PARENTING - ADVICE

A collection of the latest columns, analysis and opinion relating to the world of parenting and its unique challenges. Enjoy.

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Colman Noctor: 'When can our children get the chance to practise responsibility?'
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Aoife Hearne: My three-year old won't give up his bottle
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Joanna Fortune: How can I support my grandchildren through their parents' divorce?
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Colman Noctor: Tech is not just replacing play, it's making kids self-conscious about playing
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Dr Phil Kieran: How do I recognise signs of over-heating in my kids?
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

People, homosexuality, same-sex marriage, gay and love concept - close up of happy male gay couple hugging and holding rainbow f
Dear Dáithí: Teenage son has his first boyfriend... but the other guy's mother is being kept in the dark
It's an awkward situation, as I know this woman well, so do I tell her about the relationship?

Sun, 26 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

Silhouette Crowd people enjoying the concert, happy people jumping, a large group celebrating new year holiday, party background
Dear Dáithí: My teenage son wants to go to Greece for a post-Leaving Cert lads' holiday, and it worries me sick
My husband believes it’s a rite of passage, but I'm thinking of flying out there to stay nearby in case he needs me

Sun, 19 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

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

Picture of a tired young boy sleep on holidays
How to help children sleep in summer heat
Lighter evenings and warmer bedrooms can create unexpected challenges, especially for babies and young children who are sensitive to light, heat, or changes in routine. Sleep consultant Lucy Wolfe offers some advice on how to manage the heatwave

Fri, 10 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

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

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

Family enjoys an exciting soccer match together at home, celebrating every goal with joy and enthusiasm
Colman Noctor: World Cup creates rare opportunities for families to come together
Colman Noctor talks about the importance of family rituals and how to avoid a fragmented family

Tue, 23 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

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

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

Father & Baby on Couch
Richard Hogan: Burn-out is a frightening enemy for parents... here's how to beat it
I would ask all parents: What did you last laugh at... then urge them to do more of it

Wed, 10 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

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