16.05.2025
Unpacking Adolescence – Parents and Caregivers Invited to Join the Conversation
Series of in–person gathers in six locations in Dublin and Wicklow, May 19 – 28
In the wake of the hit Netflix show Adolescence, many parents were left questioning if they are meeting the emotional needs of their teens and wondering how they can support them.
Responding to the conversation around the programme, Dublin and Glendalough Youth Council (DGYC) Youth Ministry Coordinator, Emma Fawcett, has organised ‘Unpacking Adolescence’ to help parents and caregivers to understand what is going on in their teenagers’ brains.
The first part of Unpacking Adolescence took place online on Tuesday evening last (May 13) with Why Mind’s Tom Tate. It is being followed up next week with a series of in person gatherings where there will be a chance to have conversations together, ask questions and share tips about raising adolescents – all in a facilitated conversation over a cup of tea.
These conversations will take place in Wicklow, Taney (Dundrum), Kill O’ the Grange, Bray, Rathfarnham and Howth and parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend in a location that suits them. See below for sign–up information, locations and times. You do not have to have attended the online event in order to attend in person. But please note the sessions are for adults only.
Themes
During the online session Tom Tate reminded participants that the Netflix show depicted one young man’s experience but adolescents’ experience of these years, between the ages of 12 and 25, are wide and varied. “There is no one size fits all experience when it comes to helping a young person navigate adolescence,” he commented adding that there are general themes but adults need to use their wisdom and knowledge of the young person in front of them.
He said that the transitional stage of adolescence marking the development between childhood and adulthood is marked by enormous changes in young people’s bodies and brains. Externally, there are big changes happening around them: academically, in sporting endeavours, engagement in family life, maintaining social relationships with their peers and much more. Parents often see this as a time to buckle up and get through, he said. However, he noted it is important to figure out how adults can help young people to thrive during this time because they are building their foundations. “The goal is to understand and empathise with the adolescent experience,” he said.
Tom observed that while adolescents can be self–centred and complicated, adults play a pivotal role and young people need an adult they can trust and be open with. It is important to keep the lines of communication open.
He spoke about the emotional and logical development of the adolescent brain. The connection between the two parts of the brain is not strong in adolescence and so teenagers may feel controlled by their emotions. He encouraged teens and their parents to increase their emotional literacy and parents to help by modelling healthy, calm responses.
Sleep is of huge importance to managing emotions and Tom encouraged adults to help their children get the right amount of sleep, emphasising the importance for all ages of keeping phones out of bedrooms and adopting healthy technology habits. He also highlighted the impact of pornography on young men and women and encouraged parents to have conversations with their young people about pornography.
He offered the four Ss to support young people to ensure they feel: safe, seen, soothed, and secure.
The in person facilitated gatherings are designed to allow parents and caregivers to follow up on the themes raised by Tom Tate.
They take place in the following locations:
· Monday May 19, 7.30pm – Glebe National School, Wicklow Town, A67 X782
· Monday May 19, 7.30pm – Taney Church Parish Hall, Dundrum, D14 AX78
· Tuesday May 20, 7.30pm – Kill O’ the Grange Parish, Deansegrange, Blackrock, A94 FC80
· Thursday May 22, 7.30pm – Rathfarnham Parish, War Memorial Hall, D14 TN93
· Friday May 23, 7.30pm – Crinken Church, Bray, A98 VX58
· Wednesday May 28, 7.30pm – St Mary’s Church Parish Centre, Deerpark, Howth, D13 V259.
You can sign up here before 10am on the morning of each event:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8eX1TzKMHMb_liO-mo37r8m_aWGskE1IH5YkbIrr8GHeWSw/viewform