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MyLifeBalance

For AHCPS & VOA Income Continuance Plan members

Parental self-care

Expert interview with Dr. Malie Coyne

While in theory setting clear boundaries around device use may seem straight forward – the reality can be very difficult. During our interview on Parental Self-Care, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Malie Coyne discusses simple effective strategies to tackle this common issue that confronts so many professional parents, as well as a host of other challenges that are prevalent in Irish families.

Dr. Malie Coyne

Dr. Malie Coyne is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with children and families in the HSE, and more recently in private practice. A regular lecturer on the NUIG Doctor of Psychological Science, she is also Psychological Lead and Co-Author of the ‘A Lust for Life’ Primary and Secondary School Programmes. Best-selling author of ‘Love In, Love Out – A Compassionate Approach to Parenting Your Anxious Child’, Malie regularly features on Irish TV, print and radio.

Most importantly, she is a parent of two daughters and understands the challenges and joys of parenting, and the vital importance of self-compassion in such a busy world. 

Watch our interview with Dr. Malie Coyne

Additional resources

Dr. Malie Coyne
A lust for life
Anxiety-relief techniques
Parents confidential helpline
Guided meditation
Children's meditation

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Helpful applications

Headspace (for children)

Provides guided meditations on calm, kindness and bedtime, which helps children improve their focus while relieving anxiety and stress. Suitable for all levels, the app is customized for three age groups—under 5 years, ages 6–8 years and 9–12. Teens and parents can use the adult version to practise mindfulness alongside the younger child. 

Stop, Breathe, and Think Kids.

Offers children a playful and interactive way to discover and develop their superpowers of sleep, being calm, learning to breathe and resolving conflicts. Kids can choose from a range of emojis to represent how they’re feeling, which produces customised activities (mindful missions and meditations) tuned to those emotions. Largely aimed at children aged 5–10. 

Smiling Mind

Developed by psychologists and educators and designed to help children with the stresses of everyday life. It has different programs depending on age. This app has great body-scan meditations, mindfulness, relaxation, breathing and guided imagery exercises ranging from 2–15 minutes. It also has a section on ‘Mindfulness in the Classroom’. 

About MyLifeBalance

Important: Please note the opinions and information presented by the experts and specialists featured in the MyLifeBalance programme are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Zevo Health, AHCPS, the VOA or Cornmarket.

The content in the MyLifeBalance booklet and relevant webpages are intended for general wellbeing purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We recommend consulting with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, or wellness routine, and to receive personalised support to address any special considerations relating to your current health status.

*Competition Terms: You can opt out of the draw by contacting Cornmarket before 03/01/2025. Draw takes place and one winner will be notified by telephone by 17/01/2025. No purchase necessary. A Blue Book voucher for €500 will be made payable to the prize winner. There is no cash alternative to the prize. Prize draw is open to persons aged 18 and over who are ROI residents. Only 1 entry per person. This prize excludes any employee of Cornmarket and anyone directly or professionally associated with the promotion. Entries not submitted in accordance with these rules, delayed or unsigned entries will be disqualified. The promoter, Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd., reserves the right to alter, amend and foreclose the promotion without prior notice.

This programme is brought to AHCPS & VOA Income Continuance Plan members by the AHCPS, VOA and Cornmarket on behalf of the Plan underwriter and is not a regulated financial product.

The health and wellbeing content is managed by Zevo Health.

Cornmarket is not responsible for content on external websites.

The AHCPS & VOA Income Continuance Plan is underwritten by New Ireland Assurance Company plc.

New Ireland Assurance Company plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. A member of Bank of Ireland Group.