Problem Solving and Talking Through Problems
The biggest problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply. Perhaps one of the biggest challenges when parenting teenagers is taking the time to listen properly. It is easy to jump in with our opinions, our solutions. That often just escalates an already difficult situation. Here are some ideas from John […]
Alcohol and the adolescent brain – a webinar with Professor Susan Tapert and The Alcohol Forum
Calling all parents of teenagers! Would you like to be able to help your teenagers to avoid getting involved with alcohol during their adolescent years? This webinar organised by the Alcohol Forum based here in Letterkenny gives you the chance to understand how the adolescent brain develops and the impact alcohol or cannabis use can […]
Parenting and the importance of liking your adolescent
This interesting article from Psychology Today looks at the complicated relationship between parents and teenagers Many parents value the importance of love but underestimate the power of liking. Source: Carl Pickhardt Ph.D. “Adolescence is the time when you and your child still love each other as always, but often don’t like each other as much.” So […]
Substance use and mental health during Covid19
Here is some excellent advice and information from Jigsaw about alcohol and substance abuse. The original is available at this link https://jigsawonline.ie/young-people/substance-use-and-mental-health-during-covid-19/?utm_source=CM&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Updates_7 and you can find lots of good advice, information and support on their website here https://www.jigsaw.ie/ Substance use and mental health during Covid19 Covid-19 has highlighted how our actions impact ourselves and the people […]
Fifty Key Messages – when your child or teenager won’t go to school
Sometimes young people refuse to attend school despite the best wishes of their parents. There are often underlying reasons behind the young person’s decision not to attend school and parents often feel powerless to help their child. If your child is refusing to attend school and you need support, contact us and an Educational Welfare Officer will […]
Fifty Key Messages – talking about anxiety
It is normal for our bodies to prepare us for challenges by giving us an increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, muscle tension, sweats, shakes and a feeling of butterflies in the stomach (this often happens when making a speech or doing an interview), this is anxiety. Anxiety is worry. It is an emotion that […]
Fifty Key Messages – tips if you suspect your child is being bullied or is a bully
Tips if you suspect your child is being bullied or is a bully. Unfortunately, bullying isn’t uncommon, and in some surveys up to 40 per cent of children report experiencing or being involved in bullying at school. Many children who are targeted are already marginalised or struggling. Up to half of those who are bullied […]
Fifty Key Messages – talking to your teenager about a problem
Talking is healing: Your older child might be happy to talk to you about things that are bothering them. However, sometimes they feel unable to talk to their parents. Encourage them to talk to someone they trust. Emotional Well-being: How a young person deals with the ups and downs of everyday life can have an […]
Fifty Key Messages – do you know who your teenager’s role model is?
Do you know who your teenager admires, who their role model is? Do they emulate their behaviour in any way, and how do you feel about that person’s behaviour and values? Teenagers select role models, whether good or bad, to emulate. As they strive to develop a sense of identity and purpose, role models become […]
Fifty Key Messages – children, teenagers and self harm
It can be a very worrying time for you as a parent when you suspect that your child or teenager is harming themselves. Self-harm means harming yourself as a way of dealing with emotional distress. Sometimes distressing problems may feel like they will never go away. It can seem that things will never get better. […]