Asking For a Parent

After being contacted by a member of the Mica Family Group I reached out to offer any help I could. These families have been living through a decade of uncertainty as their homes are crumbling and facing demolition due to defective blocks. I was struck by the stories of the children who have been affected by the Mica crisis. The stories of children too anxious to sleep at night for fear of their house caving in was heart wrenching. So I'm this episode I chat with parents, teachers and homeowners from the affected areas and try to offer any advice I could to help the children in these communities.   email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode I speak with Ciaran Fadden about his Emerald Soccer initiative which aims to support 'football for fun' and offers an alternative to the competitive streams currently available. Given the increasing problems with over-competitive nature children's sport and media stories about recent cancelations of games due to dissent from the sidelines etc. it is timely to consider different ways in which we can encourage children to continue participation in movement and activity.   This episode discusses lots of interesting topics about trying to get as many as possible playing for as long as possible.   Keywords: Childrens Sport, Competitiveness, Sport for Fun    email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

Children's Sport Episode of the Asking for a Parent Podcast with Shane Smith   The topic of children in sport is always one that contains some element of debate. When should we introduce competition into children's sporting activities? How de we keep children participating in sport for longer? Does competition ruin sport for some? Is winning as important to children as some people think? How important is 'game time'?   All of these questions and more are addressed in this month's episode of the Asking for a Parent Podcast, where we are joined by Shane Smith, Sports Scientist, Primary School Teacher and an Expert in Children's Sport and Coaching.   This is a brilliant episode with insightful discussions and lots of practical tips for parents, coaches and teachers.   Keywords Childrens Sport/ Competitive Culture/ Silent Sidelines/ Mental Health/ Participation  email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

This month I am joined by Irish Times Parenting Columnist Jen Hogan to answer your questions. This month we discuss the challenges of adjusting to the new school environment and the management of anxieties that are associated with that. We also discuss the challenges of 'finding your tribe' if the school environment is not providing it. We discuss separation anxiety in younger children and ways to manage over zealous coaches in the area of childrens sport.   Keywords: Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Children's Sport, Returning to School, Friendship Issues in teenagers   email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this weeks episode I chat with Allison about how things have been for her over the last number months. We also answer some really interesting questions where we look at managing disordered eating behaviour in teenagers, supporting a young person who is experiencing suicidal ideation and how to manage when a small child is mimicking the negative actions of others. We also discuss in detail how to help someone cope with Anxiety and provide practical tips on this topic. We also discuss the seriousness of agressive and violent bullying and how best to support a young person return to school in September following a difficult end to last term.  This is a great episode where we answer a lot of your questions   Keywords: Suicidality, Eating Rituals, Panic Attack, Childhood Copying Behaviour, Anxiety and Teenagers   email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode we talk to Minister Roderic OGorman about his role as Minister for Children, Inclusivity, Diversity and Youth.  He discusses what it was like growing up in Mullhudart and his journey into politics. He discusses the challenges of Ministerial duty in a Pandemic and discusses how the last 14 months have impacted Irish children.  He discusses the Summer of Play Initiative and his goals for the remainder of his term in office.  Keywords: young peoples, Minister for Children, lockdowns, pandemic and summer of play   email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this week's episode we speak to Prof Jim Lucey about how things have been for him over the last number months. Jim is a Prof of Psychiatry in TCD, Adult Psychiatrist and the author of the new book 'A Whole New Plan for Living'. He is also a parent of six and he fills us in on how challenging it has been with working from home over the last number of months and how he has coped. We also answer some really interesting questions where we look at managing aggressive behaviour in teenagers, supporting a child who is displaying early signs of an eating disorder, we discuss the complexity of ASD Diagnoses and how to support a teenager with a stammer. This is a great episode where we answer a lot of your questions Keywords: Eating Disorders, ASD, Stammer and Agressive Behavour   email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this 3rd of three episodes we interview young adults about their experiences of the last 12 months and what it has been like for them. The most effective way to improve your parenting approach is to better understand the world your young persons eyes. These three episodes are edits from a series of interviews with young people who honestly and insightfully share their experiences of living in a pandemic, first year in college, social isolation, dating and much much more. The young people also provide a report card on how the adults in their lives have done over the last year, identifying what worked well, and not so well. They provide insights into what they miss the most, what they're looking forward to post Covid and how it has impacted on them. This first episode has many voices of young adults aged 20-25 So don't miss this one it's a cracker! Keywords: young peoples voices, young adult perspectives, lockdowns, pandemic and dating   email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this weeks episode we speak to Dr Mary O Kane about how things have been for her over the last number months. Mary is a lecturer in Early Childhood studies and author of the new parenting book 'Perfectly Imperfect'. She is also a parent of three and she fills us in on how challenging it has been with the school closures, college from home and job losses over the last number of months and how she has coped. We also answer some really interesting questions where we look at managing obsessional behaviour in children, supporting a child who wants to become more independent and how to manage communicating the importance of the public health restrictions to a teenager who wants to mix with their friends. We also discuss in detail how to help someone cope with Panic Attacks and provide practical tips on this topic.  This is a great episode where we answer a lot of your questions Keywords: OCD, Obsessionality, Rituals, Panic Attack, Childhood Independence, Parental Control and Public Health Guidelines and Teenagers.   email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent    

In this second of three episodes we interview young people about their experiences of the last 12 months and what it has been like for them. The most effective way to improve your parenting approach is to better understand the world your child lives in, through their eyes. These three episodes are a edits from a series of interviews with young people who honestly and insightfully share their experiences of living in a pandemic, school closures, social isolation and much much more. The children also provide a report card on how the adults in their lives have done over the last year, identifying what worked well, and not so well. They provide insights into what they miss the most, what they're looking forward to post Covid and how it has impacted on them. This second episode has many voices of secondary school young people who describe the challenges of leaving cert, school closures and social isolation.   email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent  

In this weeks episode we speak to Eleanor Bermingham about how things have been for her over the last number months. Eleanor is a single parent of two children with autism and additional educational needs and she fills us in on how challenging it has been with the school closures over the last number of months and how she has coped. We also answer some really interesting questions where we look at managing bereavement in children, supporting a child with Dyspraxia and how to manage communicating those needs to the affected child. The pros and cons of labels are discussed and how we can help parents where sibling rivalry becomes an unmanageable issue. We also discuss in detail how to help someone cope with Panic Attacks and provide practical tips on this topic.  Keywords: Autism. ASD. Additional Educational Needs. School Closures. Bereavement. Dyspraxia. Sibling Rivalry and Panic Attacks  email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this first of three episodes we interview young people about their experiences of the last 12 months and what it has been like for them. The most effective way to improve your parenting approach is to better understand the world your child lives in, through their eyes. These three episodes are a edits from a series of interviews with young people who honestly and insightfully share their experiences of living in a pandemic, school closures, social isolation and much much more. The children also provide a report card on how the adults in their lives have done over the last year, identifying what worked well, and not so well. They provide insights into what they miss the most, what they're looking forward to post Covid and how it has impacted on them. This first episode has many voices of primary school children and some secondary school young people too. The following 2 episodes will focus more on teens and young adults. So don't miss this one it's a cracker! Keywords: young peoples voices, child perspectives, lockdowns, pandemic and school closures     email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode we welcome Ireland AM's very own Anna Daly to the podcast.    In this episode Anna talks about her experience of growing up in Dublin and her experiences of being parented. Anna talks is through her journey into broadcasting and becoming a parent. We also discuss parenting in a pandemic solutions to social interaction problems in childhood and managing playground politics. We discuss emotional dysregulation and supporting children with emotional development. We discuss the impact of school closures and lockdowns on children's social and emotional development and how they are learning social nuance in an abnormal world. Keywords: Parenting. Social Friendships. Resilience. Lockdown Parenting email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode we welcome Sarah Courtney Workplace Well-being Parent Coach. In this episode we discuss solutions to childhood anxiety, social interaction problems, emotional dysregulation and supporting children with irrational fears. We discuss the impact of school closures and lockdowns on children's social and emotional development and how they are learning social nuance in an abnormal world. We also discuss supporting a child with ASD to manage friendships. Keywords: Parenting. Social development. Friendships. Resilience. ASD, Lockdown Effects. email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode we welcome Senator Lynn Ruane to the podcast. In this episode Lynn discusses growing up in Tallaght and her childhood experiences of taking drugs and getting into trouble in her early teens. She discusses how she became pregnant at 15 years old and how becoming a mother in her teens impacted her life. She describes you she became involved in the addiction services and how this was a turning point in her life. Lynn discusses the important role her parents had in her life and trajectory. Later becoming the student union president and ending up in the Senate.  Lynn is keen to identify the important role others played in her success and the vital support she received.  Lynn talks about her question about encouraging her two girls to be independent thinkers, and the challenge that poses as a parent. She also discusses the concept of stepping back as a parent and creating an identity as a person again.   Keywords: Single Parenting. Addiction. Moderation. Resilience. Managing child independence email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

This week's guest on the podcast is Benji Bennett who is the author of the Children's Literary Series 'Adam'sCloud'. These books were inspired by Benji's son Adam who tragically passed away in 2007 at the tender age of 4 years old.   In this episode Benji tells us about the experience of losing Adam and the impact that the death of a child can have on families and communities. He talks honestly about the struggles and the things that helped him and his family get through it.   We discuss the importance of loss in terms of the last year and how we can all relate to the grief experienced through limited relationships and distance from loved ones and the inability to grieve as we normally would.   Benji's story is one of hope, and his philosophy of walk, read and love is really inspirational. We discuss the importance of the early years and the preciousness of time with our families. A really insightful episode not to be missed   Keywords: Loss , grief, bereavement, hope, resilience, early years email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this week's Listeners Questions I am joined by Allison Kasperski, who is the mother of a 4 year old and a colleague of mine in UCD. As we had no Listeners Questions Episode last week, this episode is jam packed with excellent questions and some really helpful discussions.  In this episode we discuss how to support a child who is anxious and unable to sleep due to fears of catching Covid 19. Given recent high profile media stories, we discuss how to keep children safe, without overly worrying them. We debate the pros and cons of choosing a school for your child and what are the important things to consider. We also discuss managing childhood tantrums and discuss in detail how to support a young person who is losing their motivation and enthusiasm for school work when they are engaging in remote learning. We talk about supporting Leaving Cert students as they prepare for their written and oral exams, supporting teenagers who have experienced major disappointment through the cancelation of events in the last year and finally we discuss the challenges of engaging a child in homework who is struggling to self-motivate. This week's episode is packed with sensible advice and practical tips to support you with the current parenting challenges.   email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode we welcome 2FM DJ and author Louise McSharry to the podcast. In this episode Louise discusses growing up in Ireland and later moving to the USA after the death of her father. She discusses how her childhood was impacted by addiction and how at age 7 she went to live with her adoptive parents. Louise then describes how she battled cancer in her 20s and how this impacted on her hopes of becoming a parent. She talks openly about the challenges of parenting and how being a mother to her two boys changed her outlook on life.  Louise speaks candidly about the impact of Covid 19, Lockdowns and School Closures on her family and how she has coped as well as discussing appropriate ways of managing misbehaviour in small children. This honest interview illustrates the challenges of family life and growing up in complex circumstances.  Keywords: Parenting. Addiction. Attachment. Cancer survivor. Managing Covid lockdowns. Resilience. Managing child behaviour. email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode we welcome The Ombudsman for Children in Ireland Niall Muldoon to the podcast. In this episode Niall discusses growing up in Donegal and later moving to the UK to fit infrastructure for piped television. He discusses how he gravitated to the world of Psychology and began working with Perpetrators of Sexual Abuse. He then describes how he applied and was successful in securing the role of Ombudsman for Children and how he began his second term just as Covid 19 struck. Niall speaks candidly about the impact of Covid 19, Lockdowns and School Closures on Children and this is illustrated in the amount of cases passing through his office. He speaks about the impact of the last year on children with additional needs, special educational needs, children in poverty and those in disadvantaged areas. Niall discusses how we need to progress into the future by listening to the voice of children and how his office is striving to provide better circumstances for Irish children post Covid. Keywords: Parenting. Children with additional needs. Managing Covid 19 lockdowns. Children's Rights. Educational provision, school closures and the voice of the child.   email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode we welcome Parent Coach Aoife Lee to answer your questions. In this episode we discuss supporting siblings of a child with additional needs and how to make them feel less forgotten about. We also discuss managing children's relationship with technology and television and share helpful tips to regulate their use of technology. We also discuss the issues of restricting food intake and over exercising over lockdown. There's been a lot of queries about this topic over recent weeks and we delve into this topic in this episode.  Aoife offers practical tips and advice to manage common parenting problems and lots of supportive guidance around understanding children's behaviour. Keywords: Parenting. Children with additional needs. Managing Covid 19 lockdowns. Eating Disorder. Regulating children's relationships with technology.     email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode we talk to comedienne, Presenter on Corks Red Fm and former member of the comedy trio CCCahoots. Laura is a mother of two small children and in this episode we discuss parenting in Lockdown. The challenges of homeschooling are also discussed. Laura is a uniquely funny person and this interview has some really useful parenting tips alongside some very entertaining humour. We discuss the importance of maintaining our ability to laugh and smile when things are so challenging just now.    This is an entertaining and insightful episode, packed with helpful tips and insights.   Keywords: Parenting. Working from Home. Managing Covid 19 lockdowns. Creativity and Humour. Resilience and Coping   email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode we talk to Author, Columnist, Ex Army Captain, campaigner and father of a child with additional needs Dr Tom Clonan. Tom generously shares his story about how he has managed periods of extreme stress in his life by engaging in resilience, grit and determination. Being a father of children across the age ranges Tom gives us insights into the complex world of parenting across the child and adolescent phases of life and caring and campaigning for the rights of people with additional needs.  In this episode, Tom shares his experience of surviving war zones and peace keeping missions and he discusses how these experiences compare to surviving in the Covid world. Tom also discusses his own experience of fighting for truth as he recalls his role as a whistleblower for the mistreatment of female soldiers in the Irish Armed Forces.  This is an entertaining and insightful episode, packed with helpful tips and insights. Keywords: Parenting. Additional Needs. Children's Rights. Working from Home. Managing Covid 19 lockdowns. Resilience and Coping.email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode we talk to Irish Times Columnist and mother of 7 children Jen Hogan about being a parent during Lockdown 3.  Jen generously shares her story about being a mother of 7 children across the age ranges and gives us insights into the complex world of parenting across the child and adolescent phases of life.   In this Listeners Questions episode, Jen and I discuss the questions, dilemmas and tribulations that have come into the emails this week which are very topical. We discuss the challenge of HomeSchooling, the issues around working from home. Supporting children with Covid anxiety, supporting Leaving Cert students through this uncertain times and the issues of school closures.  This is an entertaining and insightful discussion packed with helpful tips and some laughs thrown in too. Keywords: Parenting. Large Families. Working from Home. Managing Covid 19 lockdowns with older children. Home Schooling. School closures. email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode we talk to Scott Casson-Rennie about being a same sex parent. Scott generously shares his story about growing up in Scotland as a gay man and gives us insights into the complex world of adoption and more specifically the adoption process for same sex couples. Scott is the host of the “Fostering and Adoption Podcast” and is a long time advocate for same sex parents. In this episode, Scott discusses the dilemmas and tribulations that he and his partner experienced over the course of becoming parents and he also describes his own ways of surviving lockdowns for children  with additional and complex needs.  Scott discusses his experience of being a same sex parent in Ireland as he and his family negotiate the school and social system.  This is an excellent and insightful discussion packed with helpful tips and entertaining topics. Keywords: Same sex parents. Adoption and Fostering. Managing Covid 19 lockdowns with older children. Home schooling in a pandemic. Supporting children with additional needs    email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

This episode I am joined again by my sister Catherine Sharkey which you will remember from season one. In this episode we discuss some very topical issues like how do you manage to find space for yourself in a Lockdown. The need for 'me time' when we are living in the cabin fever type 'bubbles'. We also discuss the real pressures of juggling home schooling, parenting and working from home and how we need to prioritise the important things at the moment.    We have a really important discussion around the explanation and understanding of panic attacks and some strategies to help a child/ teenager who is having episodes of panic.   We also discuss the challenges of working from home, the particular stresses for the Leaving Cert cohort. Some questions around the emergence of teenage angst and hostility and how best to respond and manage this. We answer some interesting questions about childhood anxiety at night time and the differences sometimes observed in twins. The management of a child who does not want to wear trousers or long sleeved tops despite the temperature outside.   Keywords: Childhood Anxiety, Pandemic Parenting, Working from Home, Home Schooling / Emergency Education, Sleep problems and Panic Attacks.  email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

We kick off this season with an interview with Irish Sporting Icon and Olympian Derval O'Rourke. In this episode Derval discusses what it was like for her growing up in Cork as an elite athlete. She gives us insights into the competitive world of elite sports and her parents approach to managing her expectations and emotional well-being. Derval discusses the dilemma of surviving lockdowns with small children and the complexities of homeschooling and managing home and work. She also poses an interesting question about whether parents should post pictures of their children on social media.  Derval also discusses how we can work with competitive temperament in children especially when both parents are natural competitors.  Finally we discuss the management of the pandemic narrative with small children. How much should they know, how best can we keep them informed and safe. This is an excellent and insightful discussion packed with helpful tips and entertaining topics. Keywords: Children in Elite Sport. Sharenting / Posting pictures of your children on social media. Managing Covid 19 lockdowns. Home schooling in a pandemic. Supporting children with Covid anxiety. email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In light of the developments this week and today's announcements, we are expecting that a challenging Christmas has just gotten quite a bit more difficult.  In response to this and to reward our loyal listeners we have decided to record an extra bonus episode that will offer some practical advice around surviving uncertainty and maintaining mental fitness through the daunting weeks ahead.  This episode focuses on exploring the 4-7 principle as a means of developing strong coping strategies to negotiate challenging times. This episode focuses on how we can engage in practical self-help strategies to maintain our emotional wellbeing and Colman shares the nuggets of his 25 years of experience in the mental health field.  This episode teaches us the importance of self compassion, giving ourselves a break, managing expectations and staying balanced in a time of turbulence.  We would like to sign off the series by wishing listeners a happy Christmas and we will see you all again in January 2021 Keywords: coping skills, balance, uncertainty, anxiety, equilibrium, self care   email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this weeks episode I am joined by my sister Eleanor Bermingham. Eleanor has an interesting story to tell. As a parent of two children with Autism she has a lived experience of ASD, and her story is one of resilience, grit and perseverance.  Eleanor will help me to answer many of the questions which have come in about ASD and other different challenges. As the last episode of the series, we will recap on Series One and share the plan for season Two. And as our last episode before Christmas we will finish out with a song from an Irish Artist Ro Malone called ‘Home'. Keywords: Autism, ASD, Asperger Syndrome, Anxiety, Precocious Puberty, ADHD, Coping with Lockdown, Parental Self Care 

In this weeks episode I am joined by Shane Smith. Shane has over 10,000 Twitter followers because he is a Dad, a sports scientist, a Primary School Teacher and an Elite Sports Coach. Shane has a wealth of professional and life experience thats spans over the last few decades and in this episode he shares his wisdom with the Asking for a Parent Podcast.   Shane has some wonderful insights into children's sport and talks extensively about the drive for elitism, the exclusivity of some sports and the dangers of early specialisation. If you have only a vague interest in children's sport, I strongly you recommend you listen to this episode. Here Shane explains some of the errors of the past when it comes to promoting participation and how we can better help children to stay enjoying sport for longer.    Shane also discussed his own journey through life where setbacks only made him more resilient and focussed in his pursuit of his dreams. This final Parenting Interview is yet another episode that features a Dad's perspective but where there is something in this conversation for everyone.     Keywords: Participation and Fun in children's sport. Managing a child with sporting skills. Supporting a less skilled child to stay involved. Keeping children's sport child focused and not coach perspective email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this weeks episode I am joined by my Big Year in Big School co-anchor Dr Malie Coyne. Malie is a Clinical Psychologist, lecturer in NUIG, author of Love In, Love Out and mother of two daughters. In this episode we discuss the parenting dynamics involved in preparing for a Christmas in a Pandemic. Managing a child who is under eating and over exercising. Understanding Eating Disorders and control. We also discuss managing the transition to adolescence when your child becomes more hostile and distant. We also discuss Tic Disorders and seeking help with these challenges and supporting a child with ASD in the online world.     Keywords: Parenting a child with disordered eating. Transitioning to adolescence. Tic Disorders. Preparing for a Covid Christmas. ASD.     email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this weeks episode I am joined by Newstalk's Susan Keogh as we discuss her parenting journey. We discuss the parenting dynamics when you have one child. We discuss the concept of supporting children to be independent and resilient. We discuss the challenges of childhood friendships and the issues of potential exclusion from groups.    We also discussed the ways in which we can support young children to prepare for the world of technology and social media. Exploring how to prioritise the important internal variables and not sweat the small stuff.    Keywords: Parenting an only child. Supporting resilience in childhood friendships. Preparing a child for the world of technology and social media   email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this weeks episode I am joined by Parenting support founder Aoife Lee to help answer all your questions. In this episode we talk about the preparation for a Covid Christmas.    We also discuss many topics including how to manage toddler tantrums and misbehaviour. We talk about Childhood anxiety and supporting children through friendships when betrayal and disrespect is evident. Alongside a discussion about keeping a child with learning needs engaged in school.    We talk about ways to challenge Negative Automatic Thinking, the importance of self esteem when it comes to relationships and the emotional challenges of dyslexia.    In this episode Aoife and I discuss the challenges of parenting during times of stress and how to manage our expectations when we feel overwhelmed.    Keywords: Managing Toddler Tantrums. Supporting anxious children. Helping children with Dyslexia and other learning needs. Supporting resilience in friendships and Negative Automatic thinking.    email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this weeks episode I am joined by Columnist Sarah Carey. In this episode we discuss many topics including how ones own parenting experience impacts on our eventual parenting style. We discuss ways of maintaining our mental health during Covid 19.    We discuss how order of birth can impact on children's personalities. The challenging transition to secondary school. Negotiating the complex landscape of children's sport.    Supporting anxious children who ruminate over little things. Raising teenagers and managing children of different ages.   Keywords: Raising teenagers. Transitioning to secondary school. The contention of school lockers. Supporting anxious children    email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this weeks episode I am joined by PSI President Mark Smyth. In this episode we discuss many topics including parenting in a pandemic. The mental health impact of Covid 19. Utilising discipline with small children. Supporting a child with Selective Mutism. Supporting teens to have better relationships with technology. The stress of homework and workload.    Understanding behaviour from the perspective of the child. Trying to support children after an incident of extended family fallout. The parenting challenge of raising boys who engage in overly boisterous play and mastering the feelings of being cooked up at home during lockdown.   Keywords: Homework overload. Gaming and technology. Discipline and small children. Emotional Regulation. Selective Mutism. Boisterous play and parenting in lockdown email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this weeks episode I am joined by Ireland AM's lovely Laura Woods. In this episode we discuss many topics including Laura's experience of growing up as an only child. She also discusses the parenting challenge of raising boys and mastering the balance between being fair and equal but also acknowledging their individuality when they earn reward or sanction. We also discuss the challenges of managing children of different ages when it comes to video games and different activities.   We also discuss the balancing act of scheduling extra curricular activities for children and knowing how much is too much when it comes to involving children in sports and groups.   Keywords: Only Child, Parenting Boys, Dealing with equality and difference in parenting. Deciding on how many extra curricular activities are enough for young children.  Don't forget, if you have any parenting questions and would like to get in touch you can do so via email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this weeks listeners questions episode I am joined by my sister Catherine Sharkey where we discuss many topics that have been sent into the Asking for a Parent Podcast. We discuss the challenges of parenting teens who have become vampires over lockdown, sleeping all day and awake all night. We answer an interesting question about managing the role of step-parent.  We explore what to do to manage an overly attached 4 yr old who's struggling in lockdown. We explain how tummy pains can be used as a means of trying to get out of going to school.   We discuss the issue of child to parent hostility and the complexities of parenting adult children. And we discuss a number of questions about how staff can manage while working in an early childhood environment.   We conclude the show by demonstrating ways in which we can maintain some balance in our lives so as to do the best we can to maintain our mental well-being in these messed up times.  Don't forget, if you have any parenting questions and would like to get in touch you can do so via email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode we take a different direction and talk to a father about his experience of parenting in the pandemic.  This weeks guest is RTE Radio One's host of Rising Time, Shay Byrne.    In this episode we discuss the challenges for parents of children who have missed out on core aspects of their experiences as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. Where Shay discusses how his children missed out on Transition Year, Irish College and a Confirmation. We discussed the ways in which we as parents discuss disappointment when things don't go to plan and how this year we have had to become adept at that skill.   Shay also talks about his own childhood and tells some humorous stories about his experience of growing up and how he followed his ambition and heart into a career in media. We also discuss the pressure on parents to put expectations on children and how this can sometimes jar with out own value system.    Shay also discusses his role as a funeral celebrant and we discuss the complexities of loss and grief. We also discuss the thorny issue of how best to introduce teenagers to have healthy relationships with alcohol and ways in which we as parents can manage societal expectations in these challenging times.     Don't forget, if you have any parenting questions and would like to get in touch you can do so via email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

The volume of questions we have received about parenting challenges that involve children with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) has been considerable.  In light of this, we have decided to stockpile the themes of these questions and dedicate this episode to this topic. Given the complexity of ASD, I decided to ask an expert guest to join me to discuss the issues. Miriam Kenny is the parent of a child with Autism, and she set up the “Involve Autism” organisation which campaigns for educational provision for children with ASD.    In this episode we discuss the challenges for parents of children with ASD and answer the questions that have been sent to the Podcast. We discuss ways to support children with ASD. Managing parental differences in managing ASD. We also discuss the deficits in services and how best to engage in meaningful inclusion, integration and understanding.    Miriam offers and unique understanding of how the world is experienced as a parent of a child with ASD and she describes support services and strategies to help both the parent and child navigate the social landscape. Even if you are not directly connected to a child with ASD, chances are that you know a child in your own child's class or a neighbour's child or a relative with ASD. This episode aims to highlight the ways in which we as parents, schools and communities can help to make meaningful change in terms of inclusion and integration of children with social communication challenges.   Don't forget, if you have any parenting questions and would like to get in touch you can do so via email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent    

In this episode Mairead and I talk about coping as a parent through the pandemic and Lockdown 2.  We go on to discuss how our experience of being parented has an impact on how we become parents ourselves. Mairead discusses the challenge of raising children with long age gaps between them, and wonders about the different parenting approaches to boys and girls, sons and daughters.   We discuss the challenge of deciding when and how we introduce our early teen to technology and social media. We discuss the strengths and risks of introducing technology too early or too late and explore how we can encourage a child to have their voice and nurture their self-worth.    Keywords: Surviving Lockdown 2, Parenting Boys and Girls, Blended families, introducing children to Social media and nurturing self worth Don't forget, if you have any parenting questions and would like to get in touch you can do so via email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode Petrina Tighe and I answer the questions submitted by listeners. We talk about coping as a parent of teenagers through the pandemic and the importance of cutting them some slack. We answer questions about managing sibling rivalry and supporting healthy sibling relationships when sharing and compromise is difficult.    We also have an interesting discussion about responding to parental separation where the one parent is attempting to alienate the other.    Following on from our episode with Alison Curtis, who spoke really candidly about losing both of her parents in her teens.  We answer questions about supporting children through grief and loss.    We then discuss knowing when to refer a child to receive professional help. Colman speaks honestly around the deficits within the national systems of support and helps parents to access the correct service to support their child.   We talk about supporting non-sporty children who struggle to make friends and discuss the importance of helping them to find their tribe. This is followed by a discussion about how to promote self-worth in children if the parent themselves has poor self worth in themselves.    Colman finishes the episode by talking openly about his own parenting challenges.    Keywords: Supporting teens in Lockdown, sibling rivalry, Grief and Loss, parental separation, when to seek professional help, and supporting parents who have poor self worth. Don't forget, if you have any parenting questions and would like to get in touch you can do so via email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode Today FM's Alison Curtis talks to me about coping as a parent through the pandemic and managing the independence and responsibility of a child as they get older. Alison also speaks really candidly about losing both of her parents in her teens and how she developed resilience in the face of this loss.  Alison also gives some poignant insights into what it's like to grow up as a twin and be the parent of an only child. We also discuss weaning back control as your child gets older and trying to get the balance between being protective enough but also allowing the child to develop and grow.  This interview hits on so many important topics and Alison's honesty and insights are truly meaningful and inspirational. Keywords: Anxiety and Control in small children. Twins. Grief for teenagers. Parental involvement in children's friendships and managing positive messaging with your children.    Don't forget, if you have any parenting questions and would like to get in touch you can do so via email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode Tamara Nolan and I answer the Listeners Questions that have come in since the last episode. Topics such as managing Covid related Anxiety, (particularly with small children who develop anxiety around attending school and being away from parents). We also discuss the contemporary issue of parenting ‘vampires', i.e. young adults who stay up all night and sleep all day. We discuss the challenges of managing the attention economy when you have a child with chronic illness and the concept of parental guilt. The complexities of adolescent friendships are also discussed alongside protecting teenagers self worth. The theme of protecting children's development without overwhelming them of disabling their independence. We also talk about understanding self-harm and approaching anxiety related bed wetting.  Don't forget, if you have any parenting questions and would like to get in touch you can do so via email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent

In this episode I chat with Ireland Am's Karen Koster about managing Covid 19 Lockdown with small children. She discusses the challenges of managing the attention economy when you have 3 children under 7 years old. We also discussed parental guilt, managing our own responses, the myth of the robotic parent, the task of regulating children's emotion, the difference between banter and bullying, when horse play gets out of hand and the importance of language and the 4-7 Principle. Karen talks openly about becoming a working mother, maintaining individual identity and keeping the fun in family relationships.  Don't forget, if you have any parenting questions and would like to get in touch you can do so via email : askingforaparent@gmail.com  twitter : @Asking4aParent instagram : asking_for_a_parent      

Need to understand of the meaning behind a child's behaviour? The ‘Asking for a parent' podcast will describe the most common and complex child rearing challenges and provide better ways for listeners to understand a child's behaviour. This is a conversational podcast with  ‘real world' solutions and takes into account parental pressures.  Listeners can send in their own questions or worries by emailing askingforaparent@gmail.com about their child or indeed about their own mental health concerns and these will be addressed where possible. About the author / presenter Dr Colman Noctor is a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and has working with families with mental health difficulties for 25 years and has a wealth of international experience. Colman does not describe himself as a ‘parenting expert' as he believes the concept doesn't exist. Colman's advice and suggestions are based on his knowledge of the emotional, psychological and behaviour of children and the learnings he has achieved from working with families for the last 25 years.