The Baby Tribe Katie Mugan & Afif EL-Khuffash

Is your child's mental health hiding in plain sight? This week's episode of the Baby Tribe podcast tackles the monumental subject of childhood mental health and parenting. We reflect on our own experiences growing up under protective parents and discuss how open communication can better equip children to handle life's challenges. We dive deep into cultural differences in parenting styles, the importance of fostering resilience, and why addressing mental health openly is crucial, especially given the stark statistics on youth suicide in Ireland.
 Today's children face a multitude of stressors, from school exams and body image issues to the pressures of social media and future anxieties. Joined by child psychiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Barrett, we examine how misinformation online compounds these problems and why it's vital for schools to provide accurate mental health resources. Additionally, we address the shocking data on racism and religious discrimination affecting young minds. Dr. Barrett offers practical strategies to help parents recognize emotional distress in children and emphasizes the necessity of tailored mental health support, enhancing school-based services, and improving accessibility to CAMHS.
 Finally, we explore the intricate relationship between social media and adolescent mental health. While acknowledging the risks of online bullying and the impact of social media on self-esteem, we also highlight potential benefits, like supportive online communities. Parents will appreciate our practical tips on setting phone boundaries and the delicate balance between monitoring and allowing freedom. We call for stronger responsibilities from social media companies and legislators to create safer online environments. Wrapping up, we stress the foundation of good mental health: consistent sleep, regular exercise, and reconnecting with nature. Don't miss this enlightening conversation designed to equip parents with the tools to support their children's mental well-being.
 Support Links:
https://www.pieta.ie/
https://www.bodywhys.ie/
https://www.samaritans.org/ireland/samaritans-ireland/
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Unlock the secrets of your child's respiratory health as we team up with Prof. Basil El Nazir, the paediatric respiratory physician and cystic fibrosis expert, to guide you through the maze of coughs and colds that every parent dreads. Discover the breakthrough RSV vaccine that's set to revolutionize how we protect our littlest ones from this common and sometimes serious virus. It's a deep-dive into managing conditions like asthma and cystic fibrosis, with takeaways that promise to resonate with every caregiver.
 Breathe easier knowing how to keep infections at bay, even with a house full of toddlers and newborns. We share practical tips on maintaining a germ-free home and instilling healthy habits early on—without resorting to drastic measures. Plus, we'll offer a slice of our own lives, swapping stories of our children's dreams and ambitions, proving that the apple can indeed fall far from the tree when it comes to career paths in finance, construction, law, and more.
 Wrap up your listening experience with an uplifting look at Ireland's triumphs over cystic fibrosis. From newborn screenings to the latest treatments turning this once-feared disease into a manageable condition, we highlight the advancements offering hope and extending lifespans. So, join us and let's navigate the choppy waters of paediatric health with the warmth and expertise you've come to expect from our heart-to-heart sessions.
 The article discussed in this episode:
https://academic.oup.com/ofid/article/11/3/ofae077/7601549?login=false
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In this episode, Dr. Orla Walsh and the hosts delve into the world of children's eating habits. They explore the common issue of picky eating, sharing personal anecdotes and tips for encouraging diverse diets without pressure. They highlight the importance of patience, small portions, and involving kids in meal prep to cultivate adventurous eaters. The discussion shifts to the challenges faced by Generation Z, including the impact of social media, the pandemic, and societal pressures on eating disorders. Strategies for recognizing and addressing these disorders are provided, along with insights on the rising rates of obesity among youth and the influence of genetics, socioeconomic factors, and the environment.
 Dr. Orla Walsh is an Adolescent Medicine and General Paediatrician in Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street and Connolly. She is an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer with RCSI and an Assistant Clinical Professor in Women& Children & Health with UCD. She completed a 2 year Fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and then worked as an Adolescent Medicine Paediatrician and developed an Academic Division of Adolescent Medicine at North York General Hospital, and as Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto.
 Since returning to Ireland she has contributed to the recently launched National Guidance Document on the Management of Anorexia Nervosa in Paediatric Patients, and hopefully soon to be launched National Framework on the Transition of Care from Paediatric to Adult Services. She currently works half time as an Adolescent Medicine Paediatrician within General Paediatrics in CHI where she runs a weekly adolescent clinic and provides an inpatient consult service. The other half of her job is developing and delivering the new service for adolescents with complex obesity in CHI, including the establishment of a transition pathway to adult services.
 
Resources mentioned in the show:
Bodywhys | The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland
Bodywhys | Free Pilar Programme for Families
Bodywhys | Free Resource - A Guide for Families
Healthy eating for families - HSE.ie
https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/weaning-eating/nutrition-child/healthy-eating/
https://w82go.ie
https://childhoodobesity.ie/resources/
https://www.safefood.net
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Ever felt like you needed a translator to understand what your teen is saying? Well, today's digital terrain is no less perplexing, which is why we've got a cyber psychologist, Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton, on board to steer us through the maze of gaming, social media, and screen time. We're cracking the code on those baffling acronyms and emojis, while also laying down some serious groundwork on how to parent amidst pings, posts, and pixels. 
Navigating the waters of modern teenage communication requires more than just a sturdy ship; it requires a map, a compass, and a savvy understanding of the currents that is social media and gaming. We're tackling the tough questions on cyberbullying, the real effects of screen time, and the delightful positives of gaming. Discover how to foster open dialogue about the digital world with your children and why your involvement is more crucial than ever. 
As we wind down this digital odyssey, our expert guest imparts wisdom on guiding kids safely through online communities and the social media landscape, from crafting a positive digital footprint to understanding the nuanced impact of active versus passive screen engagement. For those of us with a controller or smartphone always within reach, this episode is a treasure trove of strategies, insights, and heart-to-heart advice that assures you're not sailing these high-tech seas solo.
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As parents, we all start out with a playbook that seems destined for revision. During this episode, we can't help but chuckle over the transformations we've seen in ourselves—from the meticulous planners fretting over every sniffle our firstborns encountered, to the more assured, adaptable guardians of our later children. Our discussion traverses this relatable metamorphosis, offering support and shared laughter to those in the midst of their own parenting odyssey.
Navigating the healthcare system can be as perplexing as deciphering toddler babble, but fear not! We've got you covered. We unfold the tapestry of public health nursing and paediatric care options, equipping you with the know-how to document symptoms and advocate for your child effectively. Our exploration into a recent Irish study sheds new light on the infant microbiome and allergies, busting myths and putting parents' minds at ease about what truly affects their child's health.
Joining the conversation, a special guest paediatric cardiologist Professor Orla Franklin —who through determination and heart (pun intended)—recounts her inspiring ascent to becoming a paediatric cardiologist. Her stories from the corridors of prestigious hospitals to the realities of healthcare in Ireland not only captivate but also raise awareness about the importance of early intervention in children's cardiovascular health and the societal factors influencing our youngest hearts. Together, we celebrate the strides made in paediatric cardiology and emphasize the power of community in shaping the wellbeing of our children.
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Discover the transformative power of touch and the emotional rollercoaster of parenting as we take you through the highs and lows of raising little ones. Our conversation brings laughter and empathy to your parenting journey, whether you're navigating the NICU or just trying to get an apology out of a toddler. We share how the simplest gestures, like the hand hugs and bonding squares in the neonatal ward, can forge unbreakable bonds and significantly improve health outcomes for both babies and parents.
 Join us as we unravel the mysteries of ear cleaning, debunk feeding myths, and reveal the unexpected benefits of parent-led baby massage. We promise to equip you with knowledge that will not only deepen your connection with your child but may also offer relief for the likes of colic and sleepless nights.
 Our guest, Paediatric & neonatal nurse Karen Prunty from Little Roo Village (Instagram: @little_roo_village), brings her expertise on baby massage to the table, underscoring the value of this nurturing practice for infant well-being and parental mental health. Through engaging stories and professional insights, we celebrate the nuances of family life and the indomitable spirit of parenthood.
 Wrap up your day with a podcast episode that applauds the resilience of single mothers, champions the role of empathy in neonatal care, and recognizes the importance of community in the parenting adventure. As we share anecdotes and professional experiences, we aim to support and empower you, the listener, on your path to becoming a confident and connected caregiver. So, settle in and prepare to be touched, quite literally, by the stories and strategies that make parenting the most rewarding challenge you'll ever face.
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