Articles by John Sharry

I’m a parent who is completely addicted to my phone

Parent QuestionI am a stay-at-home mother with two preschoolers, three and four. They are two fantastic kids and, of course, it is busy and exhausting, but I love it and very happy to be at home with them. The problem is I am completely addicted to my phone. When the kids are at preschool in … Continue reading I’m a parent who is completely addicted to my phone

My 12 year old has big meltdowns, how can I help her?

Parent QuestionMy 12-year-old girl can have big anxiety meltdowns which are affecting the whole family. She can be a bit of a perfectionist and hates when things change suddenly. She can also get really stressed about social events and this can provoke her meltdowns. For example, last Saturday, she was due to go out to … Continue reading My 12 year old has big meltdowns, how can I help her?

My teenager hates school and homework

Parent Question: My 15-year-old son hates going to school. He was diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and dyslexia last March. He is now in Junior Cert year and is not doing any homework or study. The teachers say he has largely switched off in classes and, of course, he is not doing well in school tests. The formal … Continue reading My teenager hates school and homework

My husband doesn’t want my son assessed for ADHD

Parent Question:My nine-year-old son has been struggling in school for a few years. The teachers say he can be disruptive, talking out of turn and interrupting everyone. He also is tuned out with the school work and does not apply himself at all in class, though on formal tests he is quite bright. His teacher, … Continue reading My husband doesn’t want my son assessed for ADHD