PARENTING - SCHOOL CHILDREN

A collection of the latest articles relating to the world of parenting and its unique challenges in the school going years. Enjoy.

Parenting Podcasts Advice Fertility Pregnancy Baby Toddler Preschool School Children Tweens Teens Back to Parenting home page
3156116_1_org_Joanne_Fortune_Circle_headshot
Joanna Fortune: My teenager is refusing to talk to me after a big row
3156113_1_org_Colman_Noctor_Circle_headshot
Colman Noctor: Music helps teens hit the right note within themselves and with others
3156110_1_org_aoife_hearne_Circle_headshot
Aoife Hearne: My exam teens don't want to eat full meals
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

Mother and Child Sleeping in Heart Shape - Graphic Illustration
Julie Jay: Children's invasion of our bed has me missing the fabled pillow talk
After what feels like years of musical beds, I feel it is time to insist on mammy and daddy sharing a mattress

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

My Childhood with Jacqui Hurley: My parents ran one of those houses where the door was always open
S My Childhood with Jacqui Hurley: My parents ran one of those houses where the door was always open
The sports presenter on her early childhood in Australia, her lifelong love of sport, and how her parents instilled in her a lust for life and an openness to making the most of opportunities

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

Junior football team standing together
Colman Noctor: Win or lose, children's sport should be about having fun 
A competitive approach to team sports may benefit a small number of children but risks excluding many others

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

Getting a good night's rest
Dr Phil Kieran: My grandson is still wetting the bed at six 
Your grandson is still very much at an appropriate age for bedwetting, and chances are high this issue will resolve itself in the next year or so

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

My Childhood with Carl Mullan: 'I succeeded because I had mam and dad in my corner'
S My Childhood with Carl Mullan: 'I succeeded because I had mam and dad in my corner'
The 2FM Breakfast Show host on his struggles with confidence, falling in love with his wife in sixth class and the unwavering support of his parents 

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Happy mother spending time with her small kids at home.
Parents don't want to have a favourite — here's what to do if you appear to prefer one child
You love all of your kids deeply, but may feel closer to one. Instead of feeling ashamed, be more attentive to all of them, writes Helen O'Callaghan

Tue, 21 Apr, 2026

Kitchen magic
Julie Jay: It’s easy to think you know better from the sidelines of parenting
I once imagined a lot of baking in my parental future, but I'm not baking again with the children until one of them is old enough to go to the shop to buy the ingredients and to drive there

Tue, 21 Apr, 2026

Colman Noctor: Given the choice, I would choose life without ADHD
Colman Noctor: Given the choice, I would choose life without ADHD
However, I have found that surrounding myself with patient, compassionate people is crucial to my wellbeing

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

Frusrated redhead teenage boy after he lost the game while playing video games
Dr Phil Kieran: Are computer games the cause of my son's hand and wrist pain?
I appreciate that he may not be keen on this, but I would encourage him to look at the longer-term picture. 

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Grandparents Cuddling Granddaughter In Bed
What's expected of you as a new grandparent? Here are 12 things the experts recommend
Granny and grandad have years of parenting experience, but they need to resist the urge to take charge of their grandchildren

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Boy with chickenpox. Rash on child body close up
Julie Jay: Like lightning, chicken pox doesn’t strike twice — unless you’re very, very special
Number One has been in chicken pox quarantine all week and I don’t have the heart to tell him that, based on my own history of chicken pox, it might not be a one and done situation

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

My Childhood with Marty Morrissey: 'My father always said no son of his would fight for America'
S My Childhood with Marty Morrissey: 'My father always said no son of his would fight for America'
Marty Morrissey's childhood in New York instilled in him the American attitude he could be whatever he wanted to be, but it was his parents' steadfast support and his community in West Clare that set him on the path to fame

Sun, 12 Apr, 2026

My team mates
How to help girls stay in sport during their teenage years
Female participation in football and athletics often wanes in the teen years, despite the huge benefits of sport

Tue, 07 Apr, 2026

Girl Lying on Sofa with Stomach Ache at Home
Colman Noctor: Silence around menstruation leaves girls quietly isolated
While it is understandable for teens not to talk about their bodies, a stigma around periods can lead to silence, shame, or misinformation

Tue, 07 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

severe hand itching scratching. scary wound Itchy rash, allergies, fungal skin diseases
Dr Phil Kieran: My teenager got scabies on a camping trip
It is important to let your son know that he won’t be left with this rash forever, and the itch will pass

Tue, 07 Apr, 2026

BOTOX Botulinum Toxin Bottles on Black Background
Julie Jay: I’d have booked a Botox appointment had I known who I would meet at the school gate 
When it comes to trying new things, it is never easy no matter what age you are. Especially when you are surrounded by the ghosts of Christmas past and the last time you brushed your hair, Michael D Higgins was still president

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

My Childhood with Alison Spittle: I didn’t talk to Dad for a few years after the divorce
S My Childhood with Alison Spittle: I didn’t talk to Dad for a few years after the divorce
Comedian Alison Spittle tells Sharon Ní Chonchúir about her early life on the move with her parents before they settled in Westmeath, and how grateful she is to them

Tue, 31 Mar, 2026

Delicious cheeseburger with cola and potato fries on the wooden table. Fast food concept.
Aoife Hearne: How do I talk to my teen about her weight gain and snacking habits?
There is no doubt that you are dealing with a delicate situation

Tue, 31 Mar, 2026

School Yard Soccer Competition
Colman Noctor: Learning improves when children have opportunities to move more
For many children, particularly those with ADHD, the expectation to sit still and focus for extended periods is not just difficult, it conflicts with how their brains are wired

Tue, 31 Mar, 2026

'Teamwork is central': How rowing boats with Meitheal Mara boosts confidence
'Teamwork is central': How rowing boats with Meitheal Mara boosts confidence
Being part of a Meitheal Mara rowing crew helps teens develop skills and build an understanding of teamwork

Tue, 31 Mar, 2026

Row of colorful easter eggs on green grass bunny ears
Julie Jay: I won’t sugarcoat it — my children eat far too many sweet treats
Whether your kids are eating treats on the daily or indulging only on a Friday afternoon, ultimately we are all just out here doing our best as parents, and isn't that all that matters (my dentist might disagree)

Tue, 31 Mar, 2026

Latest

Logo ieFood
IE logo

Your digital cookbook

Lifestyle

Newsletter

Eat better, live well and stay inspired with the Irish Examiner’s food, health, entertainment, travel and lifestyle coverage. Delivered to your inbox every Friday morning.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited