Parenting author Stella O’Malley discusses importance of 'inner resilience' at Ursuline event

Screen addiction, anxiety, narcissism, and trying to raise resilient, confident teenagers were just some of the many topics touched on by psychotherapist and author Stella O’Malley who came to talk to parents in the Ursuline last week. The Parents Council organised Stella, who has published the highly acclaimed books Bully Proof Kids and Cotton Wool Kids, to give a presentation on parenting teens.

Stella gave a very engaging and insightful talk about what it is like for teenagers navigating those turbulent years and how it is not always possible or healthy for parents to swoop in and fix the problems their children encounter. She suggested it is necessary for us to teach our children that failure is okay, it will happen and it is vital that young people learn to heed the lessons of failure.

She pointed out that failure brings with it increased inner resilience that is such an important life skill in our uncertain age. Stella answered questions at the end and the use or overuse of mobile phones, social media and technology was a hotly debated topic.

Thanks very much to Helen Burns of the Parents’ Council who approached Stella about the possibility of giving a talk to parents in the Ursuline. It was very well attended and extremely helpful for parents in trying to understand the issues affecting their school going sons and daughters.