I was delighted to be involved in this wonderful series. See what a wonderful job teacher Maria does at helping her Junior Infants name their worries and loosen them using relaxation time with their teddies. Play also loosens fear! Don't miss episode 2 of #bigschool tonight at 9pm on Virgin Media One. If you haven't watched already, you will LOVE it. Thanks to Colman Noctor Mairead Whelan AstonVillage Etns
For a taster, watch this clip..
Published: Irish Independent
Author: Yvonne Hogan
Expert Opinion: Dr. Malie Coyne
“As a mum of two young girls who binged on Frozen, we are eagerly awaiting its sequel. Whilst there has been much discussion about the behavioural characteristics of both Anna and Elsa, who each display strong personalities in their own right, it is a shame that once again we have stick thin figures with unrealistic features, which are not representative of the norm.”
“Anything that children are exposed to at a young age can have an influence on their perception of the world, on their emotional and social development, and on what they perceive as a “desirable” way to look, especially young girls. However, it’s all about the balance between those influences and the influences from their parents. The most importance influencer during childhood is the child’s relationship with their parent. As long as the parent is explaining to their child that the characters they see on screen are not realistic images (nor are they attainable just as Elsa’s magic isn’t!) then this can lessen the impact on their young impressionable brains and allow us all to enjoy the film for what it is.”
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Is it normal for a 9 year old to be conscious of body weight, and how should you react if a child of this age is unhappy with their weight?
Joe Nash is joined by Psychologist Dr. Malie Coyne to discuss this further..
Listen to my interview with Matt Cooper on The Last Word -TodayFM.
Talking to children about weight can be a difficult thing to do.
With one in four children in Ireland either overweight or obese, what's the best way for parents to approach the subject if they have concerns?
While it's normal for children to gain some weight around puberty, and genetics can also play a part, dietitian Sarah Keogh from EatWell.ie says eating habits and physical activity should be looked at.
WW (formally known as Weight Watchers) recently launched their new brand Kurbo, a weight-loss app designed for children between the ages of 8 and 17. But the app quickly came under fire from parents and experts who say a weight-loss app aimed at kids sends the wrong message.
Listen to my discussion on Newstalk Breakfast.
Published: Irish Independent
Author: Suzanne Harrington
Expert Opinion: Dr. Malie Coyne
“The most important thing is to talk about health, not weight,”
“If children are young enough, it may not be necessary to say anything at all, but instead to make lifestyle changes. Model good eating and sleeping habits, more exercise and reduced screen time. A lot of weight issues are not just about food, but about not enough sleep and too much screen time.”
Published: Irish Examiner
Author: Helen O’Callaghan
Expert Opinion: Dr. Malie Coyne
Cúl camps enhances children’s self-confidence and self-esteem. It fosters strong relationships with peers where they join together in working for a common goal. They make new friends and feel a sense of belonging.
Physical activity reduces stress, says Coyne, adding that children who participate in sport are less likely to struggle with emotional and behavioural issues. “Sport gives an opportunity to channel their energy into something positive.”
Published: The Irish Times
Author: Conor Pope
Expert Opinion: Dr. Malie Coyne
Almost a third (31 per cent) of Irish parents say they are too busy to take their children to sports training sessions or games, a new survey suggests.
It also finds one in five parents say the cost of getting their children involved in sports is too high.
It also suggests the vast majority of parents believe an excessive interest in technology is responsible for their children’s lack of sportiness although almost two-thirds admitted to not knowing what the recommended amount of exercise children should get a day was.
The survey of 1000 parents of children aged six to 13 was published on Tuesday on behalf of Kellogg’s to promote its involvement with GAA summer Cúl camps.
Published: Irish Mirror
Author: Saoirse McGarrigle
Expert Opinion: Dr. Malie Coyne
Clinical child psychologist, Dr Malie Coyne, has called on families to look for cheap and free activities. “I know there are parents out there who really struggle financially, there’s a lot of disadvantage.”
She was speaking at the launch in Croke Park of the Kellogg’s Gaelic and hurling summer Cul camps.
“The reason I got behind this campaign, I have two kids of my own, I would try to encourage parents to get their kids involved in any type of activity.
“Even going out on to the green and kicking a football. Sport is available to people regardless of money. It is quite a sad statistic.”