Category Archives: Parenting

How to build a happy baby

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Published: RTE Brainstorm
Author: Dr. Malie Coyne

Opinion: infant mental health is an important public health issue, as research shows the quality of the early relationship builds the foundation for virtually every aspect of human development

Babies are hardwired to develop a social connection with their primary caregiver, usually their mother or father. Without this relationship, they would not survive. We learn about who we are through our relationships. It is within the sacred crucible of the most important first relationship, the parent-infant bond, that our sense of self and the world develops. “Infant mental health” refers to the child’s healthy social and emotional development in the first three years of life within the context of this “attachment” relationship with the primary caregiver.

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How to help your child deal with bullying

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Published: RTE Brainstorm
Author: Dr. Malie Coyne

No matter how much you try to protect your child, they will cross paths with someone who bullies. Humans are a social species with an evolutionary drive towards finding their positions within a pecking order which can often involve conflict, be it in a playground, online or at the office.

As a clinician encountering concerned parents, raising awareness about how bullying can affect children is hugely important, especially given how pervasive and devastating it can be. It affects the child’s sense of belonging which is one of the most basic human needs. Who doesn’t want to belong?

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How to support the mental health and well-being of Irish children

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Published: Irishcentral.com
Author: Frances Mulraney
Interviewee: Dr. Malie Coyne

“October 9 – 14 marks Mental Health Awareness Week in Ireland and so, IrishCentral is this week highlighting various groups and individuals doing extraordinary work in Ireland and Irish America, ending stigma and offering crucial help and resources.

Today we hear from Dr. Malie Coyne, a Clinical Psychologist, and NUIG Lecturer, who is also the Mental Health Lead on A Lust for Life’s Board of Directors. Dr. Coyne speaks to IrishCentral about the effects of immigration on your mental health and wellbeing, the current problems with mental health services in Ireland, her work with A Lust for Life, and how we can support the emotional wellbeing of our children.” 

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Drug & Alcohol Task Force seminar

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Western Region Drug & Alcohol Task Force seminar 'Alcohol & Pregnancy' 26th September 2017 Galway. This was a ground-breaking event to be a part of where I raised awareness of 'Alcohol in pregnancy and it's impact on Infant Mental Health'. Watch my presentation back here..

Also, here is a review of the seminar by the U.S. mental health website Mental Daily: Alcohol & Pregnancy: Ireland Looks Towards The Future of Infant Mental Health

Is your child starting primary school this year?

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Published: layahealthcare.ie
Author: Dr. Malie Coyne

It’s that time of year again when the days are getting shorter and there are whisperings of an autumn breeze marking the closing weeks of summer. Back to school will be upon us soon, and for parents of children beginning primary school there will certainly be a lot of mixed emotion. On one hand, you are delighted that your child is making such an important transition in their lives, one which will bring with it so many enriching learning and social opportunities. But on the other, you may experience this transition with some trepidation as it marks the end of an era and brings with it the reality that your little one is growing up.

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Student Wellbeing During Exams – Laya Healthcare – Facebook live Q&A

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Live streaming Q&A on Laya Healthcare Facebook page on wellbeing during exams for exam students and their parents.

Click to read my blog: How to Strengthen Your Child’s Endurance During Exams

Laya Live with Dr. Malie Coyne

Dr. Malie Coyne is now live, answering your questions about stress and anxiety during the Junior and Leaving Certificate exams, don't forget to tune in!

Posted by Laya Healthcare on Friday, June 16, 2017

How to Strengthen Your Child’s Endurance During Exams

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Published: layahealthcare.ie
Author: Dr. Malie Coyne

For many parents, having a child who is sitting the Junior or Leaving Cert can be quite a daunting experience and a difficult one to navigate. Similar to a marathon, exams are an endurance test of body and mind, where teenagers can often hit a ‘wall’ mid-way through. This is when things go from being a bit challenging to being really, really challenging. It is the exact point where their bodies and minds are simultaneously tested, the perfect intersection of fatigue and diminished brain functioning. How teenagers handle ‘the exam wall’ can make or break their performance, which is where your role as parent comes in.

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How to deal with student exam stress

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Published: Irish Independent
Author: Dr. Malie Coyne

“If an exam goes badly…

If your teenager seems unhappy about how an exam has gone, it is important to meet them where they are at by acknowledging and reflecting their feelings back to them. You could say something like “I notice that you aren’t so happy with your English paper today, how did you feel it went?””

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Website provides outlet for people with stories of abusive parents

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Published: Irish Examiner
Author: Áilín Quinlan
Expert Opinion: Dr. Malie Coyne

They f*** you up, your mum and dad/They may not mean to, but they do/ They fill you with the faults they had/And add some extra, just for you.

THIS extract from the famous Philip Larkin poem is what the controversial new website, myhorridparent.com, is about.

However, unlike the poem, the website also offers hope and help to the children of “horrid” parents. It provides different techniques for dealing with toxic mums and dads, whose faults, it emphasises, are most definitely not caused by their offspring.

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Kids and Trauma – Newstalk interview with Ciara Kelly

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Following Geoffrey Shannon's audit into An Garda Siochana's handling of removal of children from their homes in cases of emergency, I emphasise why child protection should be the government's top priority, as children rely solely on adults to keep them safe. I also discuss how parents can respond to a child who has suffered a traumatic event.

Newstalk with Dr. Ciara Kelly

Following Geoffrey Shannon's audit into An Garda Siochana's handling of removal of children from their homes in cases of emergency, I emphasise why child protection should be the government's top priority, as children rely solely on adults to keep them safe. I also discuss how parents can respond to a child who has suffered a traumatic event.

Posted by Dr. Malie Coyne on Saturday, June 3, 2017

Should we tell children about terrorism?

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Published: newstalk.com
Author: Jack Quann
Expert Opinion: Dr. Malie Coyne

“London, Paris, Berlin, Nice and Manchester – just some of the terror attacks that have hit Europe in recent times.

The Manchester attack has again catapulted terrorism to the top of the news agenda and our social media feeds.

With all the uncertainty and unpredictability, should parents be explaining terrorism to their children?”

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Top 10 Tips for Helping your Child to Cope with a Traumatic Event

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Published: alustforlife.com
Author: Dr. Malie Coyne

It is with great sadness that I write this piece on the aftermath of an event as tragic and devastating as that which occurred in Manchester Arena on Monday night. I have two young daughters of my own and no doubt they will be asking me in years to come to accompany them to one of their favourite teenage pop stars in concert. I will relish in their joy as so many parents did on Monday night watching their kids in awe of their pop idols.

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Nurture your child’s emotional health and boost their resilience – Interview

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My interview with Dolores Andrew-Gavin for the 2017 Global Emotional Health Summit

What are the key INGREDIENTS needed to nurture your child's emotional health and to boost their resilience as they grow older?

What is the balance needed between boundaries and love? What is the critical window of opportunity that is #infantmentalhealth?

Here is my video interview with Dolores Andrew-Gavin for the 2017 Global Emotional Health Summit

Global Emotional Health Summit Interview

What are the key INGREDIENTS for a child's emotional health?

“Mastering Stress and The Game of Exams” – Zeminar Youth Summit 2016

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I was delighted to share the best bits of my A Lust for Life Exam Stress Management course with Fifth and Leaving Cert students to help them approach exams like preparing for a marathon.

I also cover how the optimum amount of stress can be harnessed for a good performance. Have a watch if you are interested in stress at all. Also useful for teachers and parents.

Mastering Exam Stress

Dr Malie Coyne, Clinical Psychologist speaks about Mastering Exam Stress at Zeminar, a must watch for all students, parents and teachers.

Posted by Zeminar on Monday, March 13, 2017

Understanding Postnatal Depression

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Published: whatsupmum.ie
Author: Dr. Malie Coyne

Postnatal depression (PND) can be lonely, distressing and frightening. In the beginning it can look like the “baby blues”, because they share symptoms, includingmood swings, sadness, insomnia and irritability. However, symptoms of PND are more severe; they last longer, and can really interfere with your ability to function andcare for your baby. PND affects about one in ten mothers.

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Interview with Stella O’Malley – Author “Cotton Wool Kids” & “Bully-Proof Kids”

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Interview with psychotherapist and author Stella O’Malley about her rebellious nature growing up, her need for freedom, and how her sensitivities prompted her to become psychotherapist. She shares her difficult transition into motherhood and what prompted her to write her critically acclaimed book “Cotton Wool Kids” and her sequel on Bullying “Bully-Proof Kids”.

Exam Stress Management – 2FM – Eoghan McDermott Show

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Dr. Malie Coyne 2FM

      CLICK TO LISTEN TO PODCAST

Here is a podcast of my radio interview with the comical Stephen Byrne on the 2FM Eoghan McDermott show, which links with the A Lust for Life Exam Stress Management course. I discuss the practical measures you can take to mind your body and mind during the marathon that is the exams.

Similar to professional athletes, I share how you can improve your performance by visualising yourself being calm and confident during an exam, and feeling excited to RISE UP to the challenge ahead. I give your parents advice on trying to remain calm, on acknowledging your mixed feelings and most of all giving you lots of encouragement during this tough time. May the force be with you!

 

 

A Lust for Life Exam Stress Management Course Week 1: “Mastering the game of exams”

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Published: alustforlife.com
Author: Dr. Malie Coyne

Exams are part of the “game” of life   

Exams are an unfortunate reality of life. An unnecessary evil some might say or a necessary rite of passage towards an important goal. It depends on how you look at it. The weeks before exam-time can be a really stressful time, which is totally understandable given the amount of pressure you may be experiencing. You are not alone in how you feel.

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Stress Management – Today FM – Anton Savage – Bressie

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With Bressie on the Anton Savage show on Today FM on 20th April 2016 – discussing A Lust for Life’s new 5 week stress management course, designed for Junior Cert and Leaving Cert students.

The weeks before exam-time can be a really stressful time, which is totally understandable given the amount of pressure you may be experiencing. You are not alone in how you feel. We discuss week 1 of my stress management course for students and parents. You may worry you haven’t studied enough, or that you won’t live up to people’s expectations. It doesn’t help that everyone talks about exams non-stop…