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#Parenting

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Eating disorders can often have rather obvious red flags, but many more subtle signs can go unnoticed</p>

parenting

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.

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

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

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

parenting

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

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

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

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

Sun protection

How to protect your children from summertime hazards

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

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

Fit to be a dad by taking steps to better health

Fit to be a dad by taking steps to better health

Becoming a parent is a responsibility, and for many men, it means making lifestyle changes so they can stay strong enough for long enough to care for their children

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

My Childhood with Mary Kennedy: ‘We had no money but we had fabulous times’

S My Childhood with Mary Kennedy: ‘We had no money but we had fabulous times’

The television broadcaster on her idyllic childhood, in Clondalkin, Dublin, and how as a shy child without a 'posh accent', she never imagined she would end up working in TV

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Busy stressed mother sits with a baby and works at a laptop, multitasking woman. Home office. Mother freelancer, remote work and

Mums need to be honest about the toll of school years — the 'motherhood penalty' is real

Women are led to believe that once the early years of child-rearing are over, their lives will return to normal. But the arrival of the school holidays is a stark reminder that motherhood is an ongoing compromise

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Group Of Teenage Friends Jumping Into Swimming Pool

Leaving Cert holiday: How parents can prepare teenagers for their first solo getaway

The Leaving Cert class of 2026 will soon be heading off on overseas holidays with friends, and there is plenty parents can do to prepare them for the adventure

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

burnt female skin in the sun close-up in a blue t-shirt

Dr Phil Kieran: Does my daughter need medical help for a serious sunburn on her back?

The good news is sunburn (even with blisters) should heal fully in three to 10 days

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Family at home

Colman Noctor: A teen’s ability to adapt is more important than having a fully formed life plan

Many of the healthiest and happiest adults I know are not those who got everything right the first time, but those who learned to adapt when life didn’t go to plan

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Young mother holds her son with care and love. Happy Mothers Day concept with mom and small girl. Vector illustration. Modern fl

Julie Jay: Seeing my friend with her newborn has left me wishing for a parenting redo

Being a parent is essentially just wishing over and over for a chance to do it all over and do it differently but also accepting that the chance will never come

Tue, 09 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

Julie Jay: Mammy gets to take over the car playlist during the summer

Julie Jay: Mammy gets to take over the car playlist during the summer

As the temperatures soared across the country last week, this woman’s heart was anything but low

Thu, 04 Jun, 2026

Irish Budget 2016

Childcare fees to be capped from September, but minister admits lack of data on parents’ costs

Government pledges further childcare fee reductions despite gaps in data on what families currently pay

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

A teenager with a sleepy face idly looks out the window and chews rice porridge

Aoife Hearne: My Leaving Cert child is picking at his food and not eating meals

A ‘little and often’ approach to eating nutrient-rich meals can be easier to manage during the exam period

Tue, 02 Jun, 2026

Empty kindergarten classroom interior

Colman Noctor: What we can learn from the Carlow school shooting threat

Young people in Ireland are no longer immune to the broader cultural forces that can dangerously shape disaffection among youth

Tue, 02 Jun, 2026

Crann 'never felt like a medical appointment'

Crann 'never felt like a medical appointment'

Emma O’Sullivan, whose child was born with serious health issues, praises the Crann Centre for taking care of not just her child but the family and support system too, writes Helen O’Callaghan

Tue, 02 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

My Childhood with Laura Fox: 'I didn't have an ounce of shyness in me growing up'

S My Childhood with Laura Fox: 'I didn't have an ounce of shyness in me growing up'

The radio and TV presenter on how she regards herself as 'a Galway girl' and how it took a while to figure out what she wanted

Tue, 26 May, 2026

A child, a boy, a teenager sits alone at home on the couch and holds his stomach with his hands. Grimaced, bent, suffering from

Dr Phil Kieran: Is excitement the only cause of my son’s tummy pain?

It typically happens before a party or a special day at school

Tue, 26 May, 2026

Classroom toys helping minds stay focused

Classroom toys helping minds stay focused

Adam Brennan began making the sensory fidget toys when he noticed that his restless pupils would relax and concentrate better if they had something to squeeze, writes Helen O’Callaghan

Tue, 26 May, 2026

football

Julie Jay: Who do I have to shift to get my child onto a Cúl Camp course?

When I saw that our local Cúl Camp course had been sold out my soul immediately left my body. As mammy fails go, this was a biggy

Thu, 21 May, 2026

'They’re like extended family': Cobh mum on how LauraLynn children’s hospice became a lifeline

'They’re like extended family': Cobh mum on how LauraLynn children’s hospice became a lifeline

The children’s hospice provides supports and care to children with life-limiting conditions across the country, giving their families, such as the Lehans from Cobh, much-needed respite

Tue, 19 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

My Childhood with Neil Delamere: People assume I was the class clown, but I didn't draw attention

S My Childhood with Neil Delamere: People assume I was the class clown, but I didn't draw attention

The comedian on his failure to achieve sporting greatness, the Irish comedians that inspired him to try stand-up, and the unwavering support of his parent that made it possible

Tue, 19 May, 2026

Teenager boy tired stressed of reading, doing homework

Dr Phil Kieran: Should we manage our son’s Leaving Cert anxiety with medication?

Several options other than medication could be helpful for your son, such as counselling, physical activity, and apps such as Headspace and Clear Fear, which teach tools to manage anxiety and stress

Tue, 19 May, 2026

My Childhood with Lottie Ryan: Dad was my best friend, counsellor and confidant

S My Childhood with Lottie Ryan: Dad was my best friend, counsellor and confidant

A shy child, Lottie Ryan describes how her parents encouraged her interest in performance

Sun, 17 May, 2026

Cute Black Cat In A Flower Garden

Julie Jay: Saying goodbye to pets is a part of growing up — and being an adult too

This week we said goodbye to our cat, and whilst it is never easy, letting go of pets is an important part of growing up

Thu, 14 May, 2026

RICHARD HOGAN

Richard Hogan: We were so worried for our baby... now Sophie is flying it

As he marks his daughter's first Holy Communion, Richard Hogan recalls the day when he and his wife were filled with fear for their unborn child

Wed, 13 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

Wide angle. Dynamic photo of young girl tossing ball in motion, training dribbling technique against white background.

Dr Phil Kieran: Is overdoing it on the basketball court the cause of my child’s knee pain?

For overuse injuries, treatment usually involves identifying the cause, resting until the pain goes away, and gradually building the exercise back up

Tue, 12 May, 2026

Tired student trying to study in the night

Your child’s exams are a test of your parenting skills

A teenager studying for their first state exams will already be stressed. Parents should aim to be a calm, helpful counterpoint

Tue, 12 May, 2026

My Childhood with Dáithí Ó Sé: I never shut up as a child — look how all that talking stands to me now

S My Childhood with Dáithí Ó Sé: I never shut up as a child — look how all that talking stands to me now

The TV presenter reflects on his childhood and how, instead of becoming a teacher, he ventured into a career in front of the cameras

Sun, 10 May, 2026

Richard Hogan: Coaches — the heroes in society who guide our children

Richard Hogan: Coaches — the heroes in society who guide our children

The young generation need play — and we must salute the people who provide it for them

Wed, 06 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

Happy young woman enjoys summer music festival, raises peace sign with sunlit crowd and stage background. Cheerful festivalgoer

Colman Noctor: Music helps teens hit the right note within themselves and with others

The way today's adolescents consume music is very different to previous generations but research has shown music still holds significant psychological importance for many teenagers

Tue, 05 May, 2026

No vegan diet concept. Teen girl pushing away plate with broccoli and other vegetables refusing to eat. Food waste. Selective fo

Aoife Hearne: My exam teens don't want to eat full meals

When students are preoccupied with their studies, appetite signals can take a back seat and three square meals may feel too much. Try the ‘little and often’ approach, which offers more flexibility

Tue, 05 May, 2026

Hearing a father's advice

How to reconnect when a child starts to pull back

Your child may not have the words to explain what is upsetting them, but learning to meet them on their level can help bridge the divide

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026