Parentline NI - Your Guide to Parenting Mon, 18 May 2026 13:39:05 -0400 http://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline-ni en © 2026 Parentline NI - Your Guide to Parenting yes 21302a8f-16c1-54be-97e6-e81267ec7597 Parentline NI episodic false To raise thriving children parents need better support. Parentline NI is here for all parents offering support, guidance or advice wherever you are on the parenting journey. We are a helpline for parents operated by Children in Northern Ireland. The Parentline podcasts will explore the ups and downs of parenting with honest and frank discussions to support parents to lay the strongest possible foundations for their children. Find out more information about Parentline NI at http://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline-ni

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) parenting,cini,children,northern ireland,kids,teen,toddler,babies,baby,seperation,attachment Parentline NI https://storage.buzzsprout.com/o2kdbjw92pfntxsjc2viv8b5lrbr?.jpg Parentline NI - Your Guide to Parenting http://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline-ni Kerry McLean Be Cyber Safe NI Takeover: Ep 3 - Side by Side Be Cyber Safe NI Takeover: Ep 3 - Side by Side In the final episode of the Be Cyber Safe NI Takeover, young people and adults come together to look ahead — exploring how families can navigate the digital world side by side with trust, understanding, and openness.

Hosted by Maria, this episode features honest reflections from Matylda, Theo, Ethan, and Darragh, alongside youth worker Paula, who has supported the group throughout the project. Together, they unpack the reality that parents and young people often live in very different digital worlds — and why closing that gap matters more than ever.

The conversation explores:

  • Why parents and young people experience the online world so differently
  • How parents can better understand the apps, games, and platforms young people use
  • Why social media is about more than screens — it’s about belonging and connection
  • How to encourage healthy breaks from screens without making it feel like punishment
  • The importance of offline time, presence, and shared family moments
  • What really helps when something goes wrong online
  • Why calm, non-judgemental responses make it easier for young people to ask for help

The episode ends with a powerful reminder: there is no perfect rulebook for growing up online. Mistakes will happen — but when families listen, learn, and respond together, young people feel safer, supported, and more confident asking for help.

This final instalment brings the Be Cyber Safe NI Takeover to a thoughtful close, reinforcing a simple but vital message for parents and carers: online safety works best when it’s built on conversation, trust, and learning together.

]]> In the final episode of the Be Cyber Safe NI Takeover, young people and adults come together to look ahead — exploring how families can navigate the digital world side by side with trust, understanding, and openness.

Hosted by Maria, this episode features honest reflections from Matylda, Theo, Ethan, and Darragh, alongside youth worker Paula, who has supported the group throughout the project. Together, they unpack the reality that parents and young people often live in very different digital worlds — and why closing that gap matters more than ever.

The conversation explores:

  • Why parents and young people experience the online world so differently
  • How parents can better understand the apps, games, and platforms young people use
  • Why social media is about more than screens — it’s about belonging and connection
  • How to encourage healthy breaks from screens without making it feel like punishment
  • The importance of offline time, presence, and shared family moments
  • What really helps when something goes wrong online
  • Why calm, non-judgemental responses make it easier for young people to ask for help

The episode ends with a powerful reminder: there is no perfect rulebook for growing up online. Mistakes will happen — but when families listen, learn, and respond together, young people feel safer, supported, and more confident asking for help.

This final instalment brings the Be Cyber Safe NI Takeover to a thoughtful close, reinforcing a simple but vital message for parents and carers: online safety works best when it’s built on conversation, trust, and learning together.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-18371496 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 984 full false Be Cyber Safe NI Takeover: Ep 2 – Boundaries & Trust Be Cyber Safe NI Takeover: Ep 2 – Boundaries & Trust In Episode 2 of the Be Cyber Safe NI Takeover, the youth advisory group continues their honest conversation about what life online really looks like — this time focusing on something every family has to navigate: boundaries and trust.

Hosted again by Maria (15, Portadown), this episode features real discussions from Matylda, Theo, Ethan, Darragh, and youth worker Paula. Together, they explore what healthy online boundaries actually feel like from a young person’s perspective, and how parents can keep children safe without feeling overly strict or intrusive.

The group talks openly about:

  • When children should start learning about being online
  • Whether there should be age limits for phones, social media, and internet access
  • The role of parental controls — what helps and what feels like “too much”
  • How trust develops as young people grow
  • Why privacy becomes so important for teens
  • How parents and young people often see digital risks differently

The result is a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation that highlights the delicate balance every family tries to find: keeping young people safe while giving them space to grow, learn, and build independence.

This episode is a practical, relatable listen for parents, carers, and professionals who want to better understand the realities of navigating online life together.

]]> In Episode 2 of the Be Cyber Safe NI Takeover, the youth advisory group continues their honest conversation about what life online really looks like — this time focusing on something every family has to navigate: boundaries and trust.

Hosted again by Maria (15, Portadown), this episode features real discussions from Matylda, Theo, Ethan, Darragh, and youth worker Paula. Together, they explore what healthy online boundaries actually feel like from a young person’s perspective, and how parents can keep children safe without feeling overly strict or intrusive.

The group talks openly about:

  • When children should start learning about being online
  • Whether there should be age limits for phones, social media, and internet access
  • The role of parental controls — what helps and what feels like “too much”
  • How trust develops as young people grow
  • Why privacy becomes so important for teens
  • How parents and young people often see digital risks differently

The result is a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation that highlights the delicate balance every family tries to find: keeping young people safe while giving them space to grow, learn, and build independence.

This episode is a practical, relatable listen for parents, carers, and professionals who want to better understand the realities of navigating online life together.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-18323577 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0000 907 full false Be Cyber Safe NI Takeover: Ep 1 – Speaking Up Be Cyber Safe NI Takeover: Ep 1 – Speaking Up This episode launches the Be Cyber Safe NI Takeover — a special three-part youth-led mini-series produced by Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) in partnership with the NSPCC.

Be Cyber Safe NI is a new advisory group of young people, aged 13–17, from across Northern Ireland. Working with CiNI and NSPCC, they explore issues like online privacy, harmful content, AI, and mental health, and share their views directly with parents, policymakers, and professionals.

Through this takeover series, the group takes over the Parentline NI Podcast feed to share what life online really looks like from their side of the screen — honest, personal, and sometimes challenging conversations designed to help parents understand the digital world through young people’s eyes.

In Episode 1 – “Speaking Up”, Maria (15, Portadown) hosts a conversation about why young people often find it difficult to tell parents when something goes wrong online.
Featuring real conversations from Theo, Ethan, Matylda, Darragh, and youth worker Paula, the episode explores fear, embarrassment, and trust — and what actually helps when young people need support.

It’s a thoughtful, down-to-earth discussion for parents, carers, and anyone who wants to build stronger communication around online life.

]]> This episode launches the Be Cyber Safe NI Takeover — a special three-part youth-led mini-series produced by Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) in partnership with the NSPCC.

Be Cyber Safe NI is a new advisory group of young people, aged 13–17, from across Northern Ireland. Working with CiNI and NSPCC, they explore issues like online privacy, harmful content, AI, and mental health, and share their views directly with parents, policymakers, and professionals.

Through this takeover series, the group takes over the Parentline NI Podcast feed to share what life online really looks like from their side of the screen — honest, personal, and sometimes challenging conversations designed to help parents understand the digital world through young people’s eyes.

In Episode 1 – “Speaking Up”, Maria (15, Portadown) hosts a conversation about why young people often find it difficult to tell parents when something goes wrong online.
Featuring real conversations from Theo, Ethan, Matylda, Darragh, and youth worker Paula, the episode explores fear, embarrassment, and trust — and what actually helps when young people need support.

It’s a thoughtful, down-to-earth discussion for parents, carers, and anyone who wants to build stronger communication around online life.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-18027229 Mon, 20 Oct 2025 01:00:00 +0100 992 full false Smartphones & Childhood — Striking the Balance Smartphones & Childhood — Striking the Balance Smartphones are becoming part of children’s lives earlier than ever — and for many parents, it’s not an easy decision to make.
 From staying in touch to keeping up with peers, there’s a lot to weigh up when thinking about the right time to hand over a phone.

In this episode of the Parentline Podcast, we explore how families and schools are navigating these decisions — and what support is out there for parents trying to find the right balance between connection and protection.

You’ll hear from three guests with unique perspectives:

  • Rosalind McLean, from Smartphone Free Childhood – Northern Ireland, explains why so many parents feel stuck between peer pressure and their instincts — and how the movement is helping families delay smartphones with confidence and community.
  • Craig Johnson, Vice Principal at Lisneal College, shares how a phone-free school policy has changed student life and why their approach has had strong support from both parents and pupils.
  • Wayne Denner, online safety expert and parent, offers practical tools for setting boundaries at home and explains why families don’t need to be tech experts to manage smartphone use well.

We explore:

  • How smartphones are becoming more common in primary school — and the questions that raises for families
  • Concerns around screen time, online content, and social media
  • Ways to set age-appropriate boundaries around tech at home
  • What schools can do to support digital downtime
  • Alternatives to smartphones that still help children stay connected safely

Whether your child already has a phone or you're still deciding, this episode offers calm, practical advice and real-world stories to help you make informed choices.

📲 Links & Resources:

🔖 Tags:

#ParentlinePodcast #SmartphonesAndChildhood #SmartphoneFreeChildhoodNI #DigitalParenting #OnlineSafety #WayneDenner #LisnealCollege #ParentingSupport #KidsAndScreens

]]> Smartphones are becoming part of children’s lives earlier than ever — and for many parents, it’s not an easy decision to make.
 From staying in touch to keeping up with peers, there’s a lot to weigh up when thinking about the right time to hand over a phone.

In this episode of the Parentline Podcast, we explore how families and schools are navigating these decisions — and what support is out there for parents trying to find the right balance between connection and protection.

You’ll hear from three guests with unique perspectives:

  • Rosalind McLean, from Smartphone Free Childhood – Northern Ireland, explains why so many parents feel stuck between peer pressure and their instincts — and how the movement is helping families delay smartphones with confidence and community.
  • Craig Johnson, Vice Principal at Lisneal College, shares how a phone-free school policy has changed student life and why their approach has had strong support from both parents and pupils.
  • Wayne Denner, online safety expert and parent, offers practical tools for setting boundaries at home and explains why families don’t need to be tech experts to manage smartphone use well.

We explore:

  • How smartphones are becoming more common in primary school — and the questions that raises for families
  • Concerns around screen time, online content, and social media
  • Ways to set age-appropriate boundaries around tech at home
  • What schools can do to support digital downtime
  • Alternatives to smartphones that still help children stay connected safely

Whether your child already has a phone or you're still deciding, this episode offers calm, practical advice and real-world stories to help you make informed choices.

📲 Links & Resources:

🔖 Tags:

#ParentlinePodcast #SmartphonesAndChildhood #SmartphoneFreeChildhoodNI #DigitalParenting #OnlineSafety #WayneDenner #LisnealCollege #ParentingSupport #KidsAndScreens

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-17357384 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0100 2653 full false Supporting Neurodiverse Children Through Life’s Big Transitions Supporting Neurodiverse Children Through Life’s Big Transitions In this deeply insightful episode of the Parentline podcast, host Kerry McLean is joined by Tanya Strowger, a mother of three and counsellor at Jigsaw Community Counselling Centre, and Rebecca McCullough from Eden Consultancy NI. Together, they explore what it’s like to support neurodiverse children—particularly autistic children—through life’s big transitions, including school changes, holidays, family events, and everyday routines.

Tanya shares the powerful story of her son Silas, his early signs of autism, the diagnostic journey, and how their family has adapted to meet his needs at home, in school, and out in the world. From sensory challenges and visual schedules to social scripting and emotional regulation, her lived experience offers empathy and practical guidance.

Rebecca adds her expertise in neuro-affirming practice, offering thoughtful, real-world strategies to make transitions smoother, support emotional wellbeing, and embrace the child’s unique way of experiencing the world. Whether it’s navigating the school day, Christmas traditions, or going on holiday, this episode is packed with compassion, insight, and useful takeaways for any parent or professional.

In this episode, we explore:

  • Recognising early signs of neurodivergence and making sense of a diagnosis
  • Why small changes (like Sports Day or a different teacher) can be just as hard as big life events
  • Using visual aids, timers, and exit strategies to reduce anxiety
  • Preparing for transitions: from holidays and school changes to daily routines
  • Helping neurodiverse children manage emotions, especially during moments of overwhelm
  • Letting go of expectations and embracing what brings your child real happiness

Memorable Moments:

“Ditch all expectation and tune in to the happiness of the child.” – Tanya
“You don’t know until you know. And when you know, you can do things differently.” – Rebecca


Resources Mentioned:

Need Parenting Support?
📞 Call Parentline NI on 0808 8020 400
A free, confidential service offering a listening ear and practical guidance.

Subscribe & Share
If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing to the podcast and sharing it with a friend, family member, or colleague.
🔗 https://www.buzzsprout.com/861409

]]> In this deeply insightful episode of the Parentline podcast, host Kerry McLean is joined by Tanya Strowger, a mother of three and counsellor at Jigsaw Community Counselling Centre, and Rebecca McCullough from Eden Consultancy NI. Together, they explore what it’s like to support neurodiverse children—particularly autistic children—through life’s big transitions, including school changes, holidays, family events, and everyday routines.

Tanya shares the powerful story of her son Silas, his early signs of autism, the diagnostic journey, and how their family has adapted to meet his needs at home, in school, and out in the world. From sensory challenges and visual schedules to social scripting and emotional regulation, her lived experience offers empathy and practical guidance.

Rebecca adds her expertise in neuro-affirming practice, offering thoughtful, real-world strategies to make transitions smoother, support emotional wellbeing, and embrace the child’s unique way of experiencing the world. Whether it’s navigating the school day, Christmas traditions, or going on holiday, this episode is packed with compassion, insight, and useful takeaways for any parent or professional.

In this episode, we explore:

  • Recognising early signs of neurodivergence and making sense of a diagnosis
  • Why small changes (like Sports Day or a different teacher) can be just as hard as big life events
  • Using visual aids, timers, and exit strategies to reduce anxiety
  • Preparing for transitions: from holidays and school changes to daily routines
  • Helping neurodiverse children manage emotions, especially during moments of overwhelm
  • Letting go of expectations and embracing what brings your child real happiness

Memorable Moments:

“Ditch all expectation and tune in to the happiness of the child.” – Tanya
“You don’t know until you know. And when you know, you can do things differently.” – Rebecca


Resources Mentioned:

Need Parenting Support?
📞 Call Parentline NI on 0808 8020 400
A free, confidential service offering a listening ear and practical guidance.

Subscribe & Share
If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing to the podcast and sharing it with a friend, family member, or colleague.
🔗 https://www.buzzsprout.com/861409

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-17070984 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0100 2587 full false Supporting Parents and Carers in NI: Kerry chats to the Parentline Team Supporting Parents and Carers in NI: Kerry chats to the Parentline Team In this special episode, Kerry chats to three of the Parentline NI team - Kathy, Roisin and Julie. This episode focuses on the core ethos of the Parentline service.

They discuss the importance of connection with callers, and the teams' aim to provide a listening ear, and non judgemental support to parents and carers.

Callers can use the service for any stage of parenting, from babies and toddlers, teenagers and even older children - we never stop being parents.

They discuss issues that come up from parents and carers - mental health, neurodiversity, separation anxiety, school avoidance and emotional dysregulation.

https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline/

Parentline NI is a FREE confidential helpline for parents and carers throughout NI.

If you need us, we’re here. Call 0808 8020 400

]]> In this special episode, Kerry chats to three of the Parentline NI team - Kathy, Roisin and Julie. This episode focuses on the core ethos of the Parentline service.

They discuss the importance of connection with callers, and the teams' aim to provide a listening ear, and non judgemental support to parents and carers.

Callers can use the service for any stage of parenting, from babies and toddlers, teenagers and even older children - we never stop being parents.

They discuss issues that come up from parents and carers - mental health, neurodiversity, separation anxiety, school avoidance and emotional dysregulation.

https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline/

Parentline NI is a FREE confidential helpline for parents and carers throughout NI.

If you need us, we’re here. Call 0808 8020 400

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-16301696 Thu, 19 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000 2288 full false Managing Anxiety Based School Avoidance - from the voices of Parents and Professionals Managing Anxiety Based School Avoidance - from the voices of Parents and Professionals At Parentline, we are experiencing a large number of calls from parents and carers who are struggling with the issue of Anxiety Based School avoidance. 

Many of these parents feel like they are the only ones going through it, which is so far from the truth.

In this very special episode of the Parentline NI Podcast we share some of the stories and experiences from parents, and shine a light on this issue.

Our host Kerry McLean chats to Courtney, Lyndsey and Fiona, as well as Elaine from Strive NI in this episode.

https://striveni.co.uk/

https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline/

Parentline NI is a FREE confidential helpline for parents and carers throughout NI. 

If you need us, we’re here. Call 0808 8020 400

]]> At Parentline, we are experiencing a large number of calls from parents and carers who are struggling with the issue of Anxiety Based School avoidance. 

Many of these parents feel like they are the only ones going through it, which is so far from the truth.

In this very special episode of the Parentline NI Podcast we share some of the stories and experiences from parents, and shine a light on this issue.

Our host Kerry McLean chats to Courtney, Lyndsey and Fiona, as well as Elaine from Strive NI in this episode.

https://striveni.co.uk/

https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline/

Parentline NI is a FREE confidential helpline for parents and carers throughout NI. 

If you need us, we’re here. Call 0808 8020 400

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-15819827 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0100 2861 full false Empowering Parents: Navigating Dyslexia with Confidence and Compassion Empowering Parents: Navigating Dyslexia with Confidence and Compassion Kate McKeown and Sarah Carvell chat to Kerry McLean about their experiences with dyslexia - they discuss their barriers to support, trusting their own judgements around their childrens' needs, and navigating a path for a better outcome. 

If you would like to talk to Parentline about dyslexia, or about any other parenting matter, you can call us on 0808 8020 400. 


]]> Kate McKeown and Sarah Carvell chat to Kerry McLean about their experiences with dyslexia - they discuss their barriers to support, trusting their own judgements around their childrens' needs, and navigating a path for a better outcome. 

If you would like to talk to Parentline about dyslexia, or about any other parenting matter, you can call us on 0808 8020 400. 


]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-15495399 Mon, 29 Jul 2024 20:00:00 +0100 2972 full false Parenting through...our experiences with ADHD Parenting through...our experiences with ADHD This episode, Kerry talks to two guests, Bronagh Donnelly and Mary Jordan. Bronagh's son has ADHD, and she also works for an ADHD support service. 
Mary has ADHD herself, and so do both of her children.

Our guests candidly share their stories of parenting children with ADHD and their journey through getting the right support, understanding ADHD and their overall mindset about it. Their stories are uplifting and inspiring as we hear how their children thrived in areas like sport and creative subjects. 

They discuss navigating the school system, and educational support and perceived levels of achievement. This is an area that highlights inconsistencies across the country, and campaigning for acceptance and flexibility is a huge motivation for our two guests.

If you would like to chat to one of our team about anything parenting related, please call us on 0808 8020 400.

]]> This episode, Kerry talks to two guests, Bronagh Donnelly and Mary Jordan. Bronagh's son has ADHD, and she also works for an ADHD support service. 
Mary has ADHD herself, and so do both of her children.

Our guests candidly share their stories of parenting children with ADHD and their journey through getting the right support, understanding ADHD and their overall mindset about it. Their stories are uplifting and inspiring as we hear how their children thrived in areas like sport and creative subjects. 

They discuss navigating the school system, and educational support and perceived levels of achievement. This is an area that highlights inconsistencies across the country, and campaigning for acceptance and flexibility is a huge motivation for our two guests.

If you would like to chat to one of our team about anything parenting related, please call us on 0808 8020 400.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-14448995 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000 3378 full false Rediscovering the Magic of Christmas on a Budget Rediscovering the Magic of Christmas on a Budget This episode, Kerry chats to two local parents, Barbara and Katrina, who share their views on how to rediscover the magic of Christmas, on a budget! 

They discuss their own, personal family traditions, and revisit what really matters at Christmas. The Cost of Living Crisis is affecting the vast majority of us, so why should we put unnecessarily pressures on ourselves and our family to keep up with everything we see others doing on social media?

The 'picture perfect' Christmas may look inviting, but how 'real' is it? Is it worth getting into debt for?

Kerry, Barbara and Katrina talk about special moments in their family homes at Christmas, as well as budget friendly ideas, and charitable actions that can go along way this time of year.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> This episode, Kerry chats to two local parents, Barbara and Katrina, who share their views on how to rediscover the magic of Christmas, on a budget! 

They discuss their own, personal family traditions, and revisit what really matters at Christmas. The Cost of Living Crisis is affecting the vast majority of us, so why should we put unnecessarily pressures on ourselves and our family to keep up with everything we see others doing on social media?

The 'picture perfect' Christmas may look inviting, but how 'real' is it? Is it worth getting into debt for?

Kerry, Barbara and Katrina talk about special moments in their family homes at Christmas, as well as budget friendly ideas, and charitable actions that can go along way this time of year.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-14132087 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2226 full false Breastfeeding - Making it work for you and your baby Breastfeeding - Making it work for you and your baby Breastfeeding counsellor Katy Lynn chats to Kerry about the emotive topic of breastfeeding.  They talk about some of the amazing qualities of breastmilk, the joys of breastfeeding and discuss awareness around the difficulties experienced when starting to breastfeed. They key message here is the  lack of support for mums who are starting to breastfeed, that can often lead them to stop sooner than planned. 

We've included some signposting information below. It is advised that the first port of call here in Northern Ireland would be a Community Midwife. Health Visitors should be able to supply information of local support groups, and all women can access the Infant Feeding Lead in each trust area too.
 

Helplines (most are open 365 days a year until midnight)

  • NCT - 0300 330 0700
  • Breastfeeding Network - 0300 100 0212
  • La Leche League - 0345 120 2918


Social media

NCT Breastfeeding Support NI on Facebook & instagram
https://www.facebook.com/NCTBFNI
https://www.instagram.com/nctbreastfeedingsupportni/

Breastfeeding in Northern Ireland
https://www.facebook.com/BreastfeedinginNI

 Breastfeeding & Medication Facebook page ran by pharmacist Wendy Jones
https://www.facebook.com/breastfeedingandmedication

Boobcast podcast (NCT NI)
https://open.spotify.com/show/6NJVZRPgy64pnphnNjuek3

]]> Breastfeeding counsellor Katy Lynn chats to Kerry about the emotive topic of breastfeeding.  They talk about some of the amazing qualities of breastmilk, the joys of breastfeeding and discuss awareness around the difficulties experienced when starting to breastfeed. They key message here is the  lack of support for mums who are starting to breastfeed, that can often lead them to stop sooner than planned. 

We've included some signposting information below. It is advised that the first port of call here in Northern Ireland would be a Community Midwife. Health Visitors should be able to supply information of local support groups, and all women can access the Infant Feeding Lead in each trust area too.
 

Helplines (most are open 365 days a year until midnight)

  • NCT - 0300 330 0700
  • Breastfeeding Network - 0300 100 0212
  • La Leche League - 0345 120 2918


Social media

NCT Breastfeeding Support NI on Facebook & instagram
https://www.facebook.com/NCTBFNI
https://www.instagram.com/nctbreastfeedingsupportni/

Breastfeeding in Northern Ireland
https://www.facebook.com/BreastfeedinginNI

 Breastfeeding & Medication Facebook page ran by pharmacist Wendy Jones
https://www.facebook.com/breastfeedingandmedication

Boobcast podcast (NCT NI)
https://open.spotify.com/show/6NJVZRPgy64pnphnNjuek3

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-14039316 Mon, 27 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 3212 full false #50 - Parenting through Vision Impairment and Sight Loss #50 - Parenting through Vision Impairment and Sight Loss Kerry talks to Hannah Conroy, mum to Ben, age 9, who has vision impairment. Hannah describes how she navigated getting support in place for Ben, as well as talking about his resilience and positivity! She also describes how much she values the support she gets from RNIB and Angel Eyes, and talks about the challenges of having child with a disability. 

https://www.rnib.org.uk/

https://www.angeleyesni.org/

]]> Kerry talks to Hannah Conroy, mum to Ben, age 9, who has vision impairment. Hannah describes how she navigated getting support in place for Ben, as well as talking about his resilience and positivity! She also describes how much she values the support she gets from RNIB and Angel Eyes, and talks about the challenges of having child with a disability. 

https://www.rnib.org.uk/

https://www.angeleyesni.org/

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-13888600 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000 1594 full false #49 - Parenting through Meningitis and resulting disabilities #49 - Parenting through Meningitis and resulting disabilities This episode Kerry talks to Sorina and Cosmin, parents of 8 year old Ezra. Ezra became ill at 14 months and is a below the knee double amputee. He also lost fingers on his right hand. Kerry discusses how Sorina and Cosmin coped, and are still coping, as well as Ezra's resilience and determination in progressing into a very active boy who loves school and lives a full life. 

]]> This episode Kerry talks to Sorina and Cosmin, parents of 8 year old Ezra. Ezra became ill at 14 months and is a below the knee double amputee. He also lost fingers on his right hand. Kerry discusses how Sorina and Cosmin coped, and are still coping, as well as Ezra's resilience and determination in progressing into a very active boy who loves school and lives a full life. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-13541455 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 17:00:00 +0100 1788 full false #48 - Parenting through...having a child with a lifelong condition #48 - Parenting through...having a child with a lifelong condition Kerry McLean talks to Chris and Rebecca, who each have a son with a rare genetic condition, called PKU.

They courageously discuss how it affects their lives, and the wider family circle. They explain the experience of being told the diagnosis, and how they coped and moved forward from there. 

This episode focuses on the feelings and challenges around having a child with a lifelong condition, and how the support from those in similar situations can help make things more manageable. We greatly appreciate Chris and Rebecca taking part in the Parentline podcast. 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/phenylketonuria/

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 
https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline/

]]> Kerry McLean talks to Chris and Rebecca, who each have a son with a rare genetic condition, called PKU.

They courageously discuss how it affects their lives, and the wider family circle. They explain the experience of being told the diagnosis, and how they coped and moved forward from there. 

This episode focuses on the feelings and challenges around having a child with a lifelong condition, and how the support from those in similar situations can help make things more manageable. We greatly appreciate Chris and Rebecca taking part in the Parentline podcast. 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/phenylketonuria/

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 
https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline/

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-13299567 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0100 2157 full false #47 - Parenting through Teen Pregnancy #47 - Parenting through Teen Pregnancy Teen Pregnancy - somemthing that is usually unplanned and unexpected, by both parents and their teenagers!

Katrina, a teen mum with a newborn, and Paula, a former teen mum whose daughter is now in her 20's, chat about their experiences with Kerry McLean. They share challenges and shifts in their lifestyle, as well as what they have gained and their outlook on life. 

]]> Teen Pregnancy - somemthing that is usually unplanned and unexpected, by both parents and their teenagers!

Katrina, a teen mum with a newborn, and Paula, a former teen mum whose daughter is now in her 20's, chat about their experiences with Kerry McLean. They share challenges and shifts in their lifestyle, as well as what they have gained and their outlook on life. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-13078238 Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100 1801 full false #46 - Parenting through Bereavement and Grief #46 - Parenting through Bereavement and Grief This episode shares the experience of Michaela, who lost her mother just six weeks after the birth of her first baby, all during the peak of Covid 19. 

Kerry and Michaela discuss how she coped with this tragic loss, during such a significant and intense period of her life. They share some similar experiences, and the message that despite how difficult life can be, if we reach out, it can make us feel so much less alone. 

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 



]]> This episode shares the experience of Michaela, who lost her mother just six weeks after the birth of her first baby, all during the peak of Covid 19. 

Kerry and Michaela discuss how she coped with this tragic loss, during such a significant and intense period of her life. They share some similar experiences, and the message that despite how difficult life can be, if we reach out, it can make us feel so much less alone. 

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 



]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-12919622 Tue, 30 May 2023 11:00:00 +0100 2574 full false #45 - Parenting through Childcare Costs - with Melted Parents NI #45 - Parenting through Childcare Costs - with Melted Parents NI This episode is the second of our 'Parenting through...' series. Kerry talks to Casey and Becca, the recent founders of Melted Parents NI - their aim is to share the human stories behind the childcare crisis and it's impact on our society. 

They discuss the impact of childcare costs on whether parents (mainly women) are willing and/or able to return to work after having a baby. In addition, they talk about childcare being more than just someone looking after your child, and how nurturing a place nurseries can be.  Check out their Instagram after this episode to see the stories of many local parents. 

Resources related to this episode:

Parentline - https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline
Melted Parents NI - linktr.ee/meltedparentsni

Remember Parentline NI are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any area of parenting.

To avoid missing an episode of our podcast, click ‘follow’ wherever you get your podcasts.

Thanks for listening!!


]]> This episode is the second of our 'Parenting through...' series. Kerry talks to Casey and Becca, the recent founders of Melted Parents NI - their aim is to share the human stories behind the childcare crisis and it's impact on our society. 

They discuss the impact of childcare costs on whether parents (mainly women) are willing and/or able to return to work after having a baby. In addition, they talk about childcare being more than just someone looking after your child, and how nurturing a place nurseries can be.  Check out their Instagram after this episode to see the stories of many local parents. 

Resources related to this episode:

Parentline - https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline
Melted Parents NI - linktr.ee/meltedparentsni

Remember Parentline NI are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any area of parenting.

To avoid missing an episode of our podcast, click ‘follow’ wherever you get your podcasts.

Thanks for listening!!


]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-12767573 Tue, 02 May 2023 14:00:00 +0100 1970 full false #44 - Discussing Emotional Literacy - being emotionally aware for our children #44 - Discussing Emotional Literacy - being emotionally aware for our children The thought of our children or our young people going through emotional pain and hurt is horrible.  As parents or carers, we want them to have a perfect, stress-free, pain-free life. But of course, that's not possible for anyone. And sometimes that pain and hurt can lead to them having thoughts of self-harm, or worse still, thoughts of suicide.
Kerry McLean talks to Connor McCafferty of Zest NI - Healing the Hurt, on how our own emotional literacy can help us provide the right kind of support to our children. 

http://www.zestni.org/

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 
https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline/

]]> The thought of our children or our young people going through emotional pain and hurt is horrible.  As parents or carers, we want them to have a perfect, stress-free, pain-free life. But of course, that's not possible for anyone. And sometimes that pain and hurt can lead to them having thoughts of self-harm, or worse still, thoughts of suicide.
Kerry McLean talks to Connor McCafferty of Zest NI - Healing the Hurt, on how our own emotional literacy can help us provide the right kind of support to our children. 

http://www.zestni.org/

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 
https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline/

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-12500794 Thu, 23 Mar 2023 14:00:00 +0000 2195 2 44 full false #43 - Parenting through Eating Disorders - Laurence's Story #43 - Parenting through Eating Disorders - Laurence's Story In this episode, Pam Nugent, co-founder of The Laurence Trust, tells her story about the loss of her son, Laurence, to an eating disorder.

For #eatingdisorderawarenessweek2023, there is a focus on men, and how eating disorders, contrary to popular belief, affect men as well as women.

Pam shares the heartbreaking story of Laurence's eating disorder,  and her motivation for founding The Laurence Trust; a safe and compassionate space for men and their loved ones to find support, so that tragedies like this one can be avoided.

https://www.thelaurencetrust.co.uk/

Freddie Flintoff: Living with Bulimia: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000n1xx

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> In this episode, Pam Nugent, co-founder of The Laurence Trust, tells her story about the loss of her son, Laurence, to an eating disorder.

For #eatingdisorderawarenessweek2023, there is a focus on men, and how eating disorders, contrary to popular belief, affect men as well as women.

Pam shares the heartbreaking story of Laurence's eating disorder,  and her motivation for founding The Laurence Trust; a safe and compassionate space for men and their loved ones to find support, so that tragedies like this one can be avoided.

https://www.thelaurencetrust.co.uk/

Freddie Flintoff: Living with Bulimia: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000n1xx

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Buzzsprout-12344657 Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000 2197 2 43 full false #42 - Autism Next Steps - Kerry and Rebecca chat autism pre and post diagnosis #42 - Autism Next Steps - Kerry and Rebecca chat autism pre and post diagnosis In this episode we were delighted to have Rebecca from Eden Consultancy  back with us to chat more about autism. Kerry and Rebecca chat about next steps after diagnosis, as well as discussing stigmas and dated views. Rebecca gives some excellent tried and tested techniques as well as advice for parents and carers to try involving the whole family in using a consistent approach for their children. They also chat about normalising a diagnosis - it does not change your child and is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

If you would like to talk one of our Parentline NI support officers please call 0808 8020 400. We are here to support you without judgement.

Useful links:

https://www.edenconsultancyni.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Edenconsultancyni

https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline/
https://www.facebook.com/parentlineni

]]> In this episode we were delighted to have Rebecca from Eden Consultancy  back with us to chat more about autism. Kerry and Rebecca chat about next steps after diagnosis, as well as discussing stigmas and dated views. Rebecca gives some excellent tried and tested techniques as well as advice for parents and carers to try involving the whole family in using a consistent approach for their children. They also chat about normalising a diagnosis - it does not change your child and is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

If you would like to talk one of our Parentline NI support officers please call 0808 8020 400. We are here to support you without judgement.

Useful links:

https://www.edenconsultancyni.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Edenconsultancyni

https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline/
https://www.facebook.com/parentlineni

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-12042047 Sat, 14 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000 2777 2 42 full false #41 - Healing the Wounds of the Past - how Childhood Trauma impacts our Parenting. Kerry McLean chats to Lisa Cherry #41 - Healing the Wounds of the Past - how Childhood Trauma impacts our Parenting. Kerry McLean chats to Lisa Cherry Lisa and Kerry chat about the impact of childhood trauma on the person we become, and in turn our own parenting styles. They discuss the vocabulary we need to talk about trauma and it's impact on our mental health. They also discuss self care, and how empathy and compassion can make such a positive difference to those carrying the weight of trauma. Lisa discusses how having those conversations about the legacy of trauma, don't always make things better, but that addressing things can lead to valuable learnings and realisations.

Lisa Cherry is an author, researcher and leading international trainer and consultant, specialising in assisting schools, services and systems to create change that supports working with the legacy of trauma. Lisa has been working in Education and Children’s Services for over 30 years and combines academic knowledge and research with professional skills and personal experience.

Conversations that Make a Difference, by Lisa Cherry
https://www.lisacherry.co.uk/

We hope you enjoy the conversation, share with friends and family and let us know what you think.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Lisa and Kerry chat about the impact of childhood trauma on the person we become, and in turn our own parenting styles. They discuss the vocabulary we need to talk about trauma and it's impact on our mental health. They also discuss self care, and how empathy and compassion can make such a positive difference to those carrying the weight of trauma. Lisa discusses how having those conversations about the legacy of trauma, don't always make things better, but that addressing things can lead to valuable learnings and realisations.

Lisa Cherry is an author, researcher and leading international trainer and consultant, specialising in assisting schools, services and systems to create change that supports working with the legacy of trauma. Lisa has been working in Education and Children’s Services for over 30 years and combines academic knowledge and research with professional skills and personal experience.

Conversations that Make a Difference, by Lisa Cherry
https://www.lisacherry.co.uk/

We hope you enjoy the conversation, share with friends and family and let us know what you think.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-11655950 Tue, 08 Nov 2022 17:00:00 +0000 2667 2 41 full false #40 - Bringing Dads together through Parenthood, with Col Bignell of DadBods #40 - Bringing Dads together through Parenthood, with Col Bignell of DadBods This episode, Kerry talks to Col Bignell, founder of DadBods - a group for dads to get together and connect through what it's like to be a dad!
Every Sunday they get together in a new outdoor location for a walk and a chat - and bring their babies and toddlers of course!
Col explains what it has done for him as a parent, as he feels he can connect with the other dads about how much of a life changing event parenthood is.

If you'd like to get in touch with Col, find him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dadbods.ni/

]]> This episode, Kerry talks to Col Bignell, founder of DadBods - a group for dads to get together and connect through what it's like to be a dad!
Every Sunday they get together in a new outdoor location for a walk and a chat - and bring their babies and toddlers of course!
Col explains what it has done for him as a parent, as he feels he can connect with the other dads about how much of a life changing event parenthood is.

If you'd like to get in touch with Col, find him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dadbods.ni/

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-11477761 Wed, 19 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0100 1489 2 40 full false #39 - How to be a Mindful Parent, with Patrick McIlwee #39 - How to be a Mindful Parent, with Patrick McIlwee Patrick McIlwee, from New Ways NI - Tailored Mindset Coaching, chats to Kerry McLean about ways to use mindfulness in our parenting, both for ourselves and for our children. 

Resources:

https://5lovelanguages.com/
https://www.facebook.com/NewWaysNI/

]]> Patrick McIlwee, from New Ways NI - Tailored Mindset Coaching, chats to Kerry McLean about ways to use mindfulness in our parenting, both for ourselves and for our children. 

Resources:

https://5lovelanguages.com/
https://www.facebook.com/NewWaysNI/

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-11357740 Thu, 22 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0100 2769 2 39 full false #38 - "How Do We Build Resilience In Ourselves And Our Children?" with Ed Sipler #38 - "How Do We Build Resilience In Ourselves And Our Children?" with Ed Sipler Ed Sipler, a Health Development Specialist in the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, talks to Kerry McLean about building resilience in ourselves and our children.
It's been a tough few years for us all, and with the current cost of living challenges, we have all had a lot to cope with and try to overcome.

Ed talks about resilience in this episode, and how it's more effective to build our own resilience first, before modelling it to our children. Ed talks about his own family, and his twin granddaughters, giving us an insight on the challenges we all face, and how to work through them using our own resilience and instilling it into our children and grandchildren. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:
CYPSP - https://cypsp.hscni.net
Family Support Hubs - https://cypsp.hscni.net/family-support-hubs
Parentline - https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline

Remember Parentline NI are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any area of parenting.

To avoid missing an episode of our podcast, click ‘follow’ wherever you get your podcasts.
Thanks for listening!!

]]> Ed Sipler, a Health Development Specialist in the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, talks to Kerry McLean about building resilience in ourselves and our children.
It's been a tough few years for us all, and with the current cost of living challenges, we have all had a lot to cope with and try to overcome.

Ed talks about resilience in this episode, and how it's more effective to build our own resilience first, before modelling it to our children. Ed talks about his own family, and his twin granddaughters, giving us an insight on the challenges we all face, and how to work through them using our own resilience and instilling it into our children and grandchildren. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:
CYPSP - https://cypsp.hscni.net
Family Support Hubs - https://cypsp.hscni.net/family-support-hubs
Parentline - https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline

Remember Parentline NI are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any area of parenting.

To avoid missing an episode of our podcast, click ‘follow’ wherever you get your podcasts.
Thanks for listening!!

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-11113245 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0100 1529 2 38 full false #37 - Parenting in a Digital World...Keeping Our Children Safe Online with Wayne Denner #37 - Parenting in a Digital World...Keeping Our Children Safe Online with Wayne Denner This episode, Kerry chats to Wayne Denner, an online reputation and safety expert,  who has spent decades in the digital space teaching people of all ages to protect themselves online, take control of technology and maximise the opportunities it can offer.

They discuss safeguarding in the online world; something that is becoming increasingly prevalent in our lives. As parents we know the world is a very different place to the one we grew up in, and our heads can sometimes be filled with questions, worries or fears about how we can keep our children safe online.

Wayne and Kerry talk through how we, as parents, may feel about our children using smartphones, tablets and laptops, as well as online gaming.
What age is too young?
How do we manage parental controls?
What about the positive, educational experiences our children and young people get from being online?

They also discuss how we can keep up to date with the latest technology, and suggest ways we can get involved in our child’s digital world. Wayne covers how to monitor usage, and also shares tips on how the whole family can reduce their time spent on devices, to encourage our young people to do the same. 

The online world offers a world of potential social and educational experiences for our children and young people, as well as fun and enjoyment, however it is so easy to spend too much time staring at a screen, or stumble upon content that is too advanced or even dangerous.  But if we implement strategies like enabling parental controls on devices and routers, putting our phones in sleep mode at night time, or keeping all devices away from the dinner table or bedroom, we can feel reassured we are not overdoing our screen time, and worry less that our children are accessing content that is unsuitable. 

Listen in to the chat and tell us with you think! 


And if you like it, please share it!

Resources:

OpenDNS Family Shield – www.opendns.com
The Students Guide to and Epic Online Reputation – Wayne Denner – www.waynedenner.com
Putting your phone in sleep mode – https://cellularnews.com/mobile-phone/ways-to-set-sleep-timer-on-your-android-and-iphone-devices 

Remember Parentline NI are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any area of parenting.

To avoid missing an episode of our podcast, click ‘follow’ wherever you get your podcasts.
Thanks for listening!!


]]> This episode, Kerry chats to Wayne Denner, an online reputation and safety expert,  who has spent decades in the digital space teaching people of all ages to protect themselves online, take control of technology and maximise the opportunities it can offer.

They discuss safeguarding in the online world; something that is becoming increasingly prevalent in our lives. As parents we know the world is a very different place to the one we grew up in, and our heads can sometimes be filled with questions, worries or fears about how we can keep our children safe online.

Wayne and Kerry talk through how we, as parents, may feel about our children using smartphones, tablets and laptops, as well as online gaming.
What age is too young?
How do we manage parental controls?
What about the positive, educational experiences our children and young people get from being online?

They also discuss how we can keep up to date with the latest technology, and suggest ways we can get involved in our child’s digital world. Wayne covers how to monitor usage, and also shares tips on how the whole family can reduce their time spent on devices, to encourage our young people to do the same. 

The online world offers a world of potential social and educational experiences for our children and young people, as well as fun and enjoyment, however it is so easy to spend too much time staring at a screen, or stumble upon content that is too advanced or even dangerous.  But if we implement strategies like enabling parental controls on devices and routers, putting our phones in sleep mode at night time, or keeping all devices away from the dinner table or bedroom, we can feel reassured we are not overdoing our screen time, and worry less that our children are accessing content that is unsuitable. 

Listen in to the chat and tell us with you think! 


And if you like it, please share it!

Resources:

OpenDNS Family Shield – www.opendns.com
The Students Guide to and Epic Online Reputation – Wayne Denner – www.waynedenner.com
Putting your phone in sleep mode – https://cellularnews.com/mobile-phone/ways-to-set-sleep-timer-on-your-android-and-iphone-devices 

Remember Parentline NI are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any area of parenting.

To avoid missing an episode of our podcast, click ‘follow’ wherever you get your podcasts.
Thanks for listening!!


]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-11067716 Tue, 02 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0100 2864 2 37 full false #36 - Anxiety Based School Avoidance, with Strive NI #36 - Anxiety Based School Avoidance, with Strive NI Following our popular workshop delivered together with Elaine McCrisken from Strive NI, Elaine joins us on the podcast to chat about Anxiety Based School Avoidance.  

Listen in as Kerry chats to Elaine and explores reasons why a child or young person may be finding it difficult to attend school. As well as discussing practical strategies for parents/carers to support children to return more willingly to the school environment.

We hope you enjoy the conversation, share with friends and family and let us know what you think.
Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Following our popular workshop delivered together with Elaine McCrisken from Strive NI, Elaine joins us on the podcast to chat about Anxiety Based School Avoidance.  

Listen in as Kerry chats to Elaine and explores reasons why a child or young person may be finding it difficult to attend school. As well as discussing practical strategies for parents/carers to support children to return more willingly to the school environment.

We hope you enjoy the conversation, share with friends and family and let us know what you think.
Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-10860933 Thu, 30 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0100 2367 2 36 full false #35 - ADHD, the facts and more… #35 - ADHD, the facts and more… Following our recent workshop series delivered together with Rebecca McCullough from Eden Consultancy, Rebecca is back to talk to us again about ADHD.

ADHD is one of the most common, yet most misunderstood conditions amongst children and young people. In this podcast we will look into what ADHD actually is, talk about the myths surrounding ADHD, the challenges of ADHD and how to support a child or young person with ADHD through various strategies. 

We hope you enjoy the conversation, share with friends and family and let us know what you think.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Following our recent workshop series delivered together with Rebecca McCullough from Eden Consultancy, Rebecca is back to talk to us again about ADHD.

ADHD is one of the most common, yet most misunderstood conditions amongst children and young people. In this podcast we will look into what ADHD actually is, talk about the myths surrounding ADHD, the challenges of ADHD and how to support a child or young person with ADHD through various strategies. 

We hope you enjoy the conversation, share with friends and family and let us know what you think.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-10797530 Thu, 16 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0100 2874 2 35 full false #34 - Sustaining Healthy Relationships #34 - Sustaining Healthy Relationships Parenting/caring for children is both a joy and a challenge and can often have big impact on our relationships with those around us. 

Life is full of ups and downs and conflict is normal within all relationships, it is how conflict is handled which can impact our children most both now and long term. 

Listen in as Kerry chats to Kellie from Relate NI all about their new programme, ‘Sustaining Healthy Relationships’. These sessions look at developing skills and tools to manage the rough & tumble that can appear in any relationship; including couples & family relationships, friendships and our relationship with ourselves! 

We hope you enjoy the conversation, share with friends and family and let us know what you think.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parenting/caring for children is both a joy and a challenge and can often have big impact on our relationships with those around us. 

Life is full of ups and downs and conflict is normal within all relationships, it is how conflict is handled which can impact our children most both now and long term. 

Listen in as Kerry chats to Kellie from Relate NI all about their new programme, ‘Sustaining Healthy Relationships’. These sessions look at developing skills and tools to manage the rough & tumble that can appear in any relationship; including couples & family relationships, friendships and our relationship with ourselves! 

We hope you enjoy the conversation, share with friends and family and let us know what you think.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-10711076 Tue, 31 May 2022 13:00:00 +0100 2028 2 34 full false #33 - Autism, the facts and more… Part 2 #33 - Autism, the facts and more… Part 2 Our Parent Workshops looking at Autism have been hugely popular with parents and carers and these sessions have proved really supportive so far. 

We have had huge demand for these and places filled quickly, so we are delighted to have had the chance to record this follow-up podcast with Rebecca from Eden Consultancy to share with you. 

Kerry chats to Rebecca McCullough all about Autism; what is it, how might it present, what can we learn and how can we support our children. 

We hope you enjoy the conversation, share with friends and family and let us know what you think.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Our Parent Workshops looking at Autism have been hugely popular with parents and carers and these sessions have proved really supportive so far. 

We have had huge demand for these and places filled quickly, so we are delighted to have had the chance to record this follow-up podcast with Rebecca from Eden Consultancy to share with you. 

Kerry chats to Rebecca McCullough all about Autism; what is it, how might it present, what can we learn and how can we support our children. 

We hope you enjoy the conversation, share with friends and family and let us know what you think.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Buzzsprout-10612686 Fri, 13 May 2022 17:00:00 +0100 2757 2 33 full false #32 - The Changing Face of Family – Raising Kids in the 2020’s. PART 2: Lesley #32 - The Changing Face of Family – Raising Kids in the 2020’s. PART 2: Lesley We continue our series exploring and listening to the diversity of family units across Northern Ireland. 

Today Kerry chats to Lesley, a kinship carer. Listen in to hear all about what a kinship carer is, how Lesley came to be a kinship carer and her parenting experience in this role. 

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> We continue our series exploring and listening to the diversity of family units across Northern Ireland. 

Today Kerry chats to Lesley, a kinship carer. Listen in to hear all about what a kinship carer is, how Lesley came to be a kinship carer and her parenting experience in this role. 

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-10521441 Thu, 28 Apr 2022 16:00:00 +0100 2350 2 32 full false #31 - Autism, the facts and more… Part 1 #31 - Autism, the facts and more… Part 1 Our Parent Workshops looking at Autism have been hugely popular with parents and carers and these sessions have proved really supportive so far. 

We have had huge demand for these and places filled quickly, so we are delighted to have had the chance to record this podcast with Rebecca from Eden Consultancy to share with you. 

Kerry chats to Rebecca McCullough all about Autism; what is it, how might it present, what can we learn and how can we support our children. 

We hope you enjoy the conversation, share with friends and family and let us know what you think.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Our Parent Workshops looking at Autism have been hugely popular with parents and carers and these sessions have proved really supportive so far. 

We have had huge demand for these and places filled quickly, so we are delighted to have had the chance to record this podcast with Rebecca from Eden Consultancy to share with you. 

Kerry chats to Rebecca McCullough all about Autism; what is it, how might it present, what can we learn and how can we support our children. 

We hope you enjoy the conversation, share with friends and family and let us know what you think.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-10339330 Wed, 30 Mar 2022 13:00:00 +0100 2207 2 31 full false #30 - The Changing Face of Family – Raising Kids in the 2020’s. PART 1: George #30 - The Changing Face of Family – Raising Kids in the 2020’s. PART 1: George Traditionally families have been viewed as mum, dad & 2.4 children. But society is thankfully moving forward. Single parents, unmarried mothers and fathers as well as separated and divorced parents are now accepted as the norm.  We may still have a long way to go in Northern Ireland with equality, no less so in truly accepting and including LGBTQI+ parents as the ‘norm’.

In this new series of podcasts we aim to normalise and celebrate the diversity of families in Northern Ireland.

First up is George who raises his teenagers with his husband. Join the Kerry and George as they chat about his experience of dads raising teens, representing a modern family unit in 2022.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Traditionally families have been viewed as mum, dad & 2.4 children. But society is thankfully moving forward. Single parents, unmarried mothers and fathers as well as separated and divorced parents are now accepted as the norm.  We may still have a long way to go in Northern Ireland with equality, no less so in truly accepting and including LGBTQI+ parents as the ‘norm’.

In this new series of podcasts we aim to normalise and celebrate the diversity of families in Northern Ireland.

First up is George who raises his teenagers with his husband. Join the Kerry and George as they chat about his experience of dads raising teens, representing a modern family unit in 2022.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-10033785 Tue, 08 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1973 2 30 full false #29 - Talking Tricky Topics with Teens #29 - Talking Tricky Topics with Teens Parenting teenagers certainly brings its challenges and can have parents questioning themselves day in day out!  

Following our popular workshop ‘Talking Tricky Topics with my Teen ’ Kerry is joined by Sara an Education Worker with Common Youth. Sara chats with Kerry all about supporting our teenagers through those tricky conversations and subjects we sometimes shy away from. 

We hope you enjoy the conversation and share with those with teens at home! 

 Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parenting teenagers certainly brings its challenges and can have parents questioning themselves day in day out!  

Following our popular workshop ‘Talking Tricky Topics with my Teen ’ Kerry is joined by Sara an Education Worker with Common Youth. Sara chats with Kerry all about supporting our teenagers through those tricky conversations and subjects we sometimes shy away from. 

We hope you enjoy the conversation and share with those with teens at home! 

 Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-9898630 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 03:00:00 +0000 1784 2 29 full true #28 - Communicating and Connecting with Teens #28 - Communicating and Connecting with Teens Parenting teenagers certainly brings its challenges and can have parents questioning themselves day in day out!  

Following our popular workshop ‘Communicating with my Teen’ Kerry is joined by Ciaran, a social worker and father to twin boys who has survived parenting through the teenage years!! 

We hope you enjoy the conversation and share with those with teens at home! 

 

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parenting teenagers certainly brings its challenges and can have parents questioning themselves day in day out!  

Following our popular workshop ‘Communicating with my Teen’ Kerry is joined by Ciaran, a social worker and father to twin boys who has survived parenting through the teenage years!! 

We hope you enjoy the conversation and share with those with teens at home! 

 

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-9636906 Wed, 05 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000 2205 2 28 full false #27 - Experiences of Christmas growing up in another faith #27 - Experiences of Christmas growing up in another faith It’s that time of year again, Christmas! Twinkly lights, Santa trips, presents to wrap and cards to write! You might say, Christmas is all around! 

So what might it be like to grow up in a largely Christian society like Northern Ireland as a person of another faith and exposed to all the Christmas hype? 

In this episode Kerry chats to Bellal Yaqub, about his experiences as a Muslim at Christmas both as a child and now a parent. We hope you enjoy the conversation. 

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> It’s that time of year again, Christmas! Twinkly lights, Santa trips, presents to wrap and cards to write! You might say, Christmas is all around! 

So what might it be like to grow up in a largely Christian society like Northern Ireland as a person of another faith and exposed to all the Christmas hype? 

In this episode Kerry chats to Bellal Yaqub, about his experiences as a Muslim at Christmas both as a child and now a parent. We hope you enjoy the conversation. 

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Buzzsprout-9777497 Thu, 23 Dec 2021 01:00:00 +0000 1537 2 27 full false #26 - Navigating First Year in Post Primary #26 - Navigating First Year in Post Primary As the Christmas break approaches, so ends the first few months in ‘Big School’ for those children who have transferred to post primary this year. Those initial nerves may have eased but at Parentline NI we know that this first year can continue to throw up challenges along the way. 

As we all know this is the third academic year for our children to be faced with Covid restrictions and for children entering a new school with all that brings it can certainly be an anxious time. Kerry chats with Toni and Anna who work with children and their families throughout this first year in post primary and share their insight, tips and reassurance. 

We hope you enjoy the conversation. 

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> As the Christmas break approaches, so ends the first few months in ‘Big School’ for those children who have transferred to post primary this year. Those initial nerves may have eased but at Parentline NI we know that this first year can continue to throw up challenges along the way. 

As we all know this is the third academic year for our children to be faced with Covid restrictions and for children entering a new school with all that brings it can certainly be an anxious time. Kerry chats with Toni and Anna who work with children and their families throughout this first year in post primary and share their insight, tips and reassurance. 

We hope you enjoy the conversation. 

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-9617219 Fri, 26 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000 2536 2 26 full false #25 - Approaching Challenges at School #25 - Approaching Challenges at School In this episode we talk about back to school and all that brings. 

For some children and their parents school life can bring with it a whole set of challenges.

Kerry chats with one of our Parent Support Workers, Kathy, talking all about some of the tricky issues faced at school including: anxiety, bullying, homework stress, communication with school. 

Have a listen and let us know what you think!

Remember, the Parentline Team are here, on 0808 8020 400, to listen and offer support & guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> In this episode we talk about back to school and all that brings. 

For some children and their parents school life can bring with it a whole set of challenges.

Kerry chats with one of our Parent Support Workers, Kathy, talking all about some of the tricky issues faced at school including: anxiety, bullying, homework stress, communication with school. 

Have a listen and let us know what you think!

Remember, the Parentline Team are here, on 0808 8020 400, to listen and offer support & guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-9209561 Fri, 17 Sep 2021 01:00:00 +0100 2980 2 25 full false #24 - Exam Results: Helping you to feel prepared #24 - Exam Results: Helping you to feel prepared In this episode we talk about exam results with our Parent Support Officer, Julie Schiess.

We all know this is an exciting but potentially stressful time for young people and their families. Feeling emotionally prepared yourself and having some resources and coping strategies in place, can really make all the difference.

Kerry talks to Julie about helping families to make the most of any exam outcomes. They focus on strategies to maintain communication, strengthen connections and prioritise positive mental health.

Remember, the Parentline team is here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support and guidance on any issue.

]]> In this episode we talk about exam results with our Parent Support Officer, Julie Schiess.

We all know this is an exciting but potentially stressful time for young people and their families. Feeling emotionally prepared yourself and having some resources and coping strategies in place, can really make all the difference.

Kerry talks to Julie about helping families to make the most of any exam outcomes. They focus on strategies to maintain communication, strengthen connections and prioritise positive mental health.

Remember, the Parentline team is here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support and guidance on any issue.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-9011369 Wed, 11 Aug 2021 14:00:00 +0100 3299 2 24 full false #23 - The Formative Years Series: Session 4 - Returning to Work After Parental Leave #23 - The Formative Years Series: Session 4 - Returning to Work After Parental Leave For the final episode in our Formative Years series we are talking about transitions. In this podcast we are chatting about transitions we parents make in our parenting journeys, and having a chat with parent guest Laura all about the transition of stepping back into work after parental leave. 

Returning to work after maternity leave, parental leave or career break can be a big step for both your child/children, for yourself and your family. Navigating the practicalities, the separation and emotions can be a challenging time as you, your child and your family adjust. 

Kerry chats with parent guest Laura who has returned to work after maternity leave just this month. Kerry and Laura talk about how she is managing this big step, how she has felt, practical tips and most importantly being kind to yourself always. 

We hope you enjoy the conversation and if you or someone close is returning to work soon this podcast will help support you in your transition. 

 

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> For the final episode in our Formative Years series we are talking about transitions. In this podcast we are chatting about transitions we parents make in our parenting journeys, and having a chat with parent guest Laura all about the transition of stepping back into work after parental leave. 

Returning to work after maternity leave, parental leave or career break can be a big step for both your child/children, for yourself and your family. Navigating the practicalities, the separation and emotions can be a challenging time as you, your child and your family adjust. 

Kerry chats with parent guest Laura who has returned to work after maternity leave just this month. Kerry and Laura talk about how she is managing this big step, how she has felt, practical tips and most importantly being kind to yourself always. 

We hope you enjoy the conversation and if you or someone close is returning to work soon this podcast will help support you in your transition. 

 

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-8960942 Mon, 02 Aug 2021 15:00:00 +0100 1943 2 23 full false #22 - The Formative Years Series: Session 3 - Sleep #22 - The Formative Years Series: Session 3 - Sleep In this episode we talk all about sleep or the lack of, with infant sleep consultant Susan Wallace from Settled Petals. 

 

Sleep is a fundamental need for us all and getting a good nights rest is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing, but for many parents and children this is easier said than done! 

 

Kerry talks to Susan about how sleeps works and encouraging positive sleep for our children and babies. Susan shares some helpful advice on; 

·       Bedtime routines  

·       Sleep environments 

·       Support to sleep 

·       Naps/ nap scheduling 

·       Sleep that works for the whole family 

We hope you take away some helpful tips and strategies to put in place for your family and hopefully catch some more zzzZZZZ’s.

 

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> In this episode we talk all about sleep or the lack of, with infant sleep consultant Susan Wallace from Settled Petals. 

 

Sleep is a fundamental need for us all and getting a good nights rest is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing, but for many parents and children this is easier said than done! 

 

Kerry talks to Susan about how sleeps works and encouraging positive sleep for our children and babies. Susan shares some helpful advice on; 

·       Bedtime routines  

·       Sleep environments 

·       Support to sleep 

·       Naps/ nap scheduling 

·       Sleep that works for the whole family 

We hope you take away some helpful tips and strategies to put in place for your family and hopefully catch some more zzzZZZZ’s.

 

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue. 

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-8911194 Fri, 23 Jul 2021 14:00:00 +0100 2589 2 22 full false #21 - The Formative Years Series: Session 2 - Fussy Eating #21 - The Formative Years Series: Session 2 - Fussy Eating Parentline NI Buzzsprout-8789395 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +0100 2826 2 21 full false #20 - The Formative Years Series: Session 1 - Potty Training #20 - The Formative Years Series: Session 1 - Potty Training Parentline NI Buzzsprout-8684544 Fri, 11 Jun 2021 13:00:00 +0100 1931 2 20 full false #19 - Mental Health During Lockdown #19 - Mental Health During Lockdown As we fast approach the one year anniversary of the first COVID-19 lockdown, it is no wonder that many parents are concerned about the future mental health impact of the ongoing pandemic on our children and young people.

So, what can we do, as parents, to help safeguard our children against mental health risks? 

How do we talk to our children about topics like anxiety, depression or even suicide? 

And where do we turn to, if we need extra help?

For some answers to all of these questions and more, our host, Roger Gowdy, recently chatted to Professor Siobhan O’Neill, Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland.

Don't forget you can call our free confidential helpline at Parentline NI, on 0808 8020 400, if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> As we fast approach the one year anniversary of the first COVID-19 lockdown, it is no wonder that many parents are concerned about the future mental health impact of the ongoing pandemic on our children and young people.

So, what can we do, as parents, to help safeguard our children against mental health risks? 

How do we talk to our children about topics like anxiety, depression or even suicide? 

And where do we turn to, if we need extra help?

For some answers to all of these questions and more, our host, Roger Gowdy, recently chatted to Professor Siobhan O’Neill, Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland.

Don't forget you can call our free confidential helpline at Parentline NI, on 0808 8020 400, if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-8067913 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 14:00:00 +0000 2202 full false #18 - The Importance of Reading #18 - The Importance of Reading In this episode, we dive in to all things "books and reading". 

We are encouraged as parents to read to our children from day 1, but just why is it so important? Is the benefit of reading purely academic or is there another side to it that perhaps far outweighs this?

How do we encourage our children to continue to read as they grow and develop into teens and young adults?
Lucy Lewis from BookTrust joins our host Roger Gowdy to shed some light on these and other questions.

Many thanks to all who contributed to this episode - Lucy Lewis, Carolyn Gowdy, Ciaran Traynor, and our fabulous readers, Finn Gowdy, Taliah Bittle and Caleb Bittle.

For further information on BookTrust go to www.booktrust.org.uk.

Don't forget you can call our free confidential helpline at Parentline NI to chat about any parenting issue on 0808 8020 400.

]]> In this episode, we dive in to all things "books and reading". 

We are encouraged as parents to read to our children from day 1, but just why is it so important? Is the benefit of reading purely academic or is there another side to it that perhaps far outweighs this?

How do we encourage our children to continue to read as they grow and develop into teens and young adults?
Lucy Lewis from BookTrust joins our host Roger Gowdy to shed some light on these and other questions.

Many thanks to all who contributed to this episode - Lucy Lewis, Carolyn Gowdy, Ciaran Traynor, and our fabulous readers, Finn Gowdy, Taliah Bittle and Caleb Bittle.

For further information on BookTrust go to www.booktrust.org.uk.

Don't forget you can call our free confidential helpline at Parentline NI to chat about any parenting issue on 0808 8020 400.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-7876858 Tue, 16 Feb 2021 09:00:00 +0000 1553 full false #17 - Money On Your Mind? #17 - Money On Your Mind? In this episode we talked to Sarah Wright from Advice Space all about money management - a hot topic for January (and let's face it, the rest of the year too!).

If you have concerns about money, listen to find out how to maximise your income, reduce your outgoings and find ways to get immediate help with your finances.

You can contact Advice Space on 0300 123 3233 and find more information at www.advicespace.me

Remember to contact Parentline on 0808 8020 400 if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> In this episode we talked to Sarah Wright from Advice Space all about money management - a hot topic for January (and let's face it, the rest of the year too!).

If you have concerns about money, listen to find out how to maximise your income, reduce your outgoings and find ways to get immediate help with your finances.

You can contact Advice Space on 0300 123 3233 and find more information at www.advicespace.me

Remember to contact Parentline on 0808 8020 400 if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-7253980 Tue, 12 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000 2020 full false #16 - Let's Talk Relationships #16 - Let's Talk Relationships Listen to Stevie from Relate NI share information and tips on how to positively communicate with your children about the topic of Relationship and Sexuality Education.  

Engagement with children can be difficult as a parent, these are positive ways to bring up the conversation and talk openly.

We hope you get lots of value from this episode and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to receive our next episode hot off the press!

Remember to contact Parentline on 0808 8020 400 if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> Listen to Stevie from Relate NI share information and tips on how to positively communicate with your children about the topic of Relationship and Sexuality Education.  

Engagement with children can be difficult as a parent, these are positive ways to bring up the conversation and talk openly.

We hope you get lots of value from this episode and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to receive our next episode hot off the press!

Remember to contact Parentline on 0808 8020 400 if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-6908291 Fri, 18 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1325 full false #15 - Parents' Guide To Christmas : Focussing On What Matters #15 - Parents' Guide To Christmas : Focussing On What Matters In this episode we talk all things Christmas with our new Parentline Head of Service, June Onyekwelu.

The festive period can be the "most wonderful time of the year" as the song goes, but for many families it can come with all sorts of challenges. In addition to this, we are still in the grips of a global pandemic which is set to make Christmas 2020 a very strange one indeed.

We talked to June about a host of issues around the topic of parenting at Christmas, including:

  • pressures of buying expensive gifts
  • financial pressures in general
  • importance of self care
  • managing separation and contact arrangements at Christmas

...to name a few.

We hope you get lots of value from this episode and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to receive our next episode hot off the press!

Remember to contact Parentline on 0808 8020 400 if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> In this episode we talk all things Christmas with our new Parentline Head of Service, June Onyekwelu.

The festive period can be the "most wonderful time of the year" as the song goes, but for many families it can come with all sorts of challenges. In addition to this, we are still in the grips of a global pandemic which is set to make Christmas 2020 a very strange one indeed.

We talked to June about a host of issues around the topic of parenting at Christmas, including:

  • pressures of buying expensive gifts
  • financial pressures in general
  • importance of self care
  • managing separation and contact arrangements at Christmas

...to name a few.

We hope you get lots of value from this episode and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to receive our next episode hot off the press!

Remember to contact Parentline on 0808 8020 400 if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-6748096 Tue, 08 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000 1487 full false #14 - School Life after Lockdown: Striking the Balance #14 - School Life after Lockdown: Striking the Balance The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted almost every aspect of our lives in 2020. Arguably one of the most affected groups in society has been our children and young people whose education has been disrupted in unprecedented ways.

In this episode we speak to Glenda Walsh, Head of Early Years at Stranmillis University College, Belfast about the impact that lockdown had, and continues to have, on children, young people and their parents in Northern Ireland.

We also discussed more generally our approach to Education in Northern Ireland and how parents can help our children strike the right balance between academic achievement and wellbeing.

You can read the report into homeschooling during lockdown mentioned in the podcast here: https://www.stran.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Research-Report-Homeschooling-in-Northern-Ireland-during-the-COVID-19-Crisis.pdf

You can access the Good Childhood Report, also mentioned, here: https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/good-childhood

Remember to contact Parentline on 0808 8020 400 if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted almost every aspect of our lives in 2020. Arguably one of the most affected groups in society has been our children and young people whose education has been disrupted in unprecedented ways.

In this episode we speak to Glenda Walsh, Head of Early Years at Stranmillis University College, Belfast about the impact that lockdown had, and continues to have, on children, young people and their parents in Northern Ireland.

We also discussed more generally our approach to Education in Northern Ireland and how parents can help our children strike the right balance between academic achievement and wellbeing.

You can read the report into homeschooling during lockdown mentioned in the podcast here: https://www.stran.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Research-Report-Homeschooling-in-Northern-Ireland-during-the-COVID-19-Crisis.pdf

You can access the Good Childhood Report, also mentioned, here: https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/good-childhood

Remember to contact Parentline on 0808 8020 400 if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-6513625 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +0000 2559 full false #13 - Caring Behind Closed Doors: Tips for Parent Carers #13 - Caring Behind Closed Doors: Tips for Parent Carers The vast majority of the time, care is provided behind closed doors, in people's homes.  It is often largely invisible too.  We chat to Clare-Ann Magee from Carers NI about what support is available to parent carers and what steps can be taken to help.

 Report Behind Closed Doors can be downloaded here: https://www.carersuk.org/images/News_and_campaigns/Behind_Closed_Doors_2020/Caring_behind_closed_doors_April20_pages_web_final.pdf

Carers NI can be contacted here: https://www.carersuk.org/northernireland

Remember to contact Parentline on 0808 8020 400 if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> The vast majority of the time, care is provided behind closed doors, in people's homes.  It is often largely invisible too.  We chat to Clare-Ann Magee from Carers NI about what support is available to parent carers and what steps can be taken to help.

 Report Behind Closed Doors can be downloaded here: https://www.carersuk.org/images/News_and_campaigns/Behind_Closed_Doors_2020/Caring_behind_closed_doors_April20_pages_web_final.pdf

Carers NI can be contacted here: https://www.carersuk.org/northernireland

Remember to contact Parentline on 0808 8020 400 if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-6291187 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 17:00:00 +0000 1582 full false #12 - The Joys and Challenges of Modern Fatherhood with Ibe Sesay #12 - The Joys and Challenges of Modern Fatherhood with Ibe Sesay In this episode we sat down (virtually) with Q Radio Presenter and Parentline Ambassador Ibe Sesay.
Ibe and our host Roger Gowdy chatted all things fatherhood in the modern era.

Topics covered, among other were:
- the joys and fears of witnessing the births of our children
- the changing role of being a dad
- where our parenting styles comes from
- the values we want to instil in our kids

The songs that reminded us of our kids were:
Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight Train To Georgia: https://youtu.be/s4KZs0mLJiQ
Paul Simon - Father And Daughter: https://youtu.be/COQPSoRFdwg
Barry White - My First My Last My Everything: https://youtu.be/tB54XUhA9_w
CamelPhat & Elderbrook - Cola: https://youtu.be/LcNXG-6SqWA
Phats & Small - Turn Around: https://youtu.be/2kXMcjKhBgU
John Mayer - Daughters: https://youtu.be/rZLbUIa7exE

To find out more about Ibe's radio show go to https://www.goqradio.com/on-air/q-rad...

Remember to contact Parentline on 0808 8020 400 if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> In this episode we sat down (virtually) with Q Radio Presenter and Parentline Ambassador Ibe Sesay.
Ibe and our host Roger Gowdy chatted all things fatherhood in the modern era.

Topics covered, among other were:
- the joys and fears of witnessing the births of our children
- the changing role of being a dad
- where our parenting styles comes from
- the values we want to instil in our kids

The songs that reminded us of our kids were:
Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight Train To Georgia: https://youtu.be/s4KZs0mLJiQ
Paul Simon - Father And Daughter: https://youtu.be/COQPSoRFdwg
Barry White - My First My Last My Everything: https://youtu.be/tB54XUhA9_w
CamelPhat & Elderbrook - Cola: https://youtu.be/LcNXG-6SqWA
Phats & Small - Turn Around: https://youtu.be/2kXMcjKhBgU
John Mayer - Daughters: https://youtu.be/rZLbUIa7exE

To find out more about Ibe's radio show go to https://www.goqradio.com/on-air/q-rad...

Remember to contact Parentline on 0808 8020 400 if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-6058678 Sun, 25 Oct 2020 23:00:00 +0000 2167 full false #11 - Inspiring Creativity in Young People with Joan Burney Keatings #11 - Inspiring Creativity in Young People with Joan Burney Keatings In this podcast we talk to Joan Burney Keatings MBE, CEO of Cinemagic. Cinemagic is a local charity, founded in Belfast over 30 years ago, and each year they put on the Cinemagic International Television and Film Festival for young people which is running for the month of October in 2020.

We talked about:
- the highlights of the festival this year and how parents and young people can get involved
- the challenges of scheduling a festival during a global pandemic
- how parents can encourage their kids to use technology and encourage creativity in the home while staying safe
- the booming TV industry in NI at the moment and how young people can embrace the opportunities that will come from that

If you want to find more information about the festival go to https://filmfestival.cinemagic.org.uk

Remember to contact Parentline on 0808 8020 400 if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> In this podcast we talk to Joan Burney Keatings MBE, CEO of Cinemagic. Cinemagic is a local charity, founded in Belfast over 30 years ago, and each year they put on the Cinemagic International Television and Film Festival for young people which is running for the month of October in 2020.

We talked about:
- the highlights of the festival this year and how parents and young people can get involved
- the challenges of scheduling a festival during a global pandemic
- how parents can encourage their kids to use technology and encourage creativity in the home while staying safe
- the booming TV industry in NI at the moment and how young people can embrace the opportunities that will come from that

If you want to find more information about the festival go to https://filmfestival.cinemagic.org.uk

Remember to contact Parentline on 0808 8020 400 if you need advice, support or guidance on any parenting issue.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-5819530 Fri, 09 Oct 2020 17:00:00 +0100 1404 11 full false #10 - Tips for parents during a difficult lockdown situation #10 - Tips for parents during a difficult lockdown situation Life under lockdown can be especially tough for parents.  Our professional Parenting Support Officer Julie talks about life during lockdown and shares some tips for helping with the educational side of things, looking after yourself and dealing with those tough situations which you feel you can no longer cope.

Remember Parentline is here for you so please call 0808 8020 400 if you wish to discuss anything in this podcast.

]]> Life under lockdown can be especially tough for parents.  Our professional Parenting Support Officer Julie talks about life during lockdown and shares some tips for helping with the educational side of things, looking after yourself and dealing with those tough situations which you feel you can no longer cope.

Remember Parentline is here for you so please call 0808 8020 400 if you wish to discuss anything in this podcast.

]]> Parentline NI Buzzsprout-4013561 Tue, 02 Jun 2020 15:00:00 +0100 1210 full false #9 - Parenting Children with Disabilities with Marian Bradley #9 - Parenting Children with Disabilities with Marian Bradley Parenting can be a challenge for us all, but when a child has disabilities, a further set of complex challenges are added to the parenting role. We sat down with our parent advocate Marian Bradley whose daughter Meabh has lived with severe disabilities from birth.  
 
It was deeply moving to discuss the achievements and challenges of Marian's parenting journey.  We got to ask her some questions that some people may be too afraid to ask.  We really hope this rich conversation helps you on your journey as a parent.  
 
Remember Parentline is here for you so please call 0808 8020 400 if you wish to discuss anything in this podcast.

]]> Parenting can be a challenge for us all, but when a child has disabilities, a further set of complex challenges are added to the parenting role. We sat down with our parent advocate Marian Bradley whose daughter Meabh has lived with severe disabilities from birth.  
 
It was deeply moving to discuss the achievements and challenges of Marian's parenting journey.  We got to ask her some questions that some people may be too afraid to ask.  We really hope this rich conversation helps you on your journey as a parent.  
 
Remember Parentline is here for you so please call 0808 8020 400 if you wish to discuss anything in this podcast.

]]> Marian Bradley Buzzsprout-2891851 Mon, 02 Mar 2020 14:00:00 +0000 1869 Parentline,marian bradley,ellen finlay,disability,disabilities,parenting,children full false #8 - Maternal Mental Health Matters with Lindsay Robinson #8 - Maternal Mental Health Matters with Lindsay Robinson Parentline NI tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/756588622 Fri, 07 Feb 2020 11:20:49 +0000 1543 false #7 - Top Tips for Surviving Christmas as a Family #7 - Top Tips for Surviving Christmas as a Family Parentline NI tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/722120527 Tue, 03 Dec 2019 14:08:14 +0000 1796 false #6 - The Pitfalls of Modern Fatherhood with Alex Kane #6 - The Pitfalls of Modern Fatherhood with Alex Kane Parentline NI tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/705251026 Fri, 01 Nov 2019 09:00:12 +0000 2136 false #5 - Building Resilience - What parents need to know #5 - Building Resilience - What parents need to know Parentline NI tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/689445490 Tue, 01 Oct 2019 13:37:29 +0100 1403 false #4 - Working Mums: How to Juggle the Work/Life Balance with Kerry McLean #4 - Working Mums: How to Juggle the Work/Life Balance with Kerry McLean Parentline NI tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/674459087 Mon, 02 Sep 2019 10:56:34 +0100 1349 false #3 - The Cost of Caring For Kids – Tackling Childcare #3 - The Cost of Caring For Kids – Tackling Childcare Parentline NI tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/655610513 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:00:06 +0100 1253 false #1 - Parents' Survival Guide to Exam Season #1 - Parents' Survival Guide to Exam Season Parentline NI tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/628626366 Wed, 29 May 2019 22:39:11 +0100 1009 false