Parenting Focus Podcast

Ep 19: Parenting In The Pandemic

Our new host Catherine catches up with Parenting NI Parental Participation Officer, Elaine & Business Development Officer, Rosie. In this episode, they discuss their experiences of Parenting in the Pandemic & reflect on the challenges this situation has brought for parents in 2020.

You can check out our Facebook page for helpful tips, support & lots of Christmas related content now we're into December! For more support contact Parenting NI for free on 0808 8010 722 or visit www.parentingni.org. 

Ep 18: Self-Care

Emma catches up with Parenting NI Education and Participation Officer, Lauren. In this episode, the girls consider whether the slow paced lifestyle of lockdown is actually having a positive impact on us, discuss self-care, why it's important and how we can make ourselves a priority when we feel overwhelmed. 

You can also check out our Facebook page for daily tips on self-care. For more support contact Parenting NI for free on 0808 8010 722 or visit www.parentingni.org. 

Ep 17: Dads Project on Overcoming Isolation

We're back! We had a brief break last month but we're glad to be chatting with you again. 

For Father's Day 2020 - Emma chats with Cahir Murray, Coordinator of the Dads Project, about the impact Covid-19 has had on fathers and particularly on separated dads who may be struggling to see their children. Dads from the project's Steering Group also share their messages of hope for Father's Day. 

Support for dads is available for free - call 0808 8010 722 or visit https://www.parentingni.org/parents/dads-project/

EP 16: Teenagers and the Pandemic with Dr John Coleman

Over a month into lockdown in the UK due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Emma chats to Dr John Coleman about why we need to cut teenagers some slack at this time. Dr Coleman gives insights into teenage brain development and offers some advice on how we can support our young people at this time both in terms of emotional wellbeing and when it comes to keeping them safe online.

Parenting NI are continuing to offer support to parents in the current circumstances. You can visit our website to take a look at resources we have shared so far. If you would like to support Parenting NI at this difficult time we would really appreciate it, you can make a donation via our Localgiving page.

EP 15: Impact of World News on Children

We are living in a world were children and young people have more information about what's going on in the world than ever before. With fears over climate change, terror attacks and the current pandemic of Coronavirus, the constant stream of news we now have access to can cause anxiety for both children and adults. In this episode we discuss some tips for easing anxiety and building resilience in our children and young people. 

Some links you might want to also check out on Fake News and talking to your children about Coronavirus. You can follow Parenting NI on social media for the latest news and information to support parents and families during the current COVID-19 outbreak - find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Ep 14: Are parents getting enough support?

This month Emma chats with Parenting NI Policy and Research Officer Chris, as they take a deep dive into the latest findings from the charity's annual Big Parenting Survey. Exploring the realities of parenting in today's society, what parents are struggling with and what support they would like. This year the survey also focused on the impact technology is having on children and parents. 

You can read the full report online at https://www.parentingni.org/news/big-parenting-survey-2019-findings/

 

Ep 13: Going to Big School

This month many children will have got the results of their transfer tests. This is can often be a challenging change for young people as they make the transition from Primary to 'Big School'. In this episode we discuss the concerns some parents and children might have around settling in and looking at the positive opportunities a moving onto secondary school can bring. 

You can read our research paper on School Transitions here: www.parentingni.org/blog/parents-guide-school-transitions 

If you would like some further help or reassurance you can contact Parenting NI for free on 0808 8010 722.

Ep 12: Conflict at Christmas

It's the final episode of the Parenting NI Podcast for 2019! This month Emma is joined by Parenting Education Manager, Shirley to talk about how the festive period can often cause conflict in a lot of households. We explore how to cope when family conflict arises and also look at ways we can look after ourselves when January comes around and we might be feeling a bit blue. 

Thanks for all your support of the podcast this year, we're looking forward to being back in 2020 and chatting to you more then! Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year! 

Ep 11: Dealing with Bullying

Off the back of Anti-Bullying Week, we talk to the NI Anti-Bullying Forum Chair, Gillian Cuthbert and National Children's Bureau Assistant Director, Deirdre McAliskey about concerns parents have around their children being bullied. This episode explores what bullying is, how to identify it, online bullying, what do to if your child is being bullied at school, and how you can help your child with strategies to deal with bullying and promote their confidence and self-esteem.

You can find out more about the NI Anti-Bullying Forum here: http://www.endbullying.org.uk and to get more information on the competition click here.

If you are concerned about your child and bullying you can contact Parenting NI for free on 0808 8010 722 or visit our website. 

Ep. 10: Parenting Week Special

It's Parenting Week! Our favourite week of the year, and this year it's a double celebration as we mark 20 years of running the annual initiative and 40 years of supporting parents in Northern Ireland. We chat about what all we've been up to to celebrate and have a special interview with Pip Jaffa, who has been involved with the charity since it's beginnings in 1979. Pip gives insight into what it was like in the early days when the helpline first started, how things have changed for families and what support she'd like to see for parents and families now.