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Help Your Child To Problem Solve – It’s a Life Skill!November 12, 2025Home Life / Homepage DisplaySolving problems is such an important life skill and one that we are constantly striving to perfect throughout life. As parents, we can sometimes take this responsibility out of our children’s hands. Sometimes it seems easier to solve their problems for them. We can feel like it’s our job, our responsibility. It helps them and makes their lives easier and often our own lives are simpler if we just do it ourselves. But this is not always the best option for our children and it is important that they learn and practice problem solving skills from a young age so that they can become confident in their ability to solve problems throughout their lives.
So how can parents help their children learn this vital life skill? Try to turn problem solving into a game and make it fun. Your children could become “detectives” trying to solve their problems. When your child has a problem help them to generate lots of ideas about what they could do so that they have a number of choices. Make it personal for them if you can. Ask them if they have ever had a problem like this before and what they did then or maybe their friend had a similar experience, what did they do?
Allow them the time to explore each solution. For example they could act it out for you or draw pictures. It doesn’t have to be complicated – just ask them to show you. This process helps children to have an awareness of the possible consequences of each solution. When exploring possible solutions help your child to figure out which might be the best one by asking them is it fair? Is it safe? Does it lead to good feelings?
Investigate the feelings that each solution generates with them. Naming feelings is important for children so that they can learn to self regulate and learn better responses. Prepare your children for the possibility that their solution might not work. Ask them what they will do next if it doesn’t.
The best way to teach our children these skills is to model them. Talk through the process of solving some of your own problems aloud. Include the steps of generating ideas, exploring which one would be best, considering feelings and planning for the possibility that your first solution might not work. Use stories, puppets, drawing and role play so that children can learn this skill and practice it over and over, enabling them to refine and perfect their problem solving abilities.
This article was contributed by a member of Parenting Limerick. Parenting Limerick is a network of parenting and family support organisations. [...]
Temper TantrumsNovember 12, 2025Pre-School Age / ToddlersAs most parents will probably tell you, they have gone through any number of embarrassing situations where their little angels have burst out in the most almighty of tantrums in the middle of the supermarket or parking lot, or anywhere where there’s lots of people present to witness the event.
This is a particularly stressful event for parents. We can be embarrassed, frustrated, even angry. But what we need to realise is that a toddler tantrum is not about us or our feelings, it is all about the feelings going through our child’s mind at that time and how they are expressing it.
Some tantrums are simply about the child wanting to push boundaries perhaps to get an additional treat/toy/game. By trying to see things from the child’s perspective, it is much easier not to take tantrums personally.
Things to remember during a tantrum
Wherever the tantrum takes place, either at home or outside it is important to try and remember these important elements:
By having a tantrum, a child is letting us know that something has upset them or frustrated them. They could simply be tired, hungry or bored and because of this, are more irritable.
Young children, especially toddlers, have not developed the verbal skills and abilities to let us know what is going wrong in a calm manner, so they let all the feelings out the only way they know how.
Regardless of the reason for the outburst, it has strong meaning for the child even if it seems like a very trivial thing to us.
Toddlers and young children have to learn how to regulate their emotions and how they express them, so they need to learn by example from others, especially from their parents.
Children learn from the adults around them
This last point is important for all parents to note. We are the main focal point for our children to learn from. Children see how we react to different things and learn these reactions from us, so we have a very important role to play. How we react to a toddler’s tantrum can influence how any future tantrums are successfully dealt with.
When exploring parenting skills, regardless of where those skills are applied, there are some key points to remember:
When our child gets angry, we need to remain calm, regardless of how they are acting.
Consistency is key in any parenting situation. As parents we need to try and keep our reactions consistent so our children learn to expect the same reaction again and again.
By keeping calm and consistent, our children learn to react in a similar fashion and will develop this skill set for themselves.
The opposite is true also. So if we react to a toddler’s tantrum by shouting, or dragging our child away or perhaps even slapping them, then the only lesson they learn is that “In a frustrating situation, the first option is to react negatively or even aggressively”.
Where parents keep calm in any frustrating situation, children learn to remain calm themselves and will also feel safe and protected by this level of consistency. In the long term this will make the child far more likely to express themselves positively.
Parenting Skills
Parenting is not a science. It is a series of trial and error. Our children are unique individuals and so we have to adapt to their needs whilst also keeping our parenting skills as positive as possible. It would be wonderful to be able to write a specific set of guidelines that applied to all children in a tantrum situation, but realistically we have to work out a lot for ourselves in terms of how best to respond to our children’s needs.
What we can be sure of however are three simple points:
Consistency
Repetition
Certainty
These three points are the basis of any type of positive parenting.
Tips for Parents/Guardians/Carers
Keep how you react in a certain situation the same once you have found a positive system that works.
We all learn by repetition rather than in just “one off” situations. So remember your child learns in this way too, so you will have to repeat what you do many times before your child begins to understand this is how you react and how we should react generally.
Once consistency and repetition are achieved then this gives the child a feeling of certainty. A confidence in how their parents will react, and even a feeling of safety in this realisation. Once a child feels safe and listened to, then they will react more and more positively as they grow.
Prevention is better than cure: Know your toddler, while it is important for each child to face challenges, know your child’s limits, look for and be aware of triggers.
Create diversions/ Distract
Choose your battles/ Ignore minor issues
Say No and mean it – stick to it. Do not reward the tantrum.
Don’t give in to embarrassment – Know that any parent that sees you with a toddler having a tantrum will empathise because we have all been there!
Give children positive choices. Finally, parents need to remember that we are not infallible. We will make mistakes, but we will learn from them too. And once we can display a positive reaction to any situation, our children will learn this skill too.
Provided by “ISPCC” Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children www.ispcc.ie [...]
Temper Tantrums – Top TipsNovember 5, 2025Homepage Display / ToddlersAcknowledge their emotions
When children are experiencing a temper tantrum, they are typically not able to understand their emotions. Therefore, it is vital to name these feelings for them. Something as simple as ‘You are really sad that we have to clean up the toys now. We can play again later’ can make a big difference.
Stay calm
Temper tantrums can be scary for both adult and child. If you can stay calm you give your child the message that you can handle their emotions and this will help them to feel calmer.
Catch them being good
It’s important to praise and pay attention to the behaviours that you want to see more of.
Stick to your rules
Follow through on the boundaries and limits which you put in place.
Be Kind
While it is important to put boundaries in place, you should still be kind when doing so. You could say, for example, ‘I understand that you are upset. It can be hard not getting what we want, but you’re not allowed any sweets right now’.
Find out the reason behind the tantrum
Are they hugely distressed? Are they able to argue with you? Are there tears?
Stay with them
It is important to stay with your child when they are experiencing a tantrum so that you can help them manage their distress.
Provide prompts and warnings for transitions
Tell children about upcoming changes, for example ‘we’re leaving the swings in five minutes’.
Play with your child
Schedule time to sit down and play with your child.
Take time out for yourself
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
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Temper TantrumsNovember 5, 2025ToddlersTemper tantrums are extreme outward expressions of a child’s feelings. As many of you might already know, they can be scary for both children and parents. Although it may not feel this way in the moment, temper tantrums are actually positive as they are teaching a child’s brain how to manage stress in later life. As parents, you have a wonderful opportunity in supporting your children to do this.
There are two types of temper tantrums; Distress Tantrums and Little Nero Tantrums. Distress Tantrums do exactly what they say on the tin. During a Distress Tantrum, a child is experiencing huge emotional upset. They can be triggered by feelings of disappointment, loss, or frustration. Little Nero Tantrums are about a desire to control something, which is very typical in young children.
Distress Tantrums
During a distress tantrum your child will be hugely upset, the verbal and thinking functions of the brain become hijacked and all they can do is express their emotions (AKA scream and cry). This is vital to remember because it means that any attempts at reason and/or to rationalise events are a waste of your time; they also do nothing to soothe your child. Young children are not able to access the part of their brain that helps them think during these temper tantrums as the connections between parts of their brains are still developing. During a distress tantrum, the best way to de-escalate the situation is to comfort your child, label their feelings, and avoid punishing them for their display of emotions. It is important to remember this is genuine distress for your child and if you meet them with empathy and understanding you will be helping to develop their brain’s stress regulation systems.
Little Nero Tantrums
In contrast, when a child is having a Little Nero Tantrum, they will not experience deep despair or anguish. They are able to talk and express themselves as they do not have stress chemicals flooding their brain. These tantrums are usually seen when a child does not get their own way. While it is important to always acknowledge your child’s feelings, you must also stick to your boundaries or rules. The message you are trying to convey is that you won’t give into their demands but you also care about their feelings and understand this situation is difficult for them. If you give in during a Little Nero tantrum you are in danger of teaching your child that the more of a fight they put up the more likely you are to give in. Phrases such as ‘I know you are really mad at mammy and that’s ok but you are not allowed another biscuit’, allow you to stick to your boundaries while labelling and validating their emotions. Try to eliminate the option of ‘no’ for your child. To do this introduce choice between two equally acceptable options. For example ‘would you like to brush your teeth before or after your bath’ or ‘would you like to put your hat or your coat on first’?
This article was contributed by a member of Parenting Limerick. Parenting Limerick is a network of parenting and family support organisations. [...]
Top Tips for Helping your Teen Stay HealthyNovember 5, 2025TeenagersProvide Lots of Healthy Food and Snacks. Many teenagers have voracious appetites-it may feel like a full time job keeping them fed. If you have lots of filling, healthy snacks on hand (think fruit, cut up vegetables, hummus and pita, wholegrain bagels and peanut butter, wholegrain pasta with tomato sauce), they will be more likely to reach for these than fill up on junk
Get Active Together. If your teens see you leading a healthy, active lifestyle, they will be more likely to follow suit. Ask your teen to join you on an evening walk—they might surprise you and actually come, and this can be a great way to connect
Communicate and Share Information. Many parents find it challenging to discuss some issues, such as sex and drug and alcohol misuse, with their teens. The reality is that teens who can communicate openly and honestly with their parents about these issues tend to make better, healthier choices. So, get in the habit of talking about these issues openly and honestly.
Help Them Build Resilience. Teenagers are under a lot of pressure from school, friends, social media, etc., and many teenagers are struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Developing positive coping strategies can help teenagers manage these pressures and improve their overall well-being. Explore things like exercise, diet, meditation, yoga, breathing, mindfulness, etc. with your child and help them find a strategy that works for them. [...]
Communication in ConflictNovember 5, 2025Homepage Display / TeenagersCommunication in Conflict
Imagine your older child or teenager arrives home two hours later than you had agreed. How do you feel? How do you respond? When we are angry, we might snap and raise our voice, which can cause unnecessary distress in relationships. When we are sad, we might tend to avoid “that” conversation, thus letting strong feelings and tension develop.
Here are four steps to more effective communication with older children and adolescents.
Focus on the Problem:
We’ve all been there: we get swept up in the upset and we lose focus. Suddenly, it’s not just about coming home late. It’s also about that permanently untidy bedroom, or the time your child fought with their sibling a few days ago. When we are feeling annoyed and frustrated, these other issues may come to mind. However, bringing these issues into the conversation makes us look like we are on the attack. Instead, try focussing on the one problem at a time. It is a more effective way for you and your child to problem solve the issue together.
Know When to Take Time Out
When it comes to timeouts, we tend to think they are only for children. But stepping away from an escalating conflict is also a very effective tool for parents. It allows you to ground yourself, think more clearly and focus on solving the problem, instead of yielding to strong emotions which may cloud your ability to problem solve. For example, you can say, “I am feeling very angry at the moment and think it would be a good idea to take a break. We can continue this when we are both feeling calmer”. Alternatively, you could introduce a code word to express this that both you and your young person understand.
It is important to remember that a time out is not avoiding the conflict. Both you and your child should return to the discussion when the big feelings subside and you have considered the situation calmly. Talking things through calmly can lead to a healthier solution, and avoid the added stress of arguing.
Reflective Listening:
Reflective listening is when you hear and interpret what the other person has said, and reflect it back to them in your own words. For example, “so what you’re saying is, you are late coming home because you missed the bus” or “so what I am hearing is that you don’t care that we had agreed a curfew for you tonight”. Reflective listening is a very helpful way to check you clearly understand the other person’s viewpoint, instead of focusing on what you are going to say next. Conflict can be resolved more effectively when both people are listening to each other. Also, the other person can clarify what they are intending to say and feel heard and understood.
Use “I” Statements:
Blame is a tricky pattern during a disagreement. We point out behaviours or characteristics that we do not think are helpful and we blame the person for how they make us feel. For example, “you are always late and you never care about the rules”. This can feel like an accusation and is likely to make your child feel defensive. An “I” statement would be: “I feel angry when you come home later than agreed”. Here, we are sharing our feelings and taking responsibility for them ourselves, while also explaining what has triggered this feeling.
As a final thought, consider that problem solving is a shared responsibility. If we are really mad, doing all of the talking and not listening, we are not doing our part in problem solving. But if we are calm, listening carefully and expressing how we feel without blame, it is more difficult for someone to escalate a disagreement. These are very healthy skills to model to our young people as they grow up and experience their own conflicts and interpersonal challenges.
This article was written by HSE Primary Care Child and Family Psychology Services, a member of Parenting Limerick. [...]
How to help your young child adjust to the clocks going backOctober 14, 2025Homepage Display / Quality Time‘Spring forward and fall back’ is always welcome in the Autumn when that extra hour in bed for one Sunday morning is worth its weight in gold…unless you’re a parent of young children. Sunday 26th October, the clocks with go back an hour. Dawn wake-ups are barely manageable in the summer even though the light makes it feel that the day has started. Starting your day at 5.30am on dark, windy October mornings is just cruel. It’s a double whammy of injustice when you don’t have the luxury of making yourself a coffee for fear that the noise of the kettle or machine will wake the other (sleeping for now) child. When you’re having lunch at 11am and longing to crawl into your bed by 4pm, maybe it’s time to tweak bedtime routines.
Babies and toddlers thrive on routine. The hour change can affect their little circadian rhythms for anything up to two weeks and they need a little help with that adjustment. From Sunday morning you’ll probably find that your baby or toddler wants to go to bed at what is now an hour earlier. Logically then, they are waking an hour earlier. Anybody with an over-tired, over-wrought little one who wants to sleep at tea-time knows that this is dangerous territory. If they nap, they won’t go down for the night until all hours and if they don’t, you may both end up howling from exhaustion!
To minimise the impact on routine, the easiest solution may be to stretch out bedtime by just 15 minutes a night, and do this every night for 4 or 5 nights until your baby is going to bed at their regular time. So last week, their bedtime was 7.30pm but this week they are really fussy and tired at 6.30pm. Start the bedtime routine (i.e. bath, feed, story and cuddle) at 6pm and put them down at 6.45pm. The next night, at 7pm and so on until you’re back to the old time. This should be reflected in later waking times, in 10 to 15 minute increments each morning. It’s hard but you’ll get there! Just try not to pick them up the minute they wake. If you let them self-settle, they may drift back to sleep. If they are fussy, take them back into bed with you and explain that it’s dark outside so everybody stays in bed until the sun comes up. If you start reading, singing or playing, your little one will take their cue from you and jump straight into awake mode.
The above advice generally works for children up to the age of about 7 or 8. For older children, the mid-term break from school means that their routine is probably pretty loose this week so bedtimes are a moveable feast. Try to start winding it back by Friday night, so that the first day of school isn’t harder than it needs to be. As ever, encourage books over screens as a way to wind down and keep a consistent ‘lights out’ time. As adults, we can often have difficulty with bedtime boundaries ourselves (the curse of our phones!) so it’s really important that we help children develop good bedtime routines and general structures around their sleep.
This article was contributed a member of Parenting Limerick. [...]
Supporting Your Child’s Sensory NeedsOctober 10, 2025Home Life / Homepage DisplayWhat is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing is the ability to take in, sort out and make use of information from our environment. All activities in life involve the processing of sensory information. Information is received through all our senses, including vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell. Sensory processing also includes our movement and balance, our awareness of our body and its location as well as our awareness of our inner body cues.
We all have sensory preferences. Individuals can be over-responsive or under responsive to sensory information. Whether a child is over-responsive and/or under responsive to sensory input, the primary goal is to support and accommodate their sensory needs within their environment to promote their participation in daily activities. Failing to recognise and support these needs is likely to impact on learning emotions and behaviour.
Understanding Your Child’s Sensory and Emotional Needs
Behaviour is how a person reacts in response to things happening inside them (thoughts or feelings) and outside of them (their environment). As adults we often have the ability to tell others if something is bothering us or to identify and communicate if we have a specific need. Children are still developing the capacity to effectively identify and verbalise their needs. As such their communication is often done through their behaviour. As parents, sometimes our child’s behaviour can be confusing to us, making it difficult to see the underlying need, and this can be challenging.
Sometimes a child’s behaviour may be indicating an emotional need (for example overwhelm, anxiety, sadness, anger, happiness, a need for connection) or a physical need (for example hunger, tiredness, illness). Other times their behaviours may be letting us know that they are under or over responsive to sensory information in their environment. For example, you may observe a pattern where your child’s behaviour and emotions become dysregulated in environments where there is a lot of noise and bright lights or strong smells. This is not always easy to figure out but when we do so it allows us to identify the child’s sensory preferences and therefore support their sensory needs.
Supporting Your Child’s Sensory and Emotional Needs
Ensuring a good routine to support adequate sleep as well as a good diet and exercise help support physical wellbeing. Providing time for fun, connection and play with parents and others can fill their emotional cups. Ensuring that there are rules and boundaries that are clear and enforced with warmth and love are also important factors in helping children feel safe.
When we can step back, give ourselves space and time to calm and think about our child’s behaviour, then we can begin to come up with possible reasons to understand why it is happening. This can help us be more understanding and empathetic. We can help our children learn to identify and manage their own emotions by repeatedly providing them with co-regulation. Co-regulation is a warm and responsive interaction where parents help label and validate their child’s emotions by connecting with them and soothing their distress. We need to maintain boundaries, but we can also help with the difficult feelings that come with the upsets and challenges of life. The trickiest part of this can be recognising our own emotions and ensuring we stay calm and can respond and support our children in a warm and kind way.
Top Tips
Fill your child’s cup. Children need their ‘emotional cups’ filled daily, meaning they need to receive sufficient amounts of attention, affection, and security. When their cup is empty, children can be more prone to experiencing difficulties with their emotions and behaviours. It is important to incorporate daily, uninterrupted, one-to-one time together, where you follow your child’s lead, allowing them to choose what they would like to do or talk about with you.
Manage your own emotions. When your child becomes overwhelmed, has big feelings or becomes dysregulated from the sensory input from their environment, it is important to try to manage your own emotions and stay calm. Check in with yourself, and notice how you are currently feeling, before responding to your child. Being aware of these things, help you to tune into your child’s behaviours and understand the need they are trying to communicate with you.
Parental self-care. Parental self-care is vital to ensure that parents are best equipped to respond effectively to their child. When we don’t understand our child’s behaviour it can be difficult, and so it is important that parents ensure their own needs are being met. You can’t pour from an empty cup!
Identify appropriate supports. If your child’s behaviour is communicating some sensory needs or preferences, then you can put certain supports in place to help them get through their day. For children who experience hypersensitivity, one must consider sensory input from the child’s environment and how accommodations can be put in place to support the child, for example, creating a calm space to help them to regulate and lower their arousal from the overwhelming sensory input from their environment. For children with hyposensitivity, items like fidget toys, heavy work activities and visual timers can be helpful. It is important to keep in mind that each child is an individual, some trial and error may be required and there is no one size fits all strategy.
Link with your GP: If your child is presenting with sensory needs and behaviours that are impacting on daily functioning, you and your child may benefit from professional support. Speak with your GP, who will be able to sign-post you to the most appropriate support.
This article was contributed by Written by Miranda Comar, Psychology Assistant (Primary Care Child and Family Psychology Service, St Camillus’ Hospital), in conjunction with Senior Occupational Therapists Eimear Goulding (Barrack View Primary Care Centre), and Stephanie Van Haaren (Croom Primary Care Centre) on behalf of Parenting Limerick. [...]
Supporting your child’s sensory needsOctober 8, 2025Homepage DisplayFrom school age, we have all been taught the five primary senses: sight, sound, taste, smell and touch. However, there are eight senses that play a significant role in how we experience and navigate the world around us. The three additional senses are Vestibular (movement and balance), Proprioception (the body’s awareness of its position and movement) and Interoception (the body’s ability to sense internal feelings e.g. hunger).
Our sensory system, which comprises the brain and body, allows us to take in sensory information. Our brain then processes this information, allowing us to respond. When all the systems are working well, our state of arousal is balanced; we can focus, learn and engage with our environment. However, when sensory input is too much or too little, it can lead to what is referred to as sensory processing difficulties.
As parents, it’s common to feel challenged by our children’s behaviour, but it’s helpful to remember that behaviour is one way they communicate. When children have sensory difficulties, their behaviour often reflects what they are experiencing, for example, they might complain about certain clothing textures or seek extra sensory input through movement. By looking beneath the surface of these behaviours and asking what or why, we can begin to understand what our child is trying to tell us. For example, a meltdown or an attempt to avoid a situation may in fact be their way of saying they are overwhelmed or struggling to cope with the environment. When we get to understand what our children are telling us through their behaviours, it builds our confidence in supporting them.
Sensory processing difficulties are commonly observed in children with neurodivergent conditions, such as Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; (ADHD) and similar developmental differences. This can contribute to a stronger response (over-responsive) or to respond more slowly (under-responsive) to common sensory experiences. For example, an over-responsive child might cover their ears to block out loud noises or become upset by certain textures that others tolerate easily, while an under-responsive child may seek extra sensory input, or react slowly to sensations. Every child is different and has their own unique sensory preferences. Whether your child is over-responsive and/or under responsive to sensory input, the primary goal is to support them to get through their day and develop an appropriate response to the information they receive.
Supporting a child with sensory processing difficulties involves paying attention to their individual needs and adjusting their environments. This might look like minimising loud noises or bright lights, providing sensory tools, such as fidget toys or stress balls, increasing opportunities for movement, for example, rocking, Move’n’sit cushion and jumping/physical activities. It is important to observe and learn what types of input help your child feel comfortable and safe, as every child’s sensory preference is different.
The STAR method is particularly helpful as it helps us understand why a behaviour is happening by looking at the Setting, Trigger, Action and Response. For example, a child crying in a busy shop (setting) might be feeling overwhelmed by loud noises (trigger), the crying (action) is a sign of distress, and the parent response e.g. comforting the child or leaving the store (response) affects what happens next. For example, shopping during quieter times. This method can help us to work out what might be going on in any situation and recognise our child’s sensory preferences, thereby allowing us to provide the most appropriate support.
The Primary Care Child and Family Psychology Service are running a free online parenting workshop “Supporting Your Child’s Sensory Needs” on Wednesday 15th October 2025 from 10.00am – 11.30am. This workshop is most suitable for parents of children who are looking to support their child’s sensory needs. To attend, contact 087-3451489 to register with the Primary Care Psychology team. Registration closes on 13th October at 11.00am.
This article was written by Diekololaoluwa Amujo, Psychology Assistant with the HSE Primary Care Child and Family Service, Limerick. This service is a member of Parenting Limerick. [...]
Celebrating Breastfeeding This National Breastfeeding WeekSeptember 29, 2025Homepage Display / Infants & Babies“Hold Me Close: The power of skin to skin contact.” That is the theme for this year’s National Breastfeeding Week, which aims to highlight the importance of skin-to-skin contact as a key moment immediately after birth. This helps the baby to adjust to the outside world and stimulates their brain. It helps to pass on good bacteria (microbiome) from mother to baby, supporting the development of a healthy gut.
National Breastfeeding Week is marked in the calendar each year from October 1st to 7th. This week, is chosen purposefully, as it is the end of Week 40 of the calendar year, symbolising the first week after a child’s birth.
Breastfeeding is the most natural and healthy way to feed babies and young children. Every breastfeed makes a difference. Any amount of breast milk is beneficial for both mother and baby. The longer you breastfeed, the greater protection for mother, baby and for society. That is why it is crucial that women are empowered, enabled and supported on their breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy. It can be difficult, and there is sometimes a steep learning curve for the family. However, it is important to remember supports are available, online and in your local area.
One valuable resource is the HSE-run MyChild website (www.mychild.ie), which contains trusted information from health experts, as well as advice and tips for breastfeeding and answers to common questions. The website also includes direct online access to a breastfeeding expert called ‘Ask the Expert.’ This is a live chat and e-mail breastfeeding advice service, available 7 days a week. MyChild can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.
Another valuable resource are local breastfeeding support groups which offer support and advice, as well as an opportunity to meet with other parents on the same journey. Some groups meet online, while for others, in-person meetings have resumed post-COVID. Details on your local group can be found on www.mychild.ie.
There is also a range of additional supports which include breastfeeding preparation and antenatal classes, our midwives and public health nurses and online resources such as virtual breastfeeding groups.
Breastfeeding rates in Ireland are increasing. Between 2021 and 2024, HSE figures show a 2.8% increase in the number of babies being breastfed at the first public health nurse visit. However, the overall breastfeeding rate of 61.8% is still lower than other countries and we know that there is room for further improvements. This National Breastfeeding Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate breastfeeding, to highlight its benefits and challenges, and to reduce the stigma around breastfeeding. Most importantly, it also gives us the opportunity to reinforce the important message that supports are available for families on their breastfeeding journey and that breastfeeding is the best way to feed your child.
In Limerick, National Breastfeeding Week we will be marked on Tuesday 7th October from 10.30am – 12.30pm in King John’s Castle with a free family friendly event. A breastfeeding art exhibition, created by Limerick mums, with be launched and there will be lots of baby friendly activities. To attend register here: https://tinyurl.com/cajs2yud or Google “Breastfeeding Friendly Event Limerick” and register on the Eventbrite page.
This article was contributed by a member of Parenting Limerick. [...]
Minding Yourself and Your Child: 7 Key Messages for ParentsSeptember 25, 2025Home Life / Homepage DisplayThere is so much information on parenting available through web-sites, blogs, books, radio and television programmes that it can sometimes be overwhelming and confusing. Sometimes, it’s useful to go back to basics and remember what really counts. Below are seven simple messages on parenting that will provide a solid foundation for minding both yourself and your child.
Parents Need Good Social Networks
Parenting is easier when you can talk with others or spend some time looking after yourself. It is important to share the good times and celebrate achievement; it is equally important to have a support system (friends/family/neighbours, local parent/toddler groups; local groups or clubs) in place during the more difficult times. If you are really struggling, talk to your GP, PHN or other trusted professional or friend to get some support.
The Parent-Child Relationship is Key.
A strong, loving relationship with a parent or carer is the most important thing for a child. Remember it is never too early or late to start spending time together. Have a chat and find out what they would like to do, whether that is getting outside for a walk or cycle; getting involved in events such as park run together; reading together; watching a favourite film or simply making a cuppa and having a chat.
A Positive Parenting Style Works
Give your child positive attention, lots of affection and specific praise. Set routines, rules and boundaries and be consistent, no idle threats—children thrive with a routine. Try to remain calm and model positive ways (deep breathing, taking a walk) of dealing with powerful emotions such as anger or frustration. Be genuinely interested in what your child is saying, doing, thinking and feeling.
4. Baby see, Baby do
Be the role model your children need. Children learn by watching their parents so try to model appropriate, respectful behaviour. Avoid talking negatively about others in front of your children. Avoid bad language. If your child talks to you about someone who has caused them harm, discuss this with them without assigning blame. Instead explore the reasons why they did what they did and the impact this had on the other person.
Name it and Tame It
Communicating with your child is so important at every age. Parents and children who can talk to each other, share problems and address challenges together will have strong, healthy relationships. Be aware of your own emotions. If your child is struggling with big emotions, help them to name and describe their feelings. This is the first step in being able to manage emotions.
Buy well, Eat well, Be well
Healthy food is important for all the family and is especially important for children’s growth. Include them in planning the menu, shopping and cooking meals. Try to eat at least one meal as a family each day. This is a simple way for everyone to connect.
Child Safety is Key
Toddler proofing your home, using car seats, teaching road and water safety, learning basic first aid, supervising young children and knowing where older children are and who they are with all helps in terms of reducing child injury and harm.
This article was contributed by Tusla, a member of Parenting Limerick. For more information, on what works best for children and families at different stages of childhood, please see www.parenting24seven.ie. [...]
Helping Your Child Manage School AnxietySeptember 18, 2025Back to School / Homepage DisplayFor some parents the transition of their back to school of their children may have been difficult. School anxiety can show up in lots of different ways, and it doesn’t always look like “worrying.” Some children might say they feel sick in the mornings, complain of headaches, or suddenly feel too tired to get ready. Others might become tearful, clingy, or quick to get upset when school is mentioned. You might notice that Sunday evenings are especially tough, or that your child struggles at drop-off. It’s easy to mistake these behaviours for being difficult or dramatic, but often they are a child’s way of showing that school feels overwhelming. Spotting these signs early makes it easier to step in with gentle support.
What’s happening inside the brain during anxiety can help explain why your child reacts the way they do. When something about school feels threatening—whether it’s a test, speaking in class, or worries about friends—the brain’s “alarm system,” called the amygdala, goes into high alert. This sets off the body’s stress response: a racing heart, tense muscles, or an upset stomach. At the same time, the part of the brain that helps with reasoning and problem-solving goes offline. That’s why a child who normally knows school is safe might suddenly feel unable to think clearly or reassure themselves. Their brain is acting as if school is ‘unsafe’, even though they’re likely not in harm’s way.
There are many reasons school anxiety may develop. Some children worry about keeping up with schoolwork, while others find the social side of school—friendships, group work, or playground dynamics—very stressful. Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes can add extra pressure. Once a child starts avoiding school, even for a short time, it can strengthen the anxiety: staying home brings instant relief, which teaches the brain that avoidance “works,” even though it makes going back harder. Big life changes, such as a new sibling, moving schools, family stress, or even a naturally more sensitive temperament, can also add to the picture. It helps to remember that anxiety isn’t caused by one simple thing—it’s often a mix of different pressures coming together.
As a parent, one of the most powerful things you can do is offer validation and calm. Validation means showing your child you understand how real their feelings are, even if you don’t share them: “I can see that school feels really hard right now.” This doesn’t mean you agree that school is scary—it just means your child feels heard. Alongside that, co-regulation is about lending your calm to them. When you keep your voice steady, stay close, or offer a reassuring touch, you’re helping their nervous system settle down. Rather than rushing to fix or dismiss the problem, sitting alongside your child with empathy creates a safe foundation from which they can gradually face their fears. The aim isn’t to remove every worry straight away, but to help your child feel safe enough to take small steps forward, knowing you’re right there beside them.
Top tips
Before forming a strategy to deal with your child’s school-based anxiety, it is important to determine whether the feelings of anxiety are rational or irrational. For example, if a child is being bullied, their anxiety makes perfect sense and any strategy must begin by focusing on the source of the problem. On the other hand, if the child’s anxiety is irrational i.e. not based in reality, different strategies may be necessary.
Make sure to contact the school as soon as possible, to advise them of your child’s feelings of anxiousness. Open and regular communication is important.
Regulate yourself and manage your own feelings in the moment.
Acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings of anxiety, without validating the urge to avoid school.
Encourage the child to think about what is happening in their body when they start to feel anxious, e.g. is their heart beating faster? Do they feel sick in the tummy?
Begin co-regulation with a straight forward strategy such as a breathing exercise or progressive muscle relaxation. Encourage the child to practice these strategies when they feel ok so that they can call on them easily when becoming anxious.
Once they are calm and regulated, help your child to identify the thoughts that are making them anxious e.g. “the teacher hates me”. If the thoughts are irrational, support your child in developing more realistic, neutral alternatives. If the thoughts are rational, it is essential to address the underlying problem with the school.
This article was written by Claire Bennett, Psychology Assistant with the HSE Primary Care Child and Family Service, Limerick. This service is a member of Parenting Limerick. [...]
Top tips for Halloween preparationsSeptember 16, 2025Home Life / Homepage DisplaySchool children are only back to school a few weeks and already the Hallowe’en paraphernalia has started to appear in the shops. You can’t do your groceries without being asked to buy pumpkin lights or a witch doorbell! Why choose expensive, disposable and environmentally unfriendly costumes and decorations when you can use the next few weeks to make your own:
Encourage your child to spend some time drawing/sketching their ideas for costumes. They’re getting creative and you get precious insight into their little imaginations.
Make technology work for you – look on-line together for ideas/tutorials for a homemade version of their costume.
Visit local crafts and charity shops together and buy materials. A lesson in budgeting is a bonus life skill in your Hallowe’en prep!
Thread some popcorn garlands for decorations – these can easily be recycled as bird feed afterwards.
Encourage older children to write their own ghost story that they can ‘reveal’ on Hallowe’en night ……..by candle light.
White chocolate Rice Krispie buns make great ghosts.
Bear in mind that holidays have become incredibly commercial. Invest time with your children because when they think about holidays, that’s what they will remember [...]
September is the New ‘New Year’ for ParentsSeptember 12, 2025Back to School / Homepage DisplaySeptember is the New ‘New Year’ for Parents: There is always something very unrealistic about January and resolutions. After the madness of Christmas, there is an expectation that all bad habits and choices will just stop instantly. The ‘new year, new you’ mantra, however, generally fizzles out within a few weeks and before you know it, you’re back eating too much chocolate! The academic year – from September to June – dictates much of our parenting schedule. We know that, for those months, our daily routines consist of organising childcare arrangements, being chauffeurs and standing on the side-lines of fields, sports halls, dance studios and every other imaginable after-school activity. The start of another academic year is a great opportunity to reflect on yourself and your parenting style and maybe to introduce some new habits that will support both of those things. You have sent your children back to school with shiny new uniforms, nourishing lunches and optimism about the new year ahead of them – now take some time to do those kind of things for yourself.
Reflecting on what we say and what we do is a very personal thing. For some people, it comes naturally. Others have to make the time to consciously look back and think about what they did and if they could have done it differently. Think of an argument with your child, for example. You were tired, they were unreasonable and it ended with you raising your voice and frog-marching them to their room. There are two usual solutions to this common scenario; you can sit your child down, apologise for your reaction and encourage them to reflect on their part in it. Or you can just ignore it, and pretend that it never happened. The time and space you take to reflect on these kind of things determine your parenting style.
Finding time to reflect is a tough call as your head fills with timetables, grocery lists, school fundraisers etc. Non-stop ‘to do’ lists can be very stressful so think about using your time more effectively. A common situation parents find themselves in is the wait while their child is in an activity. Sure, you can stand on the side-line week after week or you can use the hour to pick up some groceries. But what about using that time to create some headspace for yourself? Maybe go out to your car, set your alarm and have a nap or listen to a podcast. Or throw on your runners and go for a brisk walk. You’ll feel refreshed which will benefit both yourself and your child. When you’re more relaxed, the car journey home is less likely to be a list of instructions about dinner, homework and bedtime.
Another key to looking after yourself is to keep an eye on your own nutrition. How many of us sneak the treats when our children aren’t looking, because we spend so much time explaining the importance of healthy choices to them? A great rule to follow is that if you wouldn’t give it to your toddler to eat, you shouldn’t be eating it yourself. When you’re packing your child’s healthy lunch box, pack your own. Small changes will make a big difference to your energy and reserves. So, head into the new academic year with renewed focus and energy and you’ll be surprised at how parenting becomes a little easier.
This article was contributed by a member of Parenting Limerick. [...]
Helping Teenagers Handle Peer PressureSeptember 11, 2025Homepage Display / TeenagersThe urge for children to conform to their peers is a normal stage in their pre-teenager and teenager years. At this stage, children start looking to their peers to help them figure out what may feel like everything – from what clothes to wear to how serious to be about school. You can play an important role in this process by helping your teenagers learn to make good choices when they’re being influenced—for better or worse—by their peers.
The one thing that seems to make all adolescents vulnerable to peer pressure is simply being in this age range. They want to do what others are doing, and have what other young people in their peer group have. They especially don’t want to feel awkward or uncomfortable around their friends. They are afraid of being bullied, rejected or made fun of. They often act on impulse and do not realise the full consequences of their actions on themselves and others until it is too late and they don’t know how to get out of pressure situations. This can unfortunately this can lead to risky behavior, such as anti-social behavior, smoking, underage drinking or drug taking amongst other this.
What can parents do to help?
Do not take your teenagers challenging behavior personally: As normal as it is for adolescents to go along with their peers, it can be just as normal for parents to take their children’s challenging behavior personally. Just try to remember that teenagers aren’t so much rejecting you as they are trying to establish their own identity.
Support your teenager: Adolescents still need a parent’s help to make good decisions—even if they don’t act like it. Help them become the people you hope they can be by helping them learn to say “no.” It can be hard to resist the pressure to engage in risky behavior when other teenagers are doing it too. Before your teenager finds themselves in one of these situations, role-play with them. Help your kids figure out how to respond when someone says to them, “Come on and have a drink with us. It’s way more fun than studying. Or are you too chicken?” or “I really like you a lot. Let’s text each other some pictures of ourselves naked. It’s called sexting. Everybody’s doing it.”
Develop good self-esteem. Take time to praise your child and celebrate his or her achievements. Children who feel good about themselves are more likely to resist negative peer pressure and make better choices.
Support your child to choose their friends wisely. This means online friends too. Lots of people (peers and adults) try to pressure teenagers to make bad choices. But if your children have friends with good values and good self-esteem, they can help your kids make sense of new technology, stay away from risky behavior, and resist unwanted peer pressure.
Create special code words. These are special words your teenager can use when they want your help but don’t want their friends to know they’re asking you for it. For example, if they don’t feel comfortable at a party, they can call or text you with an agreed-upon phrase like, “Mom, I have a really bad earache. Can you come get me?”
Use you as an excuse. Let your teenagers know that if they ever face peer pressure they don’t know how to resist, they can always refuse by blaming you: “My parents will ground me for a month if I do that.
Top Tips for Parents on handle teen peer pressure
Stay calm: If your teenager wants to do something you don’t agree with, try not to overreact. Dying their hair purple or wearing sloppy clothes can seem like your children are rebelling. Compare this kind of behavior with how your teenagers are doing in school, who their friends are, and how maturely they usually behave. If they’re doing well in these other areas, try not to get upset, and resist the urge to judge or lecture them.
Stay informed: Pay attention to the substances that teenagers are using, the way they dress, and how they’re using the latest smart phones, social media, and other technologies. The more you know, the better you can protect your teenagers and help them learn to make good decisions. Webwise.ie is a helpful website to help you understand the technology that teens are using today.
Stay in your teenager’s life: Even though they may not act like it, most children this age still listen to their parents. Keep talking to them—about their interests, accomplishments, and friends; about the music they listen to; and about the things that bother them. Let them know you care, but make it clear that you expect them to follow certain rules. And keep planning family activities that include them.
This article was contributed by Hospital Family Resource Centre, a member of Parenting Limerick. Parenting Limerick is a network of parenting and family support organisations. [...]
Back to School AnxietySeptember 2, 2025Back to School / Homepage DisplaySchool has been back for a couple of days now. Some children can become anxious around this time of year when they do return to school, particularly so in this post covid world. All children experience some level of anxiety. Some of the signs include agitation, restlessness, inattention or poor focus, physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches, withdrawal, or tantrums. Sometimes, your child might even refuse to engage in an activity they once enjoyed. Our role as parents and carers is to understand this anxiety and help children to overcome it.
Why does this happen? Signals in the child’s brain perceive a threat or danger (even if there is none). Your child may be worried about changing teacher, the increased homework, or starting a new school. The body is then flooded with a stress hormone (cortisol), which causes a child to react in a certain way. The key is to regulate this part of the brain through sensory engagement, calming supports and thinking strategies.
An important way to support your child if they are feeling anxious is to ensure they feel connected and safe. Research tells us that children need 12 physical touches/connections to feel connected to a parent in one day. So give plenty of hugs and cuddles, especially before and after transitions. I highly recommend 15 minutes of un-interrupted play time with your child per day. Let the child lead, and choose the game that they want to play with you.
Think of engaging all your children’s senses. Sensory and messy play is great to help regulate your child and could also be a great activity for you both. Tactile play with slime, play dough, or messy materials can be fun. Other sensory approaches may involve using lavender oils, which can have a calming effect, or citrus smells which can help uplift, if your child tends to disassociate or withdraw.
Encourage the use of your child’s imagination by getting them to draw or role play their worry. Help them challenge the “what if’s” (your child’s worry) always come to a positive conclusion and state how as a parent you will help the child overcome the worry.
When you play together, facilitate empowerment and confidence by creating little challenges that the child can overcome, “woah, you didn’t think that you could do that and you did it!” I knew you could do it”.
Top tips for supporting anxiety in children
Children express anxiety and stress in variety of ways, from behaviour changes to bed-wetting, tantrums to withdrawal. While their expression of anxiety can be very varied, your response to it needs to be consistent:
Encourage expression: When you’re child says ‘I’m scared’ or ‘I’m worried’ try not to respond with ‘no you’re not, you’re a brave girl’ etc. Let them explain their fear/anxiety and then talk it through together.
Encourage your child to face their fears: Let them know that you will be right there by their side. If it’s a fear of the dark, hold their hand as they enter a dark room. If its separation anxiety, give then something small of yours (a photo, keyring etc.) to keep with then until you’re back. They don’t always need you, they just need reassurance that you’re coming back.
Teach them that perfection is a myth: Whether it’s colouring outside the lines or not doing too well in a game or test, always try to reiterate that everybody has strengths and weaknesses. Knowing that it’s ok to not be the best at everything is a really important life lesson for children and it builds resilience for adulthood.
Show them how to take time out: An over-scheduled child can become an anxious child. Be a role model – take breaks from your work, leave your phone on silent for set periods of time and just hang out together. Down time helps the mind and body to relax but children have to be taught to value that rather than seeing it as ‘boring’.
This article was contributed by Claudia Maloccas, Play Therapist with Hospital FRC, a member of Parenting Limerick. [...]
Back-to-School Basics: the Cliff Notes VersionAugust 19, 2025Middle Childhood / Pre-School AgeYou know that the return to school is imminent when ads for barbecues, ice pops and sunscreens are replaced with deals for uniforms and lunch-box fillers. For children, switching from lie-ins and lazy days back to a tightly scheduled routine can be difficult. With a little bit of planning (and patience!) there are a few things that can make the transition back to school a little easier all around:
For children who are starting ‘big school’ for the first time, consider both the emotional and practical elements of that transition. Talk to them about their new school and routine a little every day, without making too much of a fuss about it. For example, talk about the new friends that they are going to meet or the fact that they will have their very own chair. Practice opening and closing their lunch box with them, taking on and off their own coats and work on their self-care skills (going to the bathroom and washing their hands independently). Even simple things like explaining what a bell is and why it rings will prepare them for the barrage of new things they will experience once they start school.
The changeover from later summer bedtimes can have knock-on effects for the first month back at school (grouchiness, difficulty concentrating etc.).Try bringing bedtime back 15 minutes earlier every night for the week before school starts so your child’s body clock can adjust.
Similarly, start re-introducing dietary habits in that last week or two. During the summer holidays children often play a little before breakfast and there is generally a more relaxed approach to mealtimes. Having breakfast shortly after waking for a week or two will help young appetites adjust.
We have a tendency to mourn the end of summer, which can result in almost demonising school. You would be amazed how much a positive outlook can influence how children react to the return to school. Talk about how lovely autumn is, and how it means seeing all their friends again, watching the leaves change colours and thinking about Halloween costumes.
A great morning starts with the night before so think about having lunches and uniforms prepared the night before. It will also provide you with enough time every morning for that much – needed coffee hit!
[...]
Top Tips to Enjoy the Final Days of SummerAugust 18, 2025Homepage DisplayThe light is starting to change, and “Where has the summer gone?” is rapidly replacing “What are you doing for the holidays?” in conversation. Below are some tips for ensuring that you and your children have some lovely memories of the summer months.
Try to do one fun thing every day (or a few times a week at least!) This could be an evening cycle, a picnic in the back garden, a late bedtime to star gaze—whatever it is, make it a bit of an occasion and take advantage of the long evenings
Pull together a summer album or keepsake box—perhaps some photos of a special holiday moment or a new friend, seashells from the beach, a postcard from someone special, a recipe that you all enjoyed making together …Be creative and ask your children to find an object that represents a happy memory
Plan a Final Summer Day Out. This doesn’t have to be Disneyland—part of the fun for kids is being part of the planning whether it is a day at the beach, an expedition up a mountain or even an exploration of familiar spaces (a trip on the Double-decker bus, anyone?). Again, your excitement and creativity is all you need to make it extra special. [...]
Keeping the Lines of Communication OpenAugust 18, 2025Homepage Display / TeenagersEven you try your best to avoid getting in to arguments with your teen, tension and unexpectedly and rapidly develop. This week, we focus on how to keep the lines of communication open. In the midst of busy lives and the constant distractions of technology, we can easily become isolated from each other. We know, however, that keeping a close, positive connection with your teenager is important in keeping them safe and helping them to make positive choices. It will also make it easier to have meaningful conversations about more difficult topics such as alcohol or drug use or sexual behaviour.
Seize the moment. You don’t need to set aside a specific time to talk—look for those opportunities when you are naturally together such in the car or pottering around the kitchen
Be positive and speak in a caring tone of voice. Express appreciation for something you have noticed about them and use positive language
Actively Listen and engage. Try not to interrupt when your teen is speaking; let them express themselves fully and validate their feelings by saying things such as, “That must have made you feel (pleased, angry, frustrated)…”
Use “I” messages when you respond. Begin with “I” and then respectfully state how you feel and why you feel that way. (“I was worried when you didn’t come home on time…I had no idea where you were) Be specific in what you want and don’t assign blame. Avoid “You” messages (“You never come home on time, pick up your clothes, play with your sister, etc.)
Ask open-ended questions, often and casually about things they are interested in: music, sports, friends, movies; what they enjoyed doing in the past week; what they think about current events. Ask about school—what they enjoy and what they find difficult. Ask about their friends and encourage positive friendships
Respect their right to have a different point of view, even if you disagree
Encourage tens to tell you about problems they may be having without judging or lecturing
Don’t offer solutions unless they ask. Listen and ask what options they are considering; express confidence in their ability to find solutions. Let them know that you will share your views if asked.
This article was contributed by a member of Parenting Limerick. [...]
World Breastfeeding Week: The Importance of Supportive PartnersAugust 9, 2025Homepage Display / Infants & BabiesThe benefits of breastfeeding are both immediate and lifelong – it provides on-tap nutrition as and when baby needs it and creates the building blocks of brain development and immunity that will carry your child through life. The fact that something is natural doesn’t mean that it comes naturally or is easy and breastfeeding is no exception. It takes practice and persistence and, more importantly, it takes support. If your partner, friend or relative is breastfeeding, there are a few things that you can do to make things a little easier for her. Some of these tips are also worth bearing in mind when you’re sitting beside a breast-feeding mom in a café. Sometimes all she might need is an understanding smile or a nod (rather than the downcast eye because you think looking in her direction could be perceived as creepy or rude!).
It’s worth having a discussion before the baby arrives about what the expectations are. If your partner intends to breastfeed, she will be doing all the night feeds to begin with so talk about what you can do. By bathing baby every evening, for example, you will have some one-on-one time with them and your partner can take a nap. Plans made in advance usually run more smoothly than those made during periods of major changes and sleep deprivation! After baby has fed, if he needs to be winded or changed, that could be where you offer to step in. Never under-estimate the value of doing what seems like a mundane task or enabling your partner to have free hands, even if only for a few minutes. Acknowledge that it’s a tough job but she’s doing it brilliantly. It may seem like a moot point but when you’re bleary-eyed from tiredness and your body feels like it belongs to someone else, the smallest amount of praise can really spur you on.
Have a think about the physical things you can stay on top of for your partner or friend too. Keep her topped up with fresh water (think hangover thirst on a hot day – that’s how much hydration a breastfeeding mom requires), healthy snacks, comfortable pillows and within reach of TV remotes, books etc. Look up what you don’t understand – a quick google search can often yield a new insight when you or your partner are feeling a little overwhelmed.
Breastfeeding might all be new to you but the payoff is tremendous so invest some time and thought into supporting its ongoing success. For quality-assured information on breastfeeding go to www.breastfeeding.ie.
Top tips for parental self care
While parenting is the most rewarding the job, inevitably there are times when you feel over-worked and under-valued. Some things to bear in mind to keep those times to a minimum:
Cut yourself some slack: Remember, the ‘perfect parent’ doesn’t exist. Be a good enough parent for your child – that’s all they need.
Don’t hold it all in: Let your partner, family or friends know when you need some help. Whether its support, advice or babysitting, ask. The fastest way to get over-whelmed is to fall into the ‘I must do it all’ mind set.
Try not to compare: This applies to yourself or your children. Yes, your colleague might have glossy hair and children who are in bed every night by 8pm but she might be exhausted and her children may refuse to eat anything that resembles a vegetable. We all have our battles.
Double up where you can: A walk by yourself gives you some head space and some cardio, elevating your mood and heart rate at the same time. That’s some TLC for your mental and physical health.
Be a great role model: Your children will only learn the value of taking personal time and space when it’s something you attach a value to. Lead the way!
This article was contributed by a member of Parenting Limerick. [...]
Supporting Children Through AnxietyJuly 30, 2025Health & Welbeing / Homepage DisplayChildren express anxiety and stress in variety of ways, from behaviour changes to bed-wetting, tantrums to withdrawal. While their expression of anxiety can vary, your response to it needs to be consistent:
Encourage expression: When you’re child says ‘I’m scared’ or ‘I’m worried’ try not to respond with ‘no you’re not, you’re a brave girl.’ Let them explain their fear/anxiety and then talk it through together.
Encourage your child to face their fears: Let them know that you will be right there by their side. If it’s a fear of the dark, hold their hand as they enter a dark room. If its separation anxiety, give then something small of yours (a photo, a keyring or something similar) to keep with them until you’re back. They don’t always need you, they just need reassurance that you’re coming back.
Teach them that perfection is a myth: Whether it’s colouring outside the lines or not doing too well in a game or test, always try to reiterate that everybody has strengths and weaknesses. Knowing that it’s ok to not be the best at everything is a really important life lesson for children and it builds resilience for adulthood.
Show them how to take time out: An over-scheduled child can become an anxious child. Be a role model – take breaks from your work, leave your phone on silent for set periods of time and just hang out together. Down time helps the mind and body to relax but children have to be taught to value that rather than seeing it as ‘boring’. [...]
Top Tips for Cooking with KidsJuly 24, 2025Home LifeCooking offers children a variety of learning experiences. It’s a practical way to teach kids basic life skills. Time spent together in the kitchen also encourages interaction and communication between you and your child.
Choose a time that suits you and your child. Over the weekend or during holidays usually works best.
Be prepared; before you get started take time to read the recipe yourself and get all the necessary ingredients. Preparation is key.
Save time by weighing/chopping ingredients in advance.
Start small and keep it fun, children may lose interest quickly.
Choose the right tasks for the right age group. For younger children start with basic recipes and manageable tasks.
Allow mistakes and exercise patience. Prepare for a little extra mess.
Praising children boosts their confidence. Emphasise positive, specific things they are doing. “You’re doing a great job stirring that sauce” “Wow you’re so good at measuring out the flour”.
Offer guidance and help rather than taking over the task. “Would you like me to help you with this?”
Even when the end results are not what you expected, praise their efforts and tuck in with gusto! [...]
Beyond the ‘Baby Blues’: Recognising & Supporting Post Natal DepressionJuly 24, 2025Health & WelbeingBecoming a mother is expected to be a joyous and happy occasion, full of Kodak moments. The transition to motherhood is a period of intense change – physically, emotionally and mentally – that can be incredibly overwhelming. When the dreams about motherhood don’t always match the realities, it can be both frustrating and disappointing. At first, when they come home from hospital, new moms often feel tired, tearful, overwhelmed and unsure. This is completely normal and is known as the ‘baby blues’. It usually passes over a few days as a woman recovers from delivery and adapts to motherhood. However, for some moms these feelings go on to develop into Post Natal Depression (PND).
PND affects 10-15% of mothers. The earlier it is recognised the faster a mother will recover.
If you think that you, or someone you know, is suffering from PND there are signs to look out for. While birth and tending to the needs of a newborn inevitably leave you very tired, getting out of bed and getting dressed can feel like climbing a mountain in terms of the effort and energy required, when you are suffering from PND. Your days may seem long and dark, with little joy or reason to be happy. You are thrilled to have your baby and you love them with all your heart, yet you’re very sad for reasons you can’t understand. Low mood, difficulty sleeping, tearfulness, feelings of being unable to cope and poor concentration can all be symptoms of PND.
Many women don’t give much thought to PND during pregnancy because they think it will never happen to them. Maybe it ‘isn’t in the family’ or didn’t happen after the birth of their other children. It is good to read up on it a little before a baby arrives, to help understand and recognise the symptoms.
It is a good idea to know how to get support after the baby arrives. This can be from other moms through Baby and Toddler groups. Mothers in similar situations can give emotional and practical peer support by sharing experiences. At the very least, these groups encourage you to get dressed and out of the house on a weekly basis.
The most important thing to do is look for help. Talk to your partner, family GP or Public Health Nurse. You will have a lot of contact with your Public Health Nurse/GP after your baby is born: They have experience with PND. They are there to support you and will guide you through and direct you to support services.
For further reading on PND and for details of local Baby and Toddler groups go to www.loveparenting.ie [...]
Parenting in the Present; Dealing with the PastJuly 17, 2025Quality TimeA new baby brings new hope. As we cuddle our new little baby, our thoughts might wander and we imagine the endless possibilities stretching before this child; we imagine the moments of joy and fun we will share with them. While the reality of parenting is often full of moments of pure joy, it can also be one of the most challenging things that we will ever do.
If your own parents were supportive and kind and if you lived in a secure home with healthy relationships, you will likely have a strong basis for raising your own children. If, however, you grew up in difficult circumstances with lots of challenges and conflict, this may be less clear. You will be as capable as any parent of loving your child, but you might not have as clear an idea of how to manage conflict and how to deal with difficult emotions. When your child is frustrated, angry or upset, it may be more difficult to stay calm and respond gently and positively.
The good news, however, is that every parent can learn to manage their own emotions, support their child to manager theirs and develop loving, positive relationships, although it does take some time and effort. Below are a few things to consider if you find yourself in this situation.
Recognise and acknowledge it. Try to find the time and space to reflect on how you react in certain situations and why that might be. For example, if your child becomes very angry because they are not allowed a certain snack and they start to throw things, how does this make you feel? Does it cause you to panic and get very angry yourself? Are you tempted to shout at your child or just leave them in their anger? These are difficult circumstances for any parent, but if you find your child’s behaviour overwhelming and if you are not able to cope, it may be a signal that you are reacting not only to your child’s behaviour but to something that has happened to you.
Forgive Yourself. No parent gets it right all of the time. If you made a mistake, talk to your child about it and apologise. Let them know that you will try to act differently next time. Apologising to your child isn’t a sign of weakness; it lets them know that you’re human and make mistakes and that you are committed to the relationship
Reach Out. All parents need support. If you are trying to manage difficulties from your own past, you may need some extra support. Parent and toddler groups can be great ways of meeting other parents and getting some informal support. You may also want to speak to a health care professional (GP, Public Health Nurse) and let them know what you are struggling with and see if they can refer you for supports such as counselling
Find Moments of Enjoyment. Whatever the age of your child and whatever issues you may be dealing with, try to find time every day to enjoy your child. This may be cuddling in to watch a programme together; taking the dog for a walk; talking about a happy holiday or day out you had; or just chatting about something that happened that day.
This article was contributed by a member of Parenting Limerick. Parenting Limerick is a network of parenting and family support organisations. For more information on this and other topics go to www.loveparenting.ie. [...]
Healthy Eating for FamiliesJune 30, 2025Home Life / Homepage Display / Tips on Healthy EatingParents and carers play an important role in supporting their child’s interest in healthy food and shaping their eating habits and behaviours. But as we all know, healthy eating is one of those things that sounds easy in theory, but in practice can be a lot harder. Especially when trying to feed our kids! Providing healthy family meals and snacks can be challenging for many reasons. We all lead busy lives and planning, shopping and cooking takes time, thought and energy. That all too familiar parental guilt, if we don’t provide healthy meals for our children, is constantly hanging over us. Many parents also face the challenge of fussy eaters. What the research shows us is that parents modelling healthy habits that children learn in the home will stay with them for life.
Children need nutrients to support their fast growth and development. Start with the food pyramid as a guide to plan healthy meals. Healthy meals include plenty of fruit and vegetables, some wholegrains and dairy, lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans or nuts. Fluids are also important, with milk and water being the best options. Encourage you children to get involved in food planning and preparation from an early age and help them feel like they are part of the decision making process.
Even if some children won’t eat certain foods, keep giving them the same as everyone in the family. Remember that children often need to see and taste foods several times before they accept them. Positive parenting and healthy food habits go hand-in-hand. Stay calm and positive, praising your child when they eat well. Don’t bribe, pressure or force feed them, but do keep offering them the food. It can take up to 10 times for a child to try a food and like it.
Mealtimes are an important time to sit down together, enjoy your meals and connect. Preparing meals ahead of time can be helpful when you are short on time. Batch cooking can save time and money, having leftovers and stocking up on quick and easy options are helpful. Avoid giving them anything that will fill them up, too close to their meal times. Processed foods can be convenient, but making your own can be easy and much healthier.
Healthy snacks are helpful to keep children’s energy levels up between meals. Some ideas include, fruit, vegetable sticks, yoghurt, milk, crackers, oatcakes, rice cakes, nuts and seeds. While it can be really challenging for parents to limit children’s intake of treat foods, these foods are high in sugar, fat and salt and provide little nutrition. Treat foods also fill them up, meaning they won’t have room for more nourishing foods.
For simple recipes for all the family go to www.safefood.net/101-square-meals-cookbook to download 101 Square Meals. This cookbook will help you cook nutritious, tasty and affordable meals with easily found ingredients.
Top Tips To Support Your Child To Eat Healthily
Aim to eat together at the table without the TV or phones.
Make healthy changes as a family, celebrating small wins.
Find ways to include fruit and/or vegetables with each meal.
Have healthy foods available for children to snack on.
Involve your child in preparing and planning meals and snacks, making it fun!
Plan a day when the whole family has a treat and learn to say no on other days.
Ensure your child eats breakfast every day, leading by example by also sitting down and eating breakfast with them when you can.
Reducing the amount of treats your children have is a real challenge and you deserve to feel like a hero. Remember that your efforts are helping to set them up for a healthier life both now and the rest of their lives.
This article was contributed by Olivia Beck, Slaintecare Community Food & Nutrition Worker with Limerick Food Partnership. LFP are a partner of Parenting Limerick, a network of parenting and family support organisations. [...]
Transitioning to Secondary School: Helping your child to prepareJune 19, 2025Ages & Stages / Homepage Display / Middle Childhood / TeenagersTransitioning from primary school to secondary school is a process bound to result in some apprehension. This transition brings many changes for which a young person has to prepare including; a different and perhaps larger environment with more people, new multiple teachers for different subjects, new classmates, a different lunchtime experience, and new subjects. Although this transition can be a time of excitement for your young person as they are growing up and moving onto the next chapter in their lives, it can also be a time of uncertainty and even anxiety for some.
So how do these differences and this transition impact on your young person? Your child is going to be making big adjustments navigating socially and emotionally through this transition. In terms of social adjustments; secondary schools tend to be bigger, have larger class sizes, and students have numerous teachers. This is a vast social setting for young people to navigate. This brings great opportunities for your young person to develop and grow socially. It may, however, also be that it takes your young person longer to feel comfortable enough in this bigger school environment to socialise. Your young person may be uncertain at first about where they fit in this new larger class with varying personalities. It may also take them time to navigate new and less personal student-teacher relationships. Remember socially this is quite demanding on your young person.
Emotionally, your child is also adjusting. These adjustments include; separating from old friends who may be transitioning to a different school, experiencing dual emotions both worry and excitement, being introduced to new technologies like mobile phones and social media. Mobile phones provide your young person with a sense of independence and can provide parents with security in terms of more communication access when away from you. However, boundaries around phone usage are very necessary at this age. Most schools will have a mobile phone policy and rules in this regard too. Additionally, appropriate safety features in terms of social media and internet use are also recommended. It’s important to be vigilant to the demands of social media, encouraging discussions with your young person around healthy social media usage and awareness of how misleading social media, images and influencers can be.
Transitioning to secondary school promotes more independence in your young person and achieving new tasks improves their sense of mastery and confidence. However, new pressures are also present including; an increase in homework quantity and difficulty, exams to prepare for, and increased organisational demands with timetables, lockers, and constant changes in classrooms. This pressure can be overwhelming for young people at times and they may need support to deal with these demands.
So what can help your young person with this transition period? Remind your young person that change can also be exciting and encourage them to think about all the positive things they will get to experience, such as new friends, new extracurricular activities, new subjects to explore, and more independence moving between classes and during lunch. Acknowledge the end of primary school and celebrate this achievement. As well as acknowledging the positives it is important to allow your young person also to express any feelings of anxiety, worry, fear or sadness that they may be experiencing. Most importantly continue to support your child and their emotions, and promote open and frequent communication with them throughout this transition period.
Top Tips: Transitioning to secondary school
“Being with” your young person’s emotions-This means sitting with your young person when they experience a big emotion like anxiety or sadness. “Being with” an emotion does not mean talking through what has happened or fixing the problem. It is simply being with that child while they feel what they feel, indicating to them it is ok to feel the emotions they feel. Using phrases such as “I know you are worried” or “I know this is hard” can help them feel understood. Being with your child in their emotions helps them acknowledge and then move out of that emotion.
When communicating with your young person, sometimes it can be easier to talk about how they are feeling and how it is affecting them when you are connected to them through an activity they enjoy. A relaxed, playful environment allows easier exploration of difficult feelings for your young person when the time is right for them.
When communicating with your young person remember: listen patiently, validate how they feel, boost their self-esteem with praise when the opportunity arises, control your emotions-don’t match their chaos, instead bring calm, be open and be observant.
Promote safe phone and social media use with your young person:
Be a role model for your young person and show healthy phone usage
Phones are removed from bedrooms at agreed times (including overnight)
Set safety and privacy settings on their phone
Monitor social media use, content and communications for safety
This article was contributed by Elisha Minihan, Psychology Assistant with the Primary Care Child and Family Psychology Service. The psychology service is a member of Parenting Limerick. [...]
Enjoying the Summer without Breaking the BankJune 14, 2025Homepage Display / Quality TimeWith a long stretch of warm weather behind us (with hopefully more to come!), there will be plenty of opportunities to get out and about as a family—taking leisurely evening walks, catching up with neighbours as the children play, dusting off the backyard pool. As the school holidays approach, however, talk often turns to summer holidays, and pressure can mount to make sure your summer plans measure up.
This can create huge pressure for parents that can’t manage a week or two in the sun or costly summer camps. This can bring on the much dreaded (but always partially present) parental guilt. “What if my children are the only ones missing out?” “What if they are bored and miserable all summer long?”
The good news is that, while most children do love adventure and a change to routine, this doesn’t have to cost a great deal. The most important thing they need is your time and attention and a sense of fun. A water adventure park might give them a momentary thrill, but what children will really value from their childhood is the sense of safety, care and fun that they felt when they were with you.
A little effort and creativity can mean that your children have an amazing, memorable summer even if you do not go very far afield. Below are a few ideas for enjoying your “staycation.”
Explore a new playground. There are a number of lovely playgrounds across Limerick City and County. Try to visit a couple you have never been to and explore the local area while you are there. Bring a picnic, a blanket and a ball or games and you have the perfect afternoon out.
Check out the University of Limerick. Explore the campus and then head down the amazing pathway that runs into the city and to Corbally. This is a great place to do some family friendly cycling or see how many birds you can identify as you stroll along the river.
Explore the Great Southern Greenway Limerick and the newly opened loop that connects Rathkeale, Newcastlewest and Abbeyfeale. Again, this is a great place to cycle and the new loop will give a sense of proper adventure.
Get creative at home. Set up a simple tent (or make your own), light the bbq and spend your evening curled up under the stars. Get some chalk out and redesign your drive or get some planters and create your own magic garden (with or without fairies)
Do not under estimate the importance of friends, neighbours, cousins etc. Talk to your neighbours and friends and arrange to take part in activities together. Kids love hanging out with kids. Organise some activities on your local green or in your garden. Rotate between each other’s houses and take turns in organising “fun days”.
Finally, see what summer camps are available in your area. Summer camps can be fantastic experiences for children, but they are often expensive and out of reach for many parents. Many community centres, however, run camps free or at low cost so call in to one near you and find out what’s planned for the summer.
This article was written by a member of Parenting Limerick. [...]
June 11, 2025Homepage Display / Infants & BabiesLet’s Talk About Baby Feelings!
This week we are celebrating Infant Mental Health Awareness Week which runs from 9th–15th June. When you think of a healthy baby, what pops into your head? Chubby cheeks? First steps? Those adorable baby babbles? We often focus on physical milestones, but here’s something you might not think about as much: your baby’s mental health. Yes, even tiny humans have feelings — and just like tummies and toes, their emotions need love and care too!
So what is infant mental health? Simply put, it’s about how babies grow emotionally and socially. Through cuddles, chats, games, and even tears, babies start to understand their world. They learn how to trust, how to connect, and how to manage all those big (and tiny) feelings — all with your help. Infant mental health is everybody’s business!
Your Baby’s Brain is a Building Site
Did you know that 80% of your child’s brain grows in the first 3 years? Babies are born with billions of brain cells (called neurons), just waiting to make connections. And guess what helps build those connections? Their relationship with you! Every smile, every cuddle, every “peek-a-boo” strengthens their brain. It’s like laying the foundation for a house — every loving moment adds a brick to a strong, secure brain structure that will last a lifetime.
Everyday Moments are Magic
You don’t need flashcards or fancy gadgets to support your baby’s mental health. What they really need is you. Here are a few simple things that make a big difference:
Play helps build relationships – playing with your little one helps support your relationship. Playing simple games, chatting and singing together helps your little ones feel connected, secure, loved and ready to learn.
Your baby’s emotions matter – try to be there for all their feelings. When you gently notice and respond to your baby’s emotions – (happy, sad or upset) – you help them feel safe, understood and loved.
You matter too – Parenting isn’t easy, looking after yourself is important. If you have questions or worries it is ok to ask for help.
So this week (and every week), take a moment to slow down and enjoy those everyday moments with your little one. Talk to them, cuddle them, laugh with them — you’re doing more than you think, and every interaction helps shape the amazing person they’re becoming.
To celebrate Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, the Limerick Infant Mental Health Network is launching a brand new e-book just for parents and families: “Understanding Infant Mental Health – A Resource Guide for Parents and Families in Limerick” It’s packed with helpful info, tips, and support for your parenting journey — whether you’re expecting, just welcomed a new baby, or deep in the toddler zone. Scan the QR code to get your digital copy.
This article was written by the Limerick Infant Mental Health Network on behalf of Parenting Limerick. [...]
Primary School TransitionsMay 29, 2025Homepage Display / Pre-School AgeSchool Transitions: From Preschool to Primary School
Moving on from preschool to primary school can be daunting for children and parents alike. There are no two ways about it! Educators work tirelessly to ensure preschoolers are ready to make the big step. As parents, there are many things we can do to help. At the same time, it is important to reduce stress and be realistic about what we can and cannot do at home.
Reach out to your child`s preschool. Your child`s preschool educator will have resources to support your child’s transition. If you are not already in touch, make contact. They are likely to have valuable advice, school readiness resources, or suggestions for activities to carry out at home with your child.
Link in with the school. In the same way as the preschool educator can support the transition, so too can your child`s new school. Your child`s new school will send information about the school. It is important that these new school systems are understood and explained so that children know what to expect.
Talk to your child about school. This will help to prepare them and help getting used to the idea. If you can’t bring them to show them their new school, try making a photo book so your child will know what the school looks like, where they will have their lunch, and all the fun and exciting activities they can look forward to!
Read books and tell stories about starting school. Try reading a positive story together about a child starting school. to support your child to feel secure and excited about this new adventure. Better still, talk about how excited you were when you started school and about the activities that you did, the games you played and the friends that you made.
Talk about how all of this feels. This is a stressful time, and the transition may bring additional pressure on children and their families. It is important to provide space for children to talk about how they are feeling. By talking through situations, children make sense of it all and learn to manage their emotions.
Practice self care skills. Take this time to support your child to develop some independence around self care skills. Your child will have a better experience in school if they can open their lunchbox, close their shoes, wash and dry their hands, put on and take off their coat, and ask for help.
Try a routine. Routines brings security, so now more than ever, they are really important. Try getting back to a somewhat normal routine at home, particularly around bedtime and waking up time. Ensuring a healthy amount of sleep as well as exercise will support your child`s health and well-being in school. To reduce stress, keep routines relaxed and playful.
Play, play and more play! In play, children have many opportunities to learn skills that can support them when they start school. Play helps to enrich your child`s learning as they develop and master expression, confidence, creative thinking and problem solving. Playing games with family members can help your child develop social skills, as well as learn about team work, taking turns and negotiation. Role play using teddies and dolls allows children to explore the experience. Acting out what starting school might be like helps your child make sense of this milestone they are about to embark on.
This article was contributed by ABC Start Right, a member of Parenting Limerick. [...]
School is almost out: Sun, Sea and …… Childcare WoesMay 21, 2025Homepage Display / Quality TimeThe final preschool or school bell at the end of June brings with it much excitement. Thoughts turn to lie-ins, lazy days and a general sense of freedom. Even traffic quietens down, making morning commutes so much easier. For parents, however, the summer break often brings a logistical challenge – childcare. For working parents, this means figuring how who will mind their children over the summer and for all parents, there’s the worry of how to fill their child’s free days. You still have 5 or 6 weeks to figure it out so here are a few pointers that might help:
Summer camps: Love them or loathe them, summer camps have saved the sanity of many a parent over the holidays. They are also a great way for children to meet new friends and enjoy new experiences. If you choose a camp for your child, try to make sure it aligns with their interests and that they know at least one other person going there. For younger children in particular, prepare them for the fact that the structure is different to school – while camps are a lot more fun, the leaders/facilitators don’t know your child particularly well. Encourage your child to speak up when they need help or if they feel a little unsure of something. It’s about finding that delicate balance between doing new things and finding an appropriate comfort zone. You can support your child to find that balance by talking then through what to expect.
‘Care pooling’: Like what you do with a car but it involves little people! Now is the time to talk to friends and family, to see if you can arrange schedules that will be beneficial to all. You might have some time off one week and can take your friend’s child and he/she can do it the next week. That way, your childcare issue is solved and your child has a playmate. It’s a fairly cost neutral win-win.
Treats: We all do it. Holidays are generally about relaxing the rules and throwing caution to the wind. When your child asks for an ice cream every day, bear in mind that the school holidays last for 8 weeks. That’s a whole lot of treats. Talk to your child about this in advance and set some boundaries. You could, for example, make homemade smoothie ice-pops for during the week and they can enjoy ice creams out at the weekend. Cinema trips are expensive so you could invite some of their friends over to watch a movie, while having a picnic on the floor. Anything different creates a sense of adventure for children so get creative with the treats. Your child’s health (and your bank balance) will thank you.
Moderation: As parents we often fall into the trap of trying to be all singing, all dancing when it comes to keeping our children occupied. Just remember that they need down time too. A break from the preschool/school routine should give them plenty of time and space to just be, without always doing something. Children are at risk of being over-scheduled, even if it involves fun activities and outings. Again, it’s all about striking a balance.
This article was written by a member of Parenting Limerick. [...]
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