Parenting Questions
Your questions answered
Sep 18, 2025
I have a Year 5 daughter with severe food allergies. She had an incident last summer term where she ingested one of her allergens at school (incorrectly labelled ingredients) and she now has a lot of anxiety around food, and is worried that every tickle in her throat is the beginning of an allergic reaction. What can I do to help her?
Allergies are a constant source of anxiety for both young people suffering with them and parents/carers trying to empower their young person to manage positively. The role of the parents is complex, as there are two main responsibilities. Firstly, supporting their young person to risk assess appropriately in different environments and secondly, the harder task to help them manage the risks without overwhelming them with fear. It is a difficult, ever changing balancing act as the young person develops more independence over eating and managing their own diet.
Sep 15, 2025
Help! My 5-Year-Old son struggles with low self-esteem. What can I do? He has lost his grandparent recently, could that have something to do with it?
It can feel worrying to see a young child struggle with confidence so early in life. Thank you for raising this important question. The good news is that there are many simple, everyday ways you can help to build your son’s sense of self-worth.
Jun 23, 2025
There was an attempted abduction locally. How can I support my child?
It might not feel like it right now, but it’s worth knowing that stranger abductions of children are extremely rare. In the UK, there are around 500–600 reports of child abduction each year, but the vast majority are attempted rather than successful, and many are later reclassified as misunderstandings, rather than genuine abductions.
Jun 17, 2025
My daughter (aged 10) has broken up with a friend. How can I help her?
It is the hardest experience as a parent, watching our children muddle their way through friendships, knock backs, being included then excluded, invited to parties and then kept at bay. We have all been there and it can feel emotionally painful and sad.
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.