#Parenting

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#Parenting

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Julie Jay: Grief is the hardest thing any of us will go through, and yet it is also one of the few things that will touch us all at some point. Picture: iStock</p>

parenting

Julie Jay: Saying goodbye again as another beloved grandparent dies

The death of my father in law is a reminder that things can change so quickly, and that grief, as a friend so accurately put it, is a beast.

Richard%20Hogan

Richard Hogan: Parents who scroll can’t call out their child’s phone use

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

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Dr Phil Kieran: My sporty teenager has an unusual summer rash

Little boy having snack with his grandmother.

parenting

Could you be a helicopter grandparent? Here are the signs to watch out for

My Childhood with Eleanor Shanley: 'I was flighty and loved being around other people'

parenting

My Childhood with Eleanor Shanley: 'I was flighty and loved being around other people'

Toddler boy and girl with grandparent standing next to metal wire fence and observing farm animals in zoo. Grandchildren and gra

Julie Jay: Don’t feed the animals at the zoo unless the animals are your children

Once we can leave the perennial question of the morality of zoos at the door, we can all enjoy a fun day out (just bring your own snacks)

Thu, 06 Aug, 2026

Grandmother reading a book to two granddaughters

Joanna Fortune: How can I support my grandchildren through their parents' divorce?

You have an important role in helping them to navigate this transition, by being calm, consistent, and a steady base for the children

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

Mealtime

Aoife Hearne: My three-year old won't give up his bottle

He’s drinking so much milk that he’s rarely properly hungry and picks at his meals

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

Young Girl Organizing School Supplies Into a Backpack in a Study Room

Colman Noctor: 'When can our children get the chance to practise responsibility?'

Nobody learns responsibility by being told to be responsible; they learn it by carrying responsibility

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

Play in a hospital setting helps children cope with illness — here's why

Play in a hospital setting helps children cope with illness — here's why

Play and sensory rooms in hospitals are a soothing oasis for anxious youngsters to get their bearings before a medical procedure or surgery

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

'I was 41 for my first pregnancy' - Meet the mums proving that age is just a number

'I was 41 for my first pregnancy' - Meet the mums proving that age is just a number

Mothers giving birth after 40 has become far more common in recent years, and these women show that there is no wrong time to start a family.

Sun, 02 Aug, 2026

Young woman enjoys time in kitchen with a smile while looking out the window during a sunny day

Joan Cronin: Free women often choose to remain child-free — why's that so hard to understand?

While finance can influence family planning, particularly the number of children women will have, it is rarely the sole deciding factor

Fri, 31 Jul, 2026

boy playing with digital tablet

Colman Noctor: Tech is not just replacing play, it's making kids self-conscious about playing

Toy Story 5 is one of those rare films that entertain children while prompting adults to reflect

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

a multigenerational family is camping in a park by the river and setting up a tent

Julie Jay: We survived our first camping trip as a family

After a weekend of glamping I feel I am now ready to channel my inner Bear Grylls and live off grid completely

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Portrait of a thirsty handsome boy in sunglasses drinking water on the desert tropical beach

Dr Phil Kieran: How do I recognise signs of over-heating in my kids?

Keeping children safe in hot weather isn’t usually too much of an issue in Ireland, but going to hot countries is a bit different

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Bored Teen Girl With Smartphone

Joanna Fortune: My teenager is consumed by a holiday romance

My teenage daughter has returned from holiday with extra (emotional) baggage

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Teenager Boy Under Stress

Dr Phil Kieran: My teenage son can’t handle the heat

Usually symptoms like these are not too problematic, but if things develop too quickly, it is worth looking at carefully

Tue, 21 Jul, 2026

Low angle view of smiling boys and girls in casual giving high five stacking hands together outside

Colman Noctor: Why capable children often lack true self-worth

Children should learn that mistakes are opportunities to grow, not evidence that they are fundamentally flawed.

Tue, 21 Jul, 2026

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

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

ice cream

Julie Jay: I’m buying Magnums for my children on the daily, like a millionaire

Back in my day holding a magnum was a mugging waiting to happen. Now my kids presume it to be part of their daily routine.

Tue, 21 Jul, 2026

Relaxation on the sandy beach

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

Expert tips deal with toddler meltdowns — and how to prevent them

Expert tips deal with toddler meltdowns — and how to prevent them

Full-blown tantrums are part and parcel of every child’s development. Learning the reasons why, and the best ways to meet your little ones at their level can help

Tue, 14 Jul, 2026

My Childhood with Sharon Shannon: 'If I had to do it all again, I wouldn’t go to school at all'

S My Childhood with Sharon Shannon: 'If I had to do it all again, I wouldn’t go to school at all'

Irish musician shares some stories from her childhood

Tue, 14 Jul, 2026

Little boys playing in their room

Julie Jay: Forget ‘Love Island’ — the real test for any marriage is bunk beds

When I uttered the words no husband wants to hear ‘should I get a man in?’ I knew I was pushing the limits

Tue, 14 Jul, 2026

As smooth as smooth gets

Dr. Phil Kieran: My daughter has ingrown hairs and is self-concious about her legs, any advice?

If your daughter has skin irritation from things like detergent or fabric softener it is a good idea to eliminate these irritants.

Tue, 14 Jul, 2026

Young teenage couple in a public park

Colman Noctor: How to support teens in their first emotional experiences

When a relationship becomes very serious at a young age, opportunities for individual growth and exploration may become limited.

Tue, 14 Jul, 2026

Ex-Kerry star Seán O'Sullivan: 'We have to live forever', raising a son with autism

Ex-Kerry star Seán O'Sullivan: 'We have to live forever', raising a son with autism

Former Kerry star Seán 'Bán' O’Sullivan and his wife Mary talk about caring for their autistic son Dylan and share their experiences, worries, and pride

Sun, 12 Jul, 2026

Happy mother holding phone taking selfie on cellphone with daughter

Colman Noctor: Sharenting is about being seen in a world where the village has moved online

Could it be that social media has stepped into the space once occupied by community?

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

Aoife Hearne: My child loved his vegetables but now refuses to eat them

Aoife Hearne: My child loved his vegetables but now refuses to eat them

What one was a normal part of their diet is now a source of discomfort, what can I do?

Tue, 07 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

Sun protection

How to protect your children from summertime hazards like ticks, jellyfish and sunburn

School holidays bring the promise of sunny weather but there are pitfalls to look out for too

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

Julie Jay: Ireland may not have got to the World Cup but we’re still having fun

Julie Jay: Ireland may not have got to the World Cup but we’re still having fun

Hydration breaks, professional rivalries and penalty shoot-outs have all meant we’ve enjoyed the tournament despite the only tri-colours being the Ivory Coast

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

Real estate, senior parents or happy family laughing with smile in new house, apartment or residence. Retirement, mature mom or

How to navigate new in-laws and family dynamics

An engagement is a cause for celebration, but it’s also normal for parents to feel a sense of loss. The key is to be supportive while also respecting boundaries

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

Pregnant Woman in Counseling Session, Expectant Mother

LGBT+ inclusive surrogacy advocacy group about 'giving those families a voice'

At the centre of the campaign is a call for clearer legislation around assisted human reproduction and surrogacy, alongside stronger protections for children and families

Sun, 05 Jul, 2026

Become ruined by eating disorder

How to spot the subtle signs of an eating disorder in your child

Wanting to eat alone, spending too much time in the bathroom, and excessive exercise may be indicators.

Tue, 30 Jun, 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

Little boy swimming underwater in pool

Dr Phil Kieran: My son has developed warts on his back and thumb

Warts can be stubborn to remove and if you're not careful, can even spread to other parts of the body

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

Toys for children in a box ready for donation on beige, copy space. Concept of toys donations, charity for children

Julie Jay: We moved house, but I lost the decluttering battle

I am mortified at the amount of sheer stuff we have accumulated over these last three years, most of which has been gathering dust

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

Emotional teenage girl using smartphone on bed at home, space for text

Colman Noctor: Protecting children means tackling social media's harms

As an academic, a clinician, and a parent, I can see the argument from both sides.

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

My Childhood with Gordon D'Arcy: I found trouble very easily, and trouble found me

S My Childhood with Gordon D'Arcy: I found trouble very easily, and trouble found me

D’Arcy spent his early childhood in Ferns, a rural village in Co Wexford

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

My Childhood with Karen Koster: I didn’t know how good I had it until I left home

S My Childhood with Karen Koster: I didn’t know how good I had it until I left home

Karen Koster reflects on her childhood and how she had "The run of the house"

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

School bag. Backpack with supplies for school

Julie Jay: My children are ready to move onto the next life stages, but am I?

Though everyone warned me about this year moving faster than the speed of light, I still can’t believe we’ve come to the end of our first full academic term

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Smiling Little boy posing looking at the camera at a public park

Dr Phil Kieran: I'm worried about my sporty child who recently got glasses

I worry that my child's sight will deteriorate, what can I do?

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Child's hand holding chess figure while playing chess. Little clever child playing chess at home. Education concept.

Julie Jay: A weekend of trains, planes, automobiles — and late-night chess lessons

My first trip away with just one child went great, despite my mistake of purchasing a chess set for the journey and hoping I'd get away without having to play it

Thu, 18 Jun, 2026

Father getting dressed to his daughter

Richard Hogan: Being a father is the greatest experience of my life

I remember thinking fathers were obscure people. Distant and out of reach. Thankfully, that has changed

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

The Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast: School holidays and the motherhood penalty

The Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast: School holidays and the motherhood penalty

Irish Examiner columnist Jennifer Horgan and parenting podcaster Sinead O’Moore are guests on The Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast

Listen | Tue, 16 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

Group of children bonding outdoors

Colman Noctor: Teenagers need a sense of belonging — not entertainment

Young teenagers are seeking experiences that help them feel capable and competent — they want to be treated as emerging adults

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Close up of the legs of a teenager walking through the park.

Dr Phil Kieran: Should I worry if my son is still limping five weeks after a toe injury?

We used the RICE method — rest, ice, compression, elevation — and buddy taping to treat my son's injured toe. Did we do the right thing?

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026