyond what they think they can do so that they develop confidence

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Mother and daughter are arguing at home

Joanna Fortune: My eldest says we're mean and no fun

Celebrate Christmas by celebrating the fun in simple, everyday connections

Tue, 23 Dec, 2025

Sad boy with gift box in christmas hat

Joanna Fortune: My nephew doesn't get on with my children — and he's staying for Christmas

December 25 can be an intense day, and families often feel under pressure. Manage expectations

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

Orphanage concept. Sad little girl at table indoors, space for text

Joanna Fortune: My two-year-old is missing her granny, who had to undergo surgery

"My daughter is asking lots of questions about when Granny will be coming back to play with her. She cries when I say Granny is not well right now. How can I explain to her what is going on?"

Tue, 09 Dec, 2025

Angry Teens

Joanna Fortune: My teenage daughters have started to argue

The fact that your girls have recently started arguing may not be related to their differences in skill sets and abilities — it is more likely due to a developmental clash based on their ages and stages of development.

Tue, 02 Dec, 2025

Girl looking in car rear view mirror

Joanna Fortune: My teen wants to learn how to drive but I think it's a bad idea

Knowing when to step back and let our teens be more independent is not always an easy call to make

Tue, 18 Nov, 2025

Christmas Stars, Baubles and Gold Ribbons (XXL)

Joanna Fortune: My mother-in-law insists on celebrating Christmas early

"You need to hold your boundaries and pick your battles. This time of year is exciting for children, as your mother-in-law says, but I also see every day how utterly overstimulating this season can be for them."

Wed, 12 Nov, 2025

Little Mama

Joanna Fortune: How do I help my little girl adjust to a new sibling?

All you can do is stay in the present moment and adapt to however your little one reacts in the moment

Tue, 04 Nov, 2025

Funny happy Dog

Joanna Fortune: My family want to get a puppy but I'm not so sure

You all need to be in the right place to welcome a new family member and it is OK if you don’t feel that you have the capacity to take on any more right now

Tue, 28 Oct, 2025

Redhead teenage boy playing video games, celebrating win in the game

Joanna Fortune: My quiet teenager swears when gaming with friends — is this normal behaviour?

As best you can, set limits and hold boundaries with him in a collaborative, rather than combative, way

Tue, 21 Oct, 2025

Portrait of two sisters kids having an argument, fighting. Family conflict, children In Quarrel, disagreement

Joanna Fortune: My young daughters argue all the time

"Both are in the middle childhood phase (eight to 12 years), meaning they are competitors within the same developmental stage, which can lead to the type of tension you describe."

Tue, 14 Oct, 2025

Father and daughter fight, generation gap concept

Joanna Fortune: My children have been caught up in family row with grandparents

My mum usually picks up my two children from school once a week, but says she won't do so until I apologise for my behaviour. I'm hurt that she has taken sides and is using childcare as a form of leverage.

Tue, 07 Oct, 2025

Adorable caucasian girl playing with telephone toy sitting on floor at kindergarten

Joanna Fortune: My four-year-old doesn't want to share her toys

Her only-child status may be more ‘correlation over causation’ when it comes to her struggles. Many solo-children can turn-take and share, and many sibling-children will struggle just as you describe.

Tue, 23 Sep, 2025

Little boy reading a book in green armchair

Joanna Fortune: My child is struggling with reading in class

Reading is nurtured and developed in school from ages five to eight years (and beyond, of course), which means your son is still very much in the 'learning to read' (and specifically learning to read with fluency) phase of his education.

Tue, 16 Sep, 2025

Low angle view of pensive little girl in pajamas looking away at home

Joanna Fortune: What happened to my sweet little girl?

"So much is written and said about the critical early years of our children’s lives, and again when they reach those tricky teenage years, but very little attention is given to the middle stage of childhood, the years between eight and 12."

Tue, 09 Sep, 2025

Football concept

Joanna Fortune: My son has stopped playing football since he was called 'crap' by a friend

Since then, he has become very withdrawn and finds it hard to go outside even to play with friends, as he doesn’t feel good enough now

Tue, 02 Sep, 2025

Sad little boy in red soccer jersey seated on bench

Joanna Fortune: My son is being left on the bench during matches

You could talk to the coach about your concerns in a calm way, without venting. The coach could clarify the club’s structure, focus, and goals for the team, enabling you to make an informed decision about whether your son should stay.

Tue, 26 Aug, 2025

Young family having fun outdoors

Joanna Fortune: How do we explain to our young children that daddy is out of work?

"The best thing you can do for your children in the meantime is to take care of yourselves and each other. Focus on maintaining open communication and connection, and ensure you have a support system you can activate for yourselves: Friends, family, professional therapy, etc."

Tue, 19 Aug, 2025

Mother comforting her crying little girl. Parenthood, family, support concept

Joanna Fortune: A trial visit to playschool didn't go well, I'm dreading the real thing in September

My three-year-old daughter is very attached to me. She's an only child, and we do almost everything together. She got distressed when I attempted to leave her at playschool in June, so I stayed with her. What would you advise?

Tue, 12 Aug, 2025