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

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.

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 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.

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

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/

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.

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/