Growing Pains

Child psychotherapist and best-selling author, Dr. Colman Noctor, joins ieParenting editor, Irene Feighan, to discuss the epidemic of anxiety among young people.  Colman offers guidance on recognising when anxiety goes beyond the norm and how to help your child through it.  He explains that while he does not buy into the notion that strength comes from adversity, there needs to be a balance between helping your child and letting them figure things out for themselves. 

Child psychotherapist and podcaster, Dr Joanna Fortune, joins ieParenting editor Irene Feighan to discuss the importance of 'playful parenting'. Play is a universal language and for young children, it is their main language and a way of interpreting the world around them. It is vital to their development, and parents must be ready and willing to get involved, says Fortune.Here, she offers tips on how to get the most out of play with your child.

Family psychotherapist and author Richard Hogan joins ieParenting editor Irene Feighan to talk about the difficult topic of bullying - online and in person. During the discussion, Hogan explains his novel concept of playing 'bullying school' with his children.  Whether your child is a bully or being bullied, there are ways for parents to understand, create an open dialogue, and help them deal with the situation.

Child psychotherapist and best-selling author Dr Colman Noctor and ieParenting editor Irene Feighan delve into the often-divisive topic of smartphones and social media.  There is no set rule for when children should have their own smartphone as technology is only as smart as the person using it, says  Noctor.  Children are exposed to the adult world - news, radical ideologies, pornography - due to their easy access to mass media. Parents must acknowledge this and talk with their children rather than bury their heads in the sand. 

Child psychotherapist and podcaster Dr Joanna Fortune joins ieParenting editor Irene Feighan to talk about dealing with a distressed child. Dr Fortune teaches the concept of going to A&E - acceptance and empathise. She also offers guidance on parenting a sensitive child and how to help them through the 'uh-oh' moments. 

Family psychotherapist and author Richard Hogan joins ieParenting editor Irene Feighan to chat about the impact that gaming and gaming culture have on children. Gaming can be more than a fun pastime for some. The World Health Organization has classified severe gaming as a new mental health condition. Here, Hogan talks about the signs of excessive gaming, setting boundaries, and not depending on games and devices to keep children occupied. If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast please click here for a list of support services.

Child psychotherapist Dr Joanna Fortune and ieParenting editor Irene Feighan talk about how parents need to prioritise their health and wellbeing. With so many responsibilities and worries, self-care and fun can be the first things parents drop. But Fortune says looking after your own needs helps you to be the best parent that you can be. Fortune also speaks to those struggling to cope with low stamina, isolation, and the everyday pressures that come with parenting.