Columns - Irish Examiner

Sign in

3156116_1_org_Joanne_Fortune_Circle_headshot

Joanna Fortune

Child psychotherapist

Loneliness concept. Sad teenage boy on windowsill indoors

Joanna Fortune: My teenage son is missing his big brother

Child psychotherapist Dr Joanna Fortune gives advice about an evolving relationship between two brothers

Tue, 24 Feb, 2026

Little Girl Struggling With School Work

Joanna Fortune: My child says she is stupid because she finds school difficult

I’ve told her she’s smart almost since the day she was born, but nothing I say seems to make a difference

Tue, 17 Feb, 2026

Portrait of a little boy in blue at home standing in the middle of the room

Joanna Fortune: My toddler gets upset when I breastfeed the baby

There is no ideal way to navigate this transition — remember that good enough really is good enough

Tue, 10 Feb, 2026

Tired Schoolboy Sitting Alone on a Bench After a Long, Stressful School Day

Joanna Fortune: My young son hates going to school — what if it escalates to refusal?

I’ve tried every trick in the book to encourage him, but nothing seems to be working.

Tue, 03 Feb, 2026

Anxiety, thinking and window with child in home for mental health, adoption crisis or stress. Mistake, foster care trauma and ab

Joanna Fortune: My daughter feels jealous of her friend's friendship with another girl

I would urge you not to dismiss or minimise your daughter’s emotional response, writes child psychotherapist Dr Joanna Fortune

Tue, 27 Jan, 2026

You're going to be the best brother ever

Joanna Fortune: I'm not sure how I'm going to manage it all when my baby arrives

Keep in mind the old saying: ‘It takes a village to raise a child’

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

Presents near Christmas tree

Joanna Fortune: My teenage daughters barely said thanks for all their Christmas presents

I was shocked by their lack of gratitude, and said as much to them, but they just shrugged their shoulders and sloped off. Have I spoiled my children for life?

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Happy senior couple celebrating Christmas Eve together.

Joanna Fortune: It feels as if my in-laws hijacked Christmas

My husband was of little help and kept fussing about his mum, who expected to be treated like a queen

Tue, 06 Jan, 2026

Loving Little Sisters

Joanna Fortune: Our eldest child won't let her younger sisters out of her sight

Risk-taking activity enables children to experience mastery over a task and encourages them to stretch beyond what they think they can do so that they develop confidence

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Mother and daughter are arguing at home

Joanna Fortune: My eldest says we're mean and no fun

Celebrate Christmas by celebrating the fun in simple, everyday connections

Tue, 23 Dec, 2025