Sharon Fennelly Life Coach

When my own children were in the early years, I juggled so many questions: what counts as “typical”, development what’s important to notice, and how to support development without feeling overwhelmed.

That experience is a big part of why I now do the work I do with parents through ParenTalk Ireland. Every week, I meet parents who care deeply but are unsure whether they are worrying too much, or missing something important.

That’s exactly why I’m excited to be co-hosting this free Lunch & Learn with Camilla Marks, focused on what really matters in the first 1,000 days of development.

We will be talking about:
• Why the first 1,000 days are such a crucial window for early milestones
• What developmental milestones look like in everyday life
• How Toddler-Talk, the myToddler-Talk Passport and Activity Box help parents notice, support and track development with confidence

This session is practical and reassuring - no pressure, just useful insight for busy caregivers.

📅 Tuesday 24 February | 12:00–12:30 GMT
🔗 Join us: https://www.parentalk.ie/event-details/the-first-1-000-days-supporting-early-milestone-development-with-toddler-talk

If you are a parent of a young child, or you support parents in your workplace or community, feel free to share.

Since returning after 1 January and running drop-in clinics across multiple organisations, one theme has dominated every parent conversation:

Teen screen time is officially the No. 1 challenge for working parents in 2026.

Across all ages, screen use is a major concern, but for teens, it’s becoming the hardest to manage. Parents are telling us about late-night scrolling, emotional volatility, social pressure, gaming addiction, disappearing boundaries… and now a new layer: AI “boyfriends” and “girlfriends” shaping expectations, relationships and self-esteem.

Which made me realise that his topic needs more than a clinic. It needs a dedicated, practical space, so that’s why myself and Camilla Marks, Co-Founder of ParenTalk Ireland, are hosting this free webinar:

Screen Time & Teens: Can We Put the Genie Back in the Bottle?
Wed 28 Jan 2026 • 12:00 – 12:30 GMT

Register: https://lnkd.in/dw64ysvA

Please share with any parent who might need this.

If you're a parent wondering how to make this Christmas work better for your neurodivergent child (and your family), join us for a practical FREE webinar TODAY - Monday, 8th December 2025 from 12.30pm to 1pm.

My colleague Camilla Marks from ParenTalk Ireland and I will share straightforward strategies you can use right away to:

→ Reduce stress and prevent meltdowns before they happen
→ Manage sensory overload in festive environments
→ Navigate changes to routine without losing the joy
→ Help your child feel comfortable, supported, and included

This is a warm, supportive session with tools you can use straight away to help your child feel more settled this Christmas.

We encourage you to share this webinar with friends or your organisation as part of your wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. It’s a valuable resource for any parent or carer who may benefit from additional support at this time of year.

Register here: https://www.parentalk.ie/event-details/supporting-your-neurodivergent-child-this-christmas-practical-tips-and-strategies-2

Supporting your Neurodivergent Child This Christmas: Practical tips and Strategies. | ParenTalk Discover practical ways to help your neurodivergent child feel comfortable, supported, and included this Christmas. This webinar shares easy, effective strategies to reduce stress, manage sensory overload, and enjoy the festive season together.

🧡Such a wonderful day surrounded by wonderful people. Thank you for your kind words Louth Local Development 🧡

Junior Cert results day! 🎉

Like many parents across Ireland, I have a daughter getting her results today, and honestly, I’m not overly concerned about the results themselves. What matters more is how she feels, how she celebrates, and the kind of choices she makes as she heads out with friends to mark the occasion.

For most teens, today isn’t really about grades, it’s about freedom, fun, and that first taste of independence. And for us as parents, it’s that familiar mix of pride, worry, and the tug-of-war between wanting to protect them and knowing we have to let them go a little.

The big question for many tonight - "will my teen drink alcohol?"

At ParenTalk Ireland and in my coaching practice, we talk a lot about these moments, when parenting becomes less about control and more about trust and communication. I like to think that with open, honest conversations, our teens know they can always come to us, no matter what.

Still, part of me wants to wrap her in bubble wrap and keep her safe forever. But growing up, for them and for us, means learning through experience, mistakes included, with the comfort of knowing we will be there when they need us.

To every parent feeling that mix of pride and nerves tonight - you are not alone. 💚

Looking forward to meeting a bunch of young people tomorrow - helping them prepare for the move to secondary school! 💪🏻

📣 Calling All 6th Class Parents! 📣

The move to secondary school is one of the biggest transitions in your child’s life, and even the most confident kids can feel uncertain about what’s ahead.

That’s why this UNIQUE 1-DAY HOLISTIC WORKSHOP is a must for any child starting secondary school in August.

Designed to give your child the tools, confidence, and life skills they need, this workshop will help them feel prepared, reassured, and excited about what’s coming next.

🧠✨ Your child will benefit by learning how to:
• Build confidence and resilience
• Manage anxiety and self-doubt
• Stay organised and motivated
• Cope with peer pressure and social media
• Make new friends and handle change with a growth mindset

This isn’t just about preparation, it’s about empowerment. Your child will leave with a workbook, gifts to help them on their journey, a boost in confidence, and the peace of mind to truly enjoy their summer, knowing they’re ready for the road ahead.

🎯 When: Next week!
💶 Cost: €90 (+ small booking fee)
📍 Spaces are limited!

💬 “He headed in this morning with such confidence… one relieved Mammy.”
– Real feedback from a grateful parent. More here: www.sharonfennelly.ie/testimonials

📩 Register now: sharonfennelly.ie
📞 Contact Sharon: 086 8677822 | [email protected]

🎒 Give your child the head start they deserve - this one day could make all the difference.

Please share with any 6th class parents you know!