Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook were down yesterday evening and it led to many people wondering if they could give up their apps completely. Earlier this year, Martha Brennan investigated whether it's possible to detach from social media, or if we're stuck in its addictive clutches for good

Labour finds itself stuck on 4% in polls, and despite Alan Kelly's probing presence in the Dáil, doesn't seem to be connecting with a public it alienated during its time in government

"I still don't have my head around it, but it's an unbelievable honour. It's something that I never thought would be possible."

Good morning everyone. Here's today's briefing from the early crew here on the Irish Examiner newsdesk.

Small actions can make a big difference in the lives of others 

As they negotiate the developmental stage between young childhood and the teenage years, tweens can struggle to come to terms with the complexity of life 

It's eyes on the rise now as Michael Bublé, Siobhán McSweeney and Barry McGuigan support Climb with Charlie

Outdoor play promotes children’s physical and emotional development

Raising a large family brings lots of challenges and rewards. Nicole Glennon talks to two mums about their hectic but happy home life

Generally, I would advise parents to stay out of their children's friendships, even the squabbles along the way, unless something teeters into bullying

GP Phil Kieran, dietitian Aoife Hearne, child psychotherapists Colman Noctor and Joanna Fortune and our team of writers are on hand to give the most up-to-date information

"As each child grows and develops, their needs change, significantly impacting how they feel about each other at different ages and stages."

"When talking with your children about sex, it pays to think through what you want to say and how you will say it in advance."

It's a busy month for publishers, with plenty of new books to suit all tastes 

Child psychotherapist Joanna Fortune has some advice for anyone who wants to support a disappointed student this week

'Generally, my advice is to avoid making food a battleground when it comes to food and children'

A reader whose son spends lunchtimes in the classroom asks for advice 

Too often we look at our children and lament how much they have changed when the onus is also on us to change

There are telltale signs a young person may be struggling with perfectionism

Is there something I should do to help him become more confident and less anxious?