In Person - NERC AGM & Guest Speaker

Presenter's Bio: 

Dr Mary O'Kane is a Lecturer in Psychology, Early Childhood Studies and Education with the Open University. Mary presents the radio show ‘Perfectly Imperfect Parenting’ on Dublin City FM. She is also a regular contributor on Newstalk Radio and RTE Radio 1 discussing a broad range of parenting issues. She gives public talks on topics related to child wellbeing, parenting, and education, and is well known for her humorous down to earth approach. Mary is the author of two books for parents, carers and educators: Perfectly Imperfect Parenting: Connection not Perfection and Anxious Children in an Anxious World: Facing Fears and Finding Brave which reached Number 1 in the Irish Times Bestsellers List.

Event Outline:

School Based Anxiety and Distress:

In this talk Mary explains how anxiety impacts children's brains and bodies and discusses how parents can work with children and teens to move them beyond a state of fight of flight. She then covers the topic of school-based distress, explaining the difference between can’t and won’t; considering school trauma and burnout; and why some of our children do not thrive in the school environment. The aim is to shift the focus from control and attendance to building trust, understanding and emotional safety. 

Learning Outcomes:

· Understanding of how anxiety impacts children's brains and bodies

· Understanding of how parents can work with children and teens to move them beyond a state of fight of flight.

· Understanding the difference between Separation Anxiety, School Based Anxiety and School Distress

· Understanding of school trauma and burnout and how to support children and teens experiencing this  trauma

CPD Certs will be emailed to participants after attendance