Relationships

Parenting Archive

Are your children cleaning you out?

by Elaine Larkin

The hand that rocks the cradle was described in a 19th century poem as the hand that rules the world – and this is still true in financial terms in some parent/adult child relationships. Elaine Larkin looks at the issue of grown-up children seeking financial assistance from their parents

Birth of Mother’s Day

by Muriel Bolger

It may have been hijacked by card companies, florists and chocolatiers but the origins of Mother’s Day are much more humble – and the sentiment is a worthy one. Muriel Bolger looks at how it all started

Flowering of the personality

by Jennifer O’Connell

Have you ever looked at your children, grandchildren or nieces and nephews, and wondered how people born into the same family can grow up to be so different? Jennifer O’Connell explores the seeds of personality.

Hen-night conundrums

by Elaine Larkin

Wangling an invitation to where you may not be wanted or refusing an invitation without hurting anyone’s feelings, hen parties can cause many problems. Elaine Larkin looks at it from all angles

Kippers

Getting rid of the ‘kippers’

by Elaine Larkin

Do you have kippers for breakfast? You’re probably wrinkling your nose right now, thinking no. But think again. A kipper is a ‘kid in parents’ pockets eroding retirement income’.

Boomerang kids

The children who return to the roost

by Elaine Larkin

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, sang Aretha Franklin in 1967. Four decades later, it could be the mantra for the same people who enjoyed the song then and have just found out that their 20- or 30-something year old is coming home.

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