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#Parenting

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>When I looked into the Fafo parenting approach, it seems beneath the provocative language lies an idea that is not new at all. Allowing children to experience the natural consequences of their choices has been around since time immemorial. Picture: iStock</p>

parenting

Colman Noctor: Fafo parenting trend puts the focus on behaviour, not connection

If Fafo parenting helps some parents loosen their grip and trust their children a little more, it may have value. If it becomes an excuse to disengage or harden our approach, it risks missing the very thing children need most

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Julie Jay: I used to be sound, but now I am officially a bad mammy

parenting

Tots to Teens: Guide to your child’s health from A to Z

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

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Dr Phil Kieran: My teenage daughter is listless after antibiotic

How to safely wean your baby by introducing suitable foods

parenting

How to safely wean your baby by introducing suitable foods

woman smoking electronic cigarette

What's in a vape and how to tell if your teen has started vaping

Many young people still believe that vaping is a harmless alternative to cigarettes, writes Helen O’Callaghan

Wed, 04 Feb, 2026

Teenage boy having scrambled eggs for breakfast

My teen follows a strict high-protein diet but I'm worried about his weekend eating habits

At the weekends, he eats all around him — fried breakfast, toast, roast potatoes and desserts

Tue, 03 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

Unhappy at School

Colman Noctor: Wellbeing is not always visible and a quiet child's struggles often go unnoticed

When being the quiet child comes at a cost

Tue, 03 Feb, 2026

Mother Wearing Headphones Listening a Podcast While Baby Sleeps

'A trusted voice is very important and can help when parents are questioning everything'

Whether it’s helping your baby sleep, feed, or thrive, there’s a show to support you. We chat to the hosts of some of Ireland’s most popular parenting podcasts

Sun, 01 Feb, 2026

These are the best family cars with three or more Isofix points available today

These are the best family cars with three or more Isofix points available today

Got a larger family and need extra space for child seats? There are some great options available on the new car market

Thu, 29 Jan, 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

Elementary School Pupils On Climbing Equipment

Colman Noctor: Wellbeing in school cannot be taught. It has to be lived

We can teach children about empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation through structured lessons, but if they lack opportunities to apply these skills in real relationships, the learning remains abstract. Wellbeing needs to be practised as well as taught

Tue, 27 Jan, 2026

Mikey Geaney celebrates kicking the winning point 18/1/2026

Julie Jay: My five-year-old’s first trip to Croke Park was a cracker

When a town wins the All-Ireland final, it’s not just the players at the pitch who win, but everyone, whether its the child blowing his horn or the 40-something-year-old woman like me who’s never kicked a ball in her life

Tue, 27 Jan, 2026

front and side and back view of same teenage boy standing on white background,

Dr Phil Kieran: Should we worry about my teenage son's short stature?

Height is a complex and sensitive topic that can be normal or indicate a medical issue that may need treatment

Tue, 27 Jan, 2026

Tots to Teens: Guidance for the budding wordsmith

Tots to Teens: Guidance for the budding wordsmith

Storytelling skills, an aid for messy eating, and developing a positive mindset

Tue, 27 Jan, 2026

Teenage Boy Studying Using Digital Tablet At Home

Colman Noctor: When mock exams feel all too real for your child

As a parent of a Junior Certificate pupil this year, I have realised the stress of the upcoming mock exams can be substantial

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

‘KPop’ girls show it’s OK to live with your demons

‘KPop’ girls show it’s OK to live with your demons

Girl-group trio Rumi, Mira, and Zoey double as the ‘Demon Hunters’ in the hit movie and teach children life lessons

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

Child, cute boy, playing with toys in a playroom, focus on his feet

Julie Jay: My toddler believes the word ‘no’ is an invitation to start negotiating

With missiles flying around my kitchen left right and centre, I feel like Packie Bonner in Italia 90

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

Elbow pain.

Dr Phil Kieran: Could my hockey-playing teenager have tennis elbow?

The first thing to rule out is an injury to the bone. This would most likely occur following a fall or impact. If the pain started after an impact, I would recommend going to see a doctor as soon as you can, as an X-ray may be needed to rule out a small chip or crack in the bone

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

Tots to teens: Where play meets child development

Tots to teens: Where play meets child development

Children's wellness range in Aldi stores has affordably priced products designed to encourage gentle play and mindful moments

Tue, 20 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

Little doctor using stethoscope on teddy bear at home

Julie Jay: Making a doctor’s appointment is up there with getting a bikini wax in January

Despite both being on antibiotics, I am still chasing my children around shops, because even when fuelled by penicillin, they have yet to meet an automatic door they haven't wanted to run through

Wed, 14 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

Insecure teenager at school with girls gossiping

Is your child experiencing social isolation at school? Here's what you can do

Social exclusion can make young people feel as if something is wrong with them, and presents a difficult challenge for parents to overcome

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Boy Coughing

Dr Phil Kieran: Does my child need a second antibiotic?

Frequently, I talk to people who feel the course of antibiotics should be longer than the one they received, but I point out that antibiotics are meant to help the immune system clear the infection. The full recovery often happens only with time.

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

talk mother support and solving problem with teenage boy son

Colman Noctor: Finding the right words to talk to your child about pornography

Ultimately, these conversations are less about sex and more about the trust you have in your child and they have in you, writes Colman Noctor

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Tots to Teens: Take a step in the right direction

Tots to Teens: Take a step in the right direction

From January 19 to February 15, the 2026 Forvis Mazars Steps Team challenge calls on people of all ages and fitness levels to take on one of two physical challenges and raise funds for Jigsaw and Bumbleance

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

Box of Xmas decorations

Julie Jay: Why I'm thrilled to finally say goodbye to Christmas

I used to feel melancholic putting away the decorations, now I am craving beige interior, floor space, and a life that is tinsel-free

Tue, 06 Jan, 2026

Tots to Teens: Brush up your art skills for RTÉ contest

Tots to Teens: Brush up your art skills for RTÉ contest

Under 18s have until midnight on January 31 to submit works with theme of 'This is Nature'

Tue, 06 Jan, 2026

Little girl enjoying a lollipop on a winter city street with warm lights

Should I put my children on a sugar detox?

Rather than focusing on exclusion, shift to thinking about the frequency and portions of each that are being consumed

Tue, 06 Jan, 2026

Loving Caucasian Mother Smiling at Newborn Baby Indoors in Bright and Warm Setting

The first 1,000 days are crucial in shaping a child’s life

Development begins at conception, and the early years are critical. A safe, nurturing and stimulating environment helps children thrive

Tue, 06 Jan, 2026

Teenage boy sitting on sofa using smart phone at night

Colman Noctor: Porn is now the first sex educator for children

Porn reduces sex to acts and mechanics, omitting connection, consent, and affection

Tue, 06 Jan, 2026

Sick child girl coughing, sitting on bed at home, close up, side view

Dr Phil Kieran: Could my child's night coughing be due to asthma?

There are specific tests, such as pulmonary function tests, but most of the time, asthma is diagnosed clinically and confirmed by a successful response to treatment

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Multitasking mother cooks food, holds baby on hands and talks on the phone. Mom with kid cooking meal on gas stove, does housewo

Julie Jay: Like oil and water, rest and motherhood simply don’t mix

I used to be great at napping during the day, but now I am as much a stranger to an afternoon siesta as I am to brushing my hair

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

family celebrating Christmas

Back-to-school mode activated: How to help your child adjust after a relaxed Christmas break

Switching from the relaxed-holiday mode can be jarring for children. But a positive attitude can make a huge difference

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

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

Tots to Teens: Early events to welcome the new year

Tots to Teens: Early events to welcome the new year

Also, check out some hat-and-mitten sets, personalised book crates and snuggle bibs for your little ones as well as events for exhausted mums

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Mother and daughter creating online content in a cozy kitchen

Pause before you post pictures of your children online

You may have fabulous footage of your children over the holidays but does it need to be shared with the whole world?

Mon, 29 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

Happy woman with Santa's drinking wine during Christmas lunch at dining table.

Should you give your teenager alcohol at Christmas?

The short answer is no, according to experts who point out that starting earlier increases the odds of heavier drinking

Tue, 23 Dec, 2025

Photo of cute tired sleepy boy pupil sleeping lying soft divan after school lesson apartment room interior indoors

Dr Phil Kieran: My sporty son says he feels tired all the time

Fatigue after an infection is pretty common, making it harder for parents to know what is normal and when they should be concerned

Tue, 23 Dec, 2025

Tots to Teens: Keep little hands and minds busy

Tots to Teens: Keep little hands and minds busy

Sit your little ones down over the next few days with pencils, markers, paints, or a tablet or laptop so they can then enter their designs in the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest

Tue, 23 Dec, 2025

Christmas morning joy

Colman Noctor: Children need our presence during festive season not a performance

When we manage expectations we can hopefully make room for what matters most: Presence, warmth, and connection

Tue, 23 Dec, 2025

Woman is sitting on sofa near christmas tree and is sad because of loneliness and lack of friends

Julie Jay: Having kids doesn’t make grief easier, but it helps keep you grounded

It is nearly impossible to believe my dad has been gone a year, but as much as the kids have kept me moving forward, they've kept me grounded in the present, too

Tue, 23 Dec, 2025

back view of an electric scooter rider. evening road

Richard Hogan: E-scooters for teens and mobiles for young children — a recipe for disaster

The best gift you could give your child this Christmas is the gift of parenting... not an e-scooter, writes Richard Hogan

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Tots to Teens: Last chance to visit festive wonderland

Tots to Teens: Last chance to visit festive wonderland

Last Christmas Magical Parade of 2025 is taking place in Killarney on Saturday, December 20, where the streets come to life with colourful floats, festive music, and beloved fairytale characters accompanied by Santa and his elves

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

Low angle view of young Caucasian woman volunteer in rubber gloves collect garbage squatting on coast. Concept of Earth Day and

Colman Noctor: Teaching children to choose kindness in a 'me first' world

If we want a society that bands together, we need to teach children to help others so that when they grow up they will know they are not alone, and that no one else should be either, writes Dr Colman Noctor

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025