Do you think you know your child best?

I was dismayed this week to read a pyschologist assessment that was full of assumptions, labels and in some parts, clearly absent of simple child behaviour knowledge. The Foster Carers of the four year old child, showed me the report as if they … Continue reading

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Parenting – the Irish way

Having a conversation with colleagues this morning about parenting and cultural differences in parenting - I found myself referring back to my experiences in Ireland, both recently and in my own upbringing there. Being one of dozens of children brought up in … Continue reading

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Solution Focused Therapy:The Silent Session

I heard a quote this morning from a 19th century French statesman: “When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice”. It resonated with me. Whether consciously or sub-consciously, I think we are happiest when we are met … Continue reading

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Francis Blake of London N17 – just got to quote you!

I was really taken with this letter in The Guardian (5/10/11) Notes & Queries page because it made me still with wonder. I have no idea whether I am allowed to just copy and paste a reader’s letter but in good faith … Continue reading

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Around Ireland with an Appetite

I have recently returned from a “Round Ireland with an Appetite” trip and was so proud that everywhere I went (yes everywhere) the customer service was excellent. From the smallest tea-shop to celebrated restaurants and all stops in between – the … Continue reading

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Why we need the Nanny State

As I watched the news yesterday about the cage fighting club in Preston, Lancashire – I heard a father of an eight year old, in defence of allowing his son to take part in this awful spectacle “What else would … Continue reading

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Jonathan Ross and his role in stamping out anti-social behaviour

I was listening to Michael McIntyre on Radio 4′s Desert Islands Discs recently and was particularly moved by something he said about the vitriol aimed at him by some other comedians at an award ceremony he attended. He recalled how … Continue reading

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Where do children learn to reason?

Several years ago, I watched a fly-on-the wall television documentary that followed public school pupils through their daily school experience and I remember desperately wishing that just one element could be transferred to the state system: the opportunities that were offered to … Continue reading

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Interview with Rt.Hon Alan Johnson MP

I interviewed the Rt.Hon Alan Johnson MP for our new page to celebrate people who have changed their destination: people who, despite unconventional or difficult beginnings, have flourished and determined a different life.  Having long been an admirer of his, I asked Alan … Continue reading

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“In Recovery” a forever state of mind?

I met with a very interesting man this week whose name we have changed of course.  “Callum” was struggling with his stress levels and is frightened of this as he considers that not managing them well could lead him back to … Continue reading

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