Growing Pains Irish Examiner

Child psychotherapist Dr Colman Noctor and ieParenting editor Irene Feighan sit down to discuss the pros and cons of homework for primary school children. 
While some researchers say homework helps children to develop skills such as organisation, others believe it is counterproductive.  
Noctor is in the no-homework camp and sees how it impacts his children in very different ways. He offers guidance on creating healthy habits and advice for parents of teenagers who have little interest in studying or completing homework. 

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Family psychotherapist and author Dr Richard Hogan joins ieParenting editor Irene Feighan to discuss ways to help your child in the run-up to exams. 
Exam season is a stressful time and Hogan says it’s important to make allowances for young people who may be a little more agitated and let them know that they are supported.   
He offers guidance on creating structure when it comes to studying and shares his advice for parents on how to be there for their children – and what not to say. 

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Child psychotherapist Dr Joanna Fortune and ieParenting editor Irene Feighan talk about the importance of friendships for teenagers and the impact of loneliness during the adolescent years. 
Loneliness is one of the biggest threats to mental wellbeing and Fortune says it is something that she is seeing regularly in her clinics, particularly since the pandemic.  
She notes the role social media plays in the lives and friendships of teenagers and offers advice for parents on what to do if their child is spending a lot of time on their own. 

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Child psychotherapist Dr Colman Noctor and ieParenting editor Irene Feighan discuss the loneliness epidemic amongst teenagers and the role parents can play in helping young people to develop friendships. 
The covid-19 pandemic and a reliance on social media have created a world where many young people are missing tangible quality time with peers which is essential for development.  
Noctor shares tips for parents on how to support their child to develop friendships and the small tweaks that can be made to help create the all-important social opportunities with friends.  

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Family psychotherapist and author Richard Hogan joins ieParenting editor Irene Feighan to discuss supporting a child with dyslexia. 
One in ten people in Ireland have dyslexia and signs often emerge in early school years. In 2021, Richard Hogan shared his own diagnosis for the first time in the Irish Examiner.  
As someone who works in schools, he has seen how dyslexia can impact a child’s sense of self. He offers tips for parents on how to support a child with dyslexia and shares his own personal experience.  

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Child psychotherapist and podcaster Dr Joanna Fortune and ieParenting editor Irene Feighan talk about the importance of encouraging children to go outside and explore. 
Outdoor playtime has a range of benefits for children and is essential for physical and emotional development. According to Dr Joanna Fortune, unstructured play outdoors promotes positive risk-taking behaviour. 
She shares small ways to build movement into your daily routine and how to make it work even in the unpredictable Irish weather. Plus, she offers tips for getting even the most reluctant children outside. 

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