Parentline NI - Your Guide to Parenting

In this deeply insightful episode of the Parentline podcast, host Kerry McLean is joined by Tanya Strowger, a mother of three and counsellor at Jigsaw Community Counselling Centre, and Rebecca McCullough from Eden Consultancy NI. Together, they explore what it’s like to support neurodiverse children—particularly autistic children—through life’s big transitions, including school changes, holidays, family events, and everyday routines.

Tanya shares the powerful story of her son Silas, his early signs of autism, the diagnostic journey, and how their family has adapted to meet his needs at home, in school, and out in the world. From sensory challenges and visual schedules to social scripting and emotional regulation, her lived experience offers empathy and practical guidance.

Rebecca adds her expertise in neuro-affirming practice, offering thoughtful, real-world strategies to make transitions smoother, support emotional wellbeing, and embrace the child’s unique way of experiencing the world. Whether it’s navigating the school day, Christmas traditions, or going on holiday, this episode is packed with compassion, insight, and useful takeaways for any parent or professional.

In this episode, we explore:

• Recognising early signs of neurodivergence and making sense of a diagnosis
• Why small changes (like Sports Day or a different teacher) can be just as hard as big life events
• Using visual aids, timers, and exit strategies to reduce anxiety
• Preparing for transitions: from holidays and school changes to daily routines
• Helping neurodiverse children manage emotions, especially during moments of overwhelm
• Letting go of expectations and embracing what brings your child real happiness

Memorable Moments:

Resources Mentioned:

• Eden Consultancy NI – Training and consultancy for professionals and families supporting neurodivergent children
• Jigsaw Community Counselling Centre – Mental health support for children, young people, and families in North Belfast
• Parentline NI – Free, confidential support for parents and carers across Northern Ireland

Need Parenting Support?
📞 Call Parentline NI on 0808 8020 400
A free, confidential service offering a listening ear and practical guidance.

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In this episode we were delighted to have Rebecca from Eden Consultancy back with us to chat more about autism. Kerry and Rebecca chat about next steps after diagnosis, as well as discussing stigmas and dated views. Rebecca gives some excellent tried and tested techniques as well as advice for parents and carers to try involving the whole family in using a consistent approach for their children. They also chat about normalising a diagnosis - it does not change your child and is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.
If you would like to talk one of our Parentline NI support officers please call 0808 8020 400. We are here to support you without judgement.
Useful links:
https://www.edenconsultancyni.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Edenconsultancyni
https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline/
https://www.facebook.com/parentlineni

It’s that time of year again, Christmas! Twinkly lights, Santa trips, presents to wrap and cards to write! You might say, Christmas is all around!

So what might it be like to grow up in a largely Christian society like Northern Ireland as a person of another faith and exposed to all the Christmas hype?

In this episode Kerry chats to Bellal Yaqub, about his experiences as a Muslim at Christmas both as a child and now a parent. We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Remember Parentline are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any parenting issue.

Ed Sipler, a Health Development Specialist in the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, talks to Kerry McLean about building resilience in ourselves and our children.
It's been a tough few years for us all, and with the current cost of living challenges, we have all had a lot to cope with and try to overcome.
Ed talks about resilience in this episode, and how it's more effective to build our own resilience first, before modelling it to our children. Ed talks about his own family, and his twin granddaughters, giving us an insight on the challenges we all face, and how to work through them using our own resilience and instilling it into our children and grandchildren.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
CYPSP - https://cypsp.hscni.net
Family Support Hubs - https://cypsp.hscni.net/family-support-hubs
Parentline - https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline
Remember Parentline NI are here on 0808 8020 400 to listen, offer support or guidance on any area of parenting.
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Thanks for listening!!