Parenting Questions
Your questions answered
Mar 20, 2025
Help! My five year old is wetting the bed at night. What can I do?
You're not alone! Nocturnal enuresis, or bedwetting, is common in young children. We've asked paediatrician, Dr Christine Riyad, for advice.
Mar 17, 2025
My 10 year old is experiencing big emotions. Do you have any advice?
We've asked Dr Sophie Nesbitt, Consultant Child Psychologist, for her top tips.
Feb 12, 2025
Is it ok for my four year old to still use a dummy?
It's completely natural to feel concerned when your child continues using a pacifier or sucking their thumb beyond the toddler years. We've asked paediatrician, Dr Christine Riyad, for advice.
Dec 31, 2024
My son wants to buy his girlfriend an 18th birthday present. Help!
Give yourself a pat on the back as your teen is asking YOU for advice. It is a sign that there is good communication between you, and that he sees you as a source of knowledge! I think his question is a wonderful one. Why? Because it shows he values the relationship, recognises the importance of a milestone birthday and knows that gift-buying is not a simple activity.
Dec 18, 2024
What do we need to consider when thinking about hiring a tutor?
Private tutoring can be a great way to support your child's education, but finding the right person can also feel overwhelming. The tutoring industry is largely unregulated in the UK and so it can be challenging to know where to start or what to look for.
Oct 22, 2024
My 11 year old daughter is always hungry. Should I be concerned?
This is a common concern for many parents. Engaged and attentive parents are generally mindful of their child’s relationship with food. This is not surprising given the shameful narrative surrounding the idea of being overweight or obese, and the association that is often made that this is linked to neglectful parenting.
Oct 15, 2024
Should I let my child attend sex education lessons at primary school?
First of all, try not to beat yourself about your decision (you obviously love your child and want the best for them), but I would ask you to think about the motivations behind your decision carefully. Sometimes in parenting, what feels like ‘doing the right’ thing might inadvertently put a child at greater risk.
Jun 03, 2024
How can I best support my son with changes to his class next year?
Firstly, it is normal to worry about changes that lie ahead for our children and to worry about their ability to cope. You aren’t alone. The start of a new academic year is always full of changes to school life. New classrooms perhaps? Timetables? Teachers, pupils, curricula, canteen menus? You sound like you are holding a lot of anticipatory anxiety about the changes that are forthcoming. These changes have likely been explained to you by the school, and perhaps you still feel fearful?