The young dad, standing on the street corner is greeted with loud “How ya doin?” and friendly jostling by a group of his peers, all holding the pose of “Single Man” except this man who is toting a toddler in a push chair. The little one seems overwhelmed by the sudden flurry and begins to whimper.
“Whatʼs up with ya then?” and Dad lifts him out of the pushchair and onto the ground. The toddler takes takes a few hesitant steps then starts to cry. Dadʼs caught between wanting to chat with his friends and his responsibility for the little one.
ʻAll right then.ʼ He picks him up and puts him back in the pushchair. The child struggles and wails. ʻAll right, ya want your mam!ʼ says Dad. He takes his mobile phone out of his pocket and gives it to the child. The child stops crying and puts the phone to his ear. Heʼs hoping to hear his motherʼs voice but – nothing.
The child roars and flings the phone. ʻLook what ya did! Ya broke my phone!ʼ
The child is now wailing, nothing is stopping his tears. ʻYa wonʼt get the best of me!ʼ exclaims the Dad. Whatʼs needed for Dadʼs to step into effective parenting and meet the toddlerʼs needs?

Last edited June 07th 2012

Hard to Forgive at Christmas

How to move past unforgiveness – practical tips from Santa about choosing to be peace-makers during the festive season ‘ Santa shares his thoughts on what to do when you can’t forgive your ex – or other people in your iife.

Last edited December 07th 2018

A Happy Christmas is destroyed when families (or ex’s) don’t get along, when tensions rise and family conflict threatens to erupt. Today Santa shares some helpful tips for a peace-full Christmas.

Last edited December 07th 2018

It’s only a tin can

It’s a fantastic Irish summer day and everyone’s enjoying the beach. A young family is walking towards me. The child’s swings his head towards a  discarded drink can. ‘Don’t jump on it,’ says the mother. Her words transform  him into a guided missile that locks onto the drink can lying on the pavement. He’s jumps […]

Last edited July 04th 2016

Anita’s song captures all our mothering worries, whether we say them out loud or if they’re the thoughts chasing through our heads. Mothers seem to be programmed to be continually asking questions about the child’s welfare.
We forget these questions have a ‘sell-by’ date.

Last edited September 02nd 2010

Parent Contradicts

Parent Contradicts
What effect does it have on children when they receive conflicting messages?

Last edited June 04th 2010

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