Author Archives: drclaraob

It was lovely to chat with my friends and colleagues from Positive Psychology coaches Ireland, to discuss our career transitions. Exploring our shared love of learning, chatting about living a life that is aligned with values and finding ones niche are explored.

It was a pleasure to join Una Buckley and colleagues to discuss the importance of Belonging in the workplace. Believing that you belong and that your work and contributions matter is hugely important for both motivation and emotional wellbeing.

Earlier this year I did a podcast with Una Buckley from Blossom4life about how to communicate effectively with schools. Lots of useful tips on how to build a colloborative working relationship with teachers. Working in partnership with a school is a vital part of supporting your child’s learning in school particularly if they are gettingContinue reading “Communicating Effectively with Schools”

As the school year draws to a close, many homes will receive the end of year report about their child’s progress in school. Some will also receive a phone call or even be invited to a meeting to discuss school concerns.  You may have been advised to get an assessment for your child. Alternatively, youContinue reading “After the Parent/Teacher meeting, what will I do now? Tips for following up school concerns”

Workplace wellbeing is critically important in a post pandemic world and there is a growing body of research about the changes in the workplace linked to Covid-19. At an organisational level, employers can do a lot to ensure psychological safety and at an individual level, employees can take steps to enhance their wellbeing and buildContinue reading “Returning to routine: ACTIONs for wellbeing”

February 2022 “Problem talk creates problems – Solution talk creates solutions“ (Steve de Shazer) A central idea in positive psychology is to focus on what is going well in our current lives and do more of that. Solution focused conversations help people to explore their strengths and resources rather than focus on their problems andContinue reading “Cultivating Connections: Reframing conversations to be solution focused rather than problem focused.”

Podcast for Cork Children’s Clinic 2021 6/12/21 The Happy Baby podcast I was delighted to collaborate with Cork Children’s Clinic for their inaugural podcast series- The Happy baby and child, see @thehappybabypodcast, @corkchildrensclinic http://www.corkchildrensclinic.com The focus of the podcast was to give parents some tips to make the most effective use of time with professionalsContinue reading “Helpful tips for parents concerned about their child’s progress in school“

                          October 2021 One month into the new school year and families and children have slipped back into routine with gratitude and some nerves. Many children and young people will have experienced Covid specific losses to their family unit in the last 18 months such as bereavement or unemployment.  Most young people have missed play,Continue reading “Anxiety and Return to school and Routine”

Well done, you have successfully managed to survive emergency education part 2. Survival is good enough. Are they safe and loved? Are they fed and warm? If yes then you have done enough. It looks increasingly likely that most young children will be back in the classroom before Easter 2021 and all young people willContinue reading “Returning to routine again”