‘Parenting Neurodivergent Children’ Course, January 2025

A strengths-based approach to raising autistic, ADHD and other neurodivergent children An online three-week course for parents, with John Sharry. Course dates: Friday mornings, 24th, 31st January, 7th February, 10am-11:30am. Drawing on his Irish Times article series on the topic, Prof John Sharry presents this three-week online course for parents, that will cover topics such as: Understanding autism, … Continue reading ‘Parenting Neurodivergent Children’ Course, January 2025

‘Positive Parenting: Pre-teens and Teenagers’ Course January 2025

Positive Parenting: Pre-Teens and Teenagers Managing conflict, solving problems and building a warm relationship with your teenager An online three-week course for parents, with John Sharry. The teenage years are some of the most challenging times for families. Communication can suffer as teenagers pull away from their parents, while teenagers are dealing with increased emotional turmoil and … Continue reading ‘Positive Parenting: Pre-teens and Teenagers’ Course January 2025

‘Supporting Your Teenager’s Wellbeing and Self-esteem’ Workshop

Supporting Your Teenager’s Wellbeing and Self-esteem -What a Parent Can Do An online workshop with John Sharry, Tuesday 22nd October 2024. Adolescence and the teenage years can be a time of emotional turmoil, brought on by body changes and hormones, increased pressure in school as well as worries about identity,  making friends and finding your … Continue reading ‘Supporting Your Teenager’s Wellbeing and Self-esteem’ Workshop

‘Supporting your Child through the Journey of Grief and Loss’ Online Talk

In this short, free-to-attend workshop for widowed parents, Prof. John Sharry will present a practical model for supporting your children to manage their grief when they have lost a parent. Some of themes covered will include Understanding grief and how it might affect your  children Understanding what support they might need How to understand your … Continue reading ‘Supporting your Child through the Journey of Grief and Loss’ Online Talk

‘Parenting Neurodivergent Children’ Courses, October 2024

A strengths-based approach to raising autistic, ADHD and other neurodivergent children An online three-week course for parents, with John Sharry. Evening course dates: Tuesdays 1st, 8th and 15th October 8pm-9:30pm. Morning course dates: Thursdays 3rd, 10th, 17th October 10am-11:30am. Drawing on his Irish Times article series on the topic, Prof John Sharry presents this three week online parenting … Continue reading ‘Parenting Neurodivergent Children’ Courses, October 2024

‘Parenting Exceptional Children’ course for parents of neurodivergent children

A strengths-based approach to raising autistic, ADHD and other neurodivergent children An online three week course for parents, with John Sharry Cost: €90 for one or both parents to attend Course Dates: Tuesdays 8-9:30pm. 16th, 23rd and 30th April BOOKED OUT Mondays 8-9:30pm, 22nd, 29th April, 6th May BOOKED OUT Thursdays 10am-11:30am 2nd May, 9th May … Continue reading ‘Parenting Exceptional Children’ course for parents of neurodivergent children

‘Parenting Neurodivergent Children’- Irish Times six-part series

‘Parenting Exceptional Children: A strengths-based approach to raising autistic, ADHD and other neurodivergent children’ This is a 6- article series by John Sharry, published every Tuesday in the Irish Times starting 12th March 2024. Topics Include: 12th March – Understanding autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent differences 19th March – Understanding your unique child’s challenges and … Continue reading ‘Parenting Neurodivergent Children’- Irish Times six-part series

Spring 2024: New website coming soon.

March 2024 This website is currently under construction, as a result it may be harder to find what you are looking for. Please just email info@solutiontalk.ie if you have a query.

Building Resilience and Self-Esteem Parent Talk, 1st June 2022

Building Resilience and Self-Esteem: What a Parent Can Do This online talk with Prof. John Sharry is suitable for parents of children of all ages to attend and will have  plenty of opportunity for questions. Dates: Wednesday 1st June 2022, 7.45-9.00pm Cost: €15* Bookings and further information are available here. *The proceeds of this talk will … Continue reading Building Resilience and Self-Esteem Parent Talk, 1st June 2022

Anxiety Workshops for parents of children and teenagers February 2022

‘Helping Children Overcome Anxiety’ Friday 4th Feb 2022, 7:30–9pm An online workshop with Prof. John Sharry for parents of children aged 3-10 years with Prof. John Sharry ‘Helping Teenagers Overcome Anxiety’ Friday 11th Feb 2022, 7:30–9pm An online workshop with Prof. John Sharry for parents of children aged 11-18 years with Prof. John Sharry Cost … Continue reading Anxiety Workshops for parents of children and teenagers February 2022

‘Starting Healthy Family Habits in the New Year’ Talk, 13th January

‘Starting Healthy Family Habits in the New Year’ Talk A free online workshop by John Sharry for parents of children under 12, sponsored by the Parents Plus charity. This talk talks place on Thursday 13th January 2022, 7:30pm – 8:45pm. For further information and bookings please click here.

‘Parenting a child with ADHD’ Talk, 19th January

Parenting a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) A talk with John Sharry, hosted by Clarecare and sponsored by TUSLA. This talk is free for parents to attend and takes place online on Wednesday 19th January 2022 from 10am-11:30am. For further details and booking information click here.

The Secrets of Happy Marriages & Relationships Talk, 17th November

The Secrets of Happy Marriages & Relationships Talk with John Sharry Kildare Library Service presents this free online talk on Wednesday 17th November 8.00pm-9.00pm. Places are limited and can be booked at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-secrets-of-happy-marriages-relationships-with-john-sharry-tickets-199325426717

June 9th: Preventing self-harm and suicide: what can a parent do? Talk

Preventing self-harm and suicide What can a parent do? Free online Talk with John Sharry, hosted by Dublin South Central Parent Support Champions and One Family  Date: Wednesday 9th June 2021 Time: 7pm Delivered via Zoom THIS TALK HAS NOW ENDED

June 21st: ‘Supporting a Depressed Teen – What can a parent do?’ Talk

Suffering the effects of school closures and social lockdowns, the Covid crisis has led to a large increase in teenage mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. In this workshop Prof John Sharry will describe the most common causes to teenage depression and illustrate the common solutions that make a difference. As a parent … Continue reading June 21st: ‘Supporting a Depressed Teen – What can a parent do?’ Talk

June 14th: ‘Helping Your Children and Teenagers Bounce Back’ Talk

The lockdowns and restrictions of the last year has disrupted family life and increased the pressure on children and parents. During this workshop, Prof John Sharry will provide practical principles on how you can look after your family’s mental health and cultivate your children’s resilience as restrictions ease. Specific topics include: – managing anxiety – … Continue reading June 14th: ‘Helping Your Children and Teenagers Bounce Back’ Talk

Positive Parenting 1-6 year olds course for parents, May 2021

  ‘Positive Parenting: 1-6 year olds’ A practical and positive course for parents with John Sharry This online course will run over three evenings and will provide evidence-based principles that you can immediately apply with your children at home. Topics include: – tuning into and understanding your child – establishing good routines – promoting learning and … Continue reading Positive Parenting 1-6 year olds course for parents, May 2021

Free Talk: Supporting your child’s return to the school routine 29.03.21

As schools reopen many children are anxious about returning and recovery will take time. Cavan Library service will host a free online talk with Prof. John Sharry  on Monday 29th March, when he will provide some practical principles to help establish healthy family routines. Information, enquiries and bookings at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/helping-your-children-get-back-into-the-school-routine-after-lockdown-tickets-147240723969

Free ‘Parenting When Separated’ Talk with John Sharry 19.03.21

The Parents Plus charity are hosting ‘Parenting When Separated’, a free online talk for parents with Prof. John Sharry. Friday 19th March 12 noon – 1pm delivered via Zoom Drawing on the evidence-based Parents Plus Programmes, John Sharry describes practical ways parents can help themselves and their children cope and thrive after separation.  In particular … Continue reading Free ‘Parenting When Separated’ Talk with John Sharry 19.03.21

STANDBY LIST for Mental Health Talks

The below talks are now full but if you would like to be put on a standby list please click either of the following links: Parents of 2-12 year olds waitlist Parents of Teenagers waitlist Supporting your Child’s Mental Health during the Covid crisis A free workshop with John Sharry for parents of children aged … Continue reading STANDBY LIST for Mental Health Talks

Free online talks for parents – Supporting your children’s mental health during the Covid crisis, March 2021

The below  two courses are now full, please click here if you wish to be put on a standby list. In response to questions from parents on how best to support their children during this Covid crisis, I will be giving two free online workshops in the coming weeks. The workshops will focus on two … Continue reading Free online talks for parents – Supporting your children’s mental health during the Covid crisis, March 2021

New online Positive Parenting courses Oct/Nov 2020

Bookings for three new online courses for parents are now open here. The courses will run online in October and November with Prof. John Sharry. The courses are: ‘Positive Parenting: Preteens and Teenagers (10-16 year olds)’ (2-evening course, 14th, 21st October 2020) ‘Positive Parenting: 2-9 year olds’ (2-evening course, 4th, 11th November 2020) ‘Building Self-esteem and … Continue reading New online Positive Parenting courses Oct/Nov 2020

‘Self-esteem’ online parent course with John Sharry, Sept 2020

I hope to run some online courses for parents, starting end September/Early October. The first of these will be a 3-evening course on building self-esteem in your children and teenagers, starting Thursday September 24th. Details and booking information will be posted on this website in the last week of August.  

Tips for making new year resolutions

The New Year is definitely perceived as a time of new beginnings and resolutions. After the excess of Christmas many people try to start afresh in the new year with plans to be more healthy, to do things different or to tackle the a task that has been put on the long finger for months. … Continue reading Tips for making new year resolutions

2020 courses in Galway, Cork & Dublin

Upcoming courses for parents with John Sharry John will be giving half-day weekend day courses (9am-1pm) in Galway, Cork and Dublin in early 2020. Details and bookings are available here. Cork courses (Rochestown Park Hotel) Positive Parenting 3-9 yr olds, Sat 18th January Positive Parenting 10-16 yr olds,  Sun 19th January Galway course (Salthill Hotel) … Continue reading 2020 courses in Galway, Cork & Dublin

Positive Parenting courses with John Sharry Nov 2019

John will be giving some half-day weekend ‘Positive Parenting’ courses for parents in the coming months: Dublin, Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown Saturday 16th November 2019: ‘Parenting 3-9 yr olds’ Sunday 17th November 2019: ‘Parenting Pre-teens and Teenagers’ Cork, Rochestown Park Hotel Saturday 18th January 2020: ‘Parenting 3-9 yr olds’ Sunday 19th January 2020: ‘Parenting Pre-teens and Teenagers’ Galway … Continue reading Positive Parenting courses with John Sharry Nov 2019

‘School Refusal’ Evening Talk, Oct 8th

‘Working together to overcome school refusal and non-attendance; it’s ok to talk’ Evening Talk with John Sharry Tuesday 8th October, Wynns Hotel, Dublin Cost: €20 This talk is being organised by Parentline, please contact them at www.parentline.ie for bookings and further information. Read flier for information here    

Bringing up Happy and Healthy Children – Library Talk, Dun Laoghaire, Wed 6th Feb 2019

Bringing up Happy and Healthy Children – Talk with Prof. John Sharry Hosted by: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Library Service Drawing on the Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme, John will outline the key family habits that lead to happy and healthy children. The talk will cover the importance of establishing routines around healthy eating, physical activity, … Continue reading Bringing up Happy and Healthy Children – Library Talk, Dun Laoghaire, Wed 6th Feb 2019

New Cork anxiety course added

25th Oct 2018 The ‘Helping Children and Teenagers Overcome Anxiety’ course with Prof. John Sharry on Saturday 19th January 2019 is now full so an extra course has been added, which will take place at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork the following day, on Sunday 20th January 2019. Early booking is advised. Bookings and details … Continue reading New Cork anxiety course added

Autumn 2018 courses for parents with John Sharry

Prof. John Sharry will give the following courses and talks in the coming months. Further information and booking information is available here. Positive Parenting: ‘Parenting 3-9 year-olds’ Dublin: Sat 20th Oct 2018, Blanchardstown Carlton Hotel, 9am -1pm Cork: Sat 3rd Nov 2018, Vienna Woods Hotel, Cork, 9am -1pm Positive Parenting: ‘Parenting Pre-Teens and Teenagers’ (10-16 year olds) Dublin: Sun 21st Oct 2018, … Continue reading Autumn 2018 courses for parents with John Sharry

Professional Training on Child Anxiety, Dublin, April 2018

‘Working with families with a child or teenager who is anxious – A solution-focused approach’ This one-day course with John Sharry will take place on Friday 20th April 2018 in the Spa Lucan Hotel, Dublin. Further details and bookings are available here.

‘Finding Meaning and Creating Purpose in your Life’ Library Talks

‘Finding Meaning and Creating Purpose in your Life’  A key aspect of positive mental health is understanding what gives you purpose and meaning in your daily life. This can make you resilient when dealing with challenges and help you cope when times are hard. In this talk, best selling author and Irish Times parenting journalist … Continue reading ‘Finding Meaning and Creating Purpose in your Life’ Library Talks

Extra Cork Anxiety Date added for Jan 2018

As the Autumn courses are now full, an extra ‘Helping Children Overcome Anxiety’ course for parents will run in the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork on Saturday 13th January 2018. Covering the needs of children aged 3 to 16 years, in this course John Sharry will present a strengths-based model for understanding anxiety that shows how … Continue reading Extra Cork Anxiety Date added for Jan 2018

Special €10 offer on John’s latest book

Special Offer until 25th September 2017 John’s latest book is ‘Bringing Up Happy, Confident Children: A practical guide to nurturing resilience, self-esteem and emotional well-being’. Purchase it for €10 including postage to anywhere in Ireland. To read about this book and avail of the offer click here.

Food issues on Pat Kenny Show

Monday 4th Sept 2017 Tune in to The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk this morning, when I’ll be taking questions on parenting children with any kind of food issues. You can text your questions to 53106. www.newstalk.com/patkennyshow

Autumn 2017 Courses for Parents with John Sharry

John will give the following courses this Autumn. Further information and booking information is here. Positive Parenting: ‘Parenting 3-9 yr old Children’ Saturday 21st October 2017 (9am -1pm), Dublin Positive Parenting: ‘Parenting Pre-Teens and Teenagers’ (10-16 yr olds) Sunday 22nd October 2017 (9am -1pm), Dublin ‘Helping Children Overcome Anxiety’ Saturday Morning Course Saturday 18th November 2017 (9am-1pm), Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork FULL … Continue reading Autumn 2017 Courses for Parents with John Sharry

Spring Talks for parents, Kilkenny, Dublin, Cork

John Sharry will give the following talks this Spring: ‘Building Children and Teenager’s Self-Esteem’ Kilkenny Talk – Monday 20th March 8-9.45pm Dublin Talk – Wednesday 10th May 8-9.45pm ‘Parenting 3-9 year olds’ Cork course – Saturday 1st April 9am-1pm Information and bookings for all the above are available here. The next courses and talks following the … Continue reading Spring Talks for parents, Kilkenny, Dublin, Cork

6-part series of articles on anxiety starts 10th January 2017

I’ll be writing a 6-part series of articles in The Irish Times, Health and Family, starting on Tuesday 10th January 2017. The articles will look at how parents can help children and teenagers manage anxiety and will alternate with my regular parenting column on Tuesdays. Part 1 focuses on the strength of worrying and can be read here. Part 2 looks at how … Continue reading 6-part series of articles on anxiety starts 10th January 2017

6-part series of articles on children’s self-esteem

Read John Sharry’s 6-part series of articles on how you can help promote positive self-esteem, confidence and emotional wellbeing in children and teenagers. (originally published in The Irish Times June-August 2016). John writes in The Irish Times Health+ every Tuesday. Click on the links below to read each article: Part 1: Building your child’s self-esteem Part 2: Love … Continue reading 6-part series of articles on children’s self-esteem

New book: Bringing Up Happy, Confident Children

Bringing Up Happy, Confident Children A practical guide to nurturing resilience, self-esteem and emotional well-being Based on evidence-based principles, in this book John Sharry presents an innovative model of self-esteem that focuses on building children and teenagers’ resilience and character strengths to ensure they grow up to bewell adjusted, confident and happy adults. Suitable for … Continue reading New book: Bringing Up Happy, Confident Children