Parentline NI - Your Guide to Parenting

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...

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 invi...

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 o...

#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/

#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. 

#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 great...

#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. 

#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 suppor...

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 suppor...

#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 ...

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 suppor...

#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 suppor...

#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 trag...

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 trag...

#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 n...

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 n...

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...

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...

#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...

#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...

#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/

#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 ...

#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 que...

#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 fami...

#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 fami...

#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...

#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 & t...

#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 e...

#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. 

#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 c...

#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...

#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 080...

#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. 

#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 ...

#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 w...

#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 & guid...

#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 prioritis...

#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 prioritis...

#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...

#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   ·       Sle...

#21 - The Formative Years Series: Session 2 - Fussy Eating

#20 - The Formative Years Series: Session 1 - Potty Training

#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 ...

#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 a...

#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...

#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 nee...

#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 buyin...

#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 ap...

#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...

#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: ht...