New Irish research has shown that the body mass index (BMI) of a child’s mother may influence teachers’ perceptions of the academic ability of that child. Research carried out by a team from NUI Galway and Queens University Belfast has found evidence that parental obesity influences teachers’ perceptions of a child’s academic ability. The study showed […]
9 years ago
Who knew 2017 would turn out to be the best retro telly year ever? Hands up who is LOVING the return of early 90s television? This month saw Twin Peaks back where it belongs, on our screens. It is over 25 years since Agent Cooper first started investigating the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer, but Kyle MacLachlan and […]
9 years ago
There is only one person whose nutrition matters in your house right now, and that’s the baby. Breast or bottle, feeding takes centre stage. You’re lucky to get anything into you at all, which makes for some fairly weird meal choices. Here are some of the tried and tested quickies for hungry mamas. A stalwart […]
9 years ago
It turns out that respecting our elders could be bad for us… A surprising new report, published in the British Medical Journal, has shown that having an older doctor can be harmful to your health. In fact, it can be terminal. Although many of us believe that age brings wisdom and experience, researchers from Harvard […]
9 years ago
Welcome to week 28 of your pregnancy! This week, your baby is as big as a pineapple. Here’s what else you can expect this week. Your baby As the third trimester begins your baby is now around 38 centimetres long and weighing approximately 1 kilogram. Their eyelids can open, and your little one is beginning […]
9 years ago
There’ll come a day when your kids would rather eat bees than to be seen in public with you. Shocking, we know, but seemingly true. So should you be in possession of a child aged under 12, be sure to hug them extra close… because soon enough physical contact from their parents will be decidedly […]
9 years ago
Eating too much sugar at any point in your life isn’t good for you but it seems that you really need to watch your intake when you are pregnant. According to Science Daily, a study has found that consuming large amounts of fructose during pregnancy could have an impact on your kids and future generations. […]
9 years ago
The grownup gap year is the new mid-life crisis and I want one. Standby for a first-world whinge… I was a young wife and a young mum and I missed out on the whole backpacking thing. Now mid-thirties, I’m desperately trying to figure out how to get my gap year back. Of course, the answer […]
9 years ago
They are the most precious package you will ever have to mind. And that comes with a huge amount of responsibility and quite a few bumps and bruises along the way. From bumped heads, scraped knees and the odd whack to the back of the head from a sibling, as my children got older, my […]
9 years ago
Reading to your baby lets you SIT DOWN for a minute. Oh yes, and it’s also very good for them. Functional MRI studies show reading does wonders for a child’s learning ability; language development and understanding. Read early and often – here’s your HerFamily guide to getting started: Snuggle up together when you read. Babies […]
9 years ago
Some mums and dads are now so exhausted by modern parenting that the term ‘burnout’ is being used by psychologists. Parental Burnout – depression linked to being a parent – is a taboo phenomenon that is now being spoken and written about more and more. According to the journal Frontiers of Psychology, almost 13 percent of mums […]
9 years ago
Teens will rarely use the word ‘depressed’ to describe negative emotions, but other expressions of teen angst can be a signal of more serious, pre-depressive symptoms. New research, funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health in the US, has revealed that teenagers are more likely to use terms such as ‘stressed’ or ‘down’. The findings, presented […]
9 years ago
Good news for all you bookclubbers (well, maybe for the ones who aren’t just there for the wine), as it turns out being a bookworm makes you more attractive. Research by the online matchmakers eHarmony has revealed that being an avid reader ups your appeal with the opposite sex. However, it’s better news for the men […]
9 years ago
Thirty per cent of teenagers regularly ‘sext’ and send nude photographs through email and text, an American study has revealed. Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch found that half of teenagers have been asked to send a nude photograph to another while over a third have requested a naked picture to be sent to […]
9 years ago
People who were smacked during their childhood are more likely to develop mental health issues during adulthood according to a study carried out by Canadian researchers. The study, which was released on Monday, is the first of its kind to analyse the long-term psychological impact that physical discipline can have on a person. Children who […]
9 years ago
She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer, yet ’twas not her beauty alone that won me. Oh no, ’twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning, that made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee… You see it wasn’t just her beauty at all, at all. It was the truth in […]
9 years ago
In these dark times and fear-filled days we live in, it can be hard to reconcile the decision to bring children into the world. As parents, we are often overwhelmed with advice on how to help our children to be their very best, how to help them succeed academically, and how not to mess up […]
9 years ago
“Be quiet and effective, actions speak louder than words and results speak for themselves. Be a runner, don’t talk about being one.” This is a quote from one of the most motivating (yet realistic) books I’ve ever handed over money for: Run Fat Bitch Run by Ruth Field. I bought it a few years back, because at […]
9 years ago
And the most dedicated award goes to… Orangutang mamas. Researchers have found that orangutans breastfeed their young for even longer than was previously believed. It turns out that these supermums use their milk cyclically to keep breastfeeding for eight years, or even longer in some instances. These animals are naturally reclusive in the wild and their […]
9 years ago
Now there’s another reason to tell your man to get off the couch. At this stage, we all know exercise is good for you and that physical activity helps to keep your heart heathy, your mind sharp, and your bones strong. Exercise has also been shown to be as effective as anti-depressants for some mood […]
9 years ago
Jordan Catalano. Peak 90s… Peak. Let’s face it ladies, life was all downhill from here. My-So-Called Life pretty much was my life. Not in the sense that it was similar to my life in any way, shape, or form (although I wished it was), but as in my life revolved around it. I over-identified with Angela […]
9 years ago
Mobile phones are an intrinsic part of modern life, to the point that the fear of being out of cellular contact now even has its own name ‘nomophobia’. Most of us are in no rush to put down our smartphones for even a day, so imagine how much of a challenge a nine month detox […]
9 years ago
A new style of family creation that sees couples ‘adopt’ embryos and, after the child is born, remain in contact with the donors is being hailed as the way forward for donor conception. Embryo Adoption Experts from the UK’s University of Liverpool and University of Huddersfield have been examining the policies of the ‘Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Programme’, […]
9 years ago
Researchers in Finland have found a link between the consumption of omega-3 through breast milk and a reduced risk of babies developing type 1 diabetes. A new study has shown that breastfeeding mums who consume omega-3, a polyunsaturated fatty acid commonly found in fish, nuts, vegetable oils, and leafy vegetables, could offer their babies protection against type 1 diabetes. […]
9 years ago
Pasta is one of the most convenient, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare family meals and pleases even the pickiest of young eaters. But now there’s even more good news for pasta lovers as new research has shown that pasta consumption in children and adolescents is associated with a better diet. The study demonstrated that young pasta-eaters have […]
9 years ago
A seven-year-old boy with Down Syndrome has taken a photograph of what his mum is calling ‘his guardian angel’ outside a plane window. Young Aasher Liles was flying home to Houston, Texas when he borrowed his mum Kerri’s mobile phone to take some pictures. Later on, as Kerri flicked back through the images that Aasher had […]
9 years ago
A major new mental health report, examining the positive and negative effects of social media, has revealed that the social media platform Instagram has the most negative impact on young people’s mental health. The Royal Society for Public Health’s #StatusOfMind report, placed video channel YouTube at the top of the table as the most positive, with Instagram […]
9 years ago
A pharmacy in Northern Ireland have taken to social media to warn parents against using particular drugs when treating their children for chickenpox. Meigh Pharmacy, who are based on the Dromintee Road in Newry, posted to Facebook urging parents of children with the highly contagious childhood disease not to use anti-inflammatory drugs to treat chickenpox. Their health warning […]
9 years ago
Unboxing videos are some of the most-watched clips on YouTube, receiving millions of views every month. Now, experts are comparing the phenomenon to ‘toddler crack’… An extreme comparison you ask? Not in my house. Every time I allow my children to watch children’s videos on YouTube (normally under their initial pretence that they will watch something innocuous […]
9 years ago
Yoga brings many benefits for adults but did you know that it can be equally beneficial for smallies? My daughter and I love to take some girlie time out from our boy-heavy house to practice our yoga moves together. As well as being super-relaxing, we often end up in fits of giggles when our poses […]
9 years ago
Flying with a toddler doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are a few handy tips for getting through the airport and on that flight with ease. Make your holiday feel like a break from the get-go with our simple tips: 1. Allow plenty of time before your flight departs We know this may sound straightforward, but […]
9 years ago
It’s time to ground helicopter parents. Permanently. Psychologists define helicopter parenting as mothers and fathers who are ‘over-involved’ in the lives of their children. This may sound dichotomous – after all, shouldn’t being involved be at the very heart of good parenting? Well, yes and no. There is a big difference between parents who are […]
9 years ago
Findings from new research, published today, may finally provide answers as to why older women have higher incidences of miscarriage and have babies with chromosomal abnormalities. Female fertility declines rapidly after the age of 37, with women over 42 having only a five percent chance of having a baby without fertility treatment. As a woman […]
9 years ago
Oh, you have SO MUCH catching up to do. It’s your first night out on the town after becoming a mum. Time to reclaim your sense of self; get your identity back and finally change into something other than tracksuit pants. You may discover some of the following applies… 1. A pair of Spanx is a new mum’s BFF. 2. Your little […]
9 years ago
Ursula Walsh has shed over 56lbs since starting her Instagram account Mom Fitness Diary to document her weight loss. The Mexican mum-of-two, who lives in Co. Offaly, has amassed thousands of followers, all eager to keep up with her daily tips and recipes. “How many of us have reached for the biscuits when we’re sad, mad, angry, anxious […]
9 years ago
Michelle and Barack Obama are a great example of a couple who kept their marriage (and love for each other) alive despite the stresses and strains of being the President and First Lady, having kids, and living in the public eye. All very well for those two with their staff, nannies, and a private jet […]
9 years ago
#GetBlownAway
9 years ago
And what do you do? Oh, I’m a journalist. That must be so great since you’re a mum – you must be able to work from home! And so goes every conversation ever about my job. My answer to working from home? Hell to the no. Anyone who thinks working from home when you have children […]
9 years ago
Siblings are great: our own siblings help us out with our own kids and watching our children interact with their brothers and sisters is a delight. Yes, they may be annoying and frustrating and make your life a living hell as you’re growing up, but at the end of the day they’re your friends that […]
9 years ago
Welcome to week 27 of your pregnancy! This week, your baby is as big as a lettuce. Here’s what else you can expect this week. Your baby Your baby is about the size of a head of lettuce now, weighing around 875 grams. Their lungs continue to develop as they practice breathing by inhaling and […]
9 years ago
Brought to you by Lidl. This would be fantastic! Mamas, we have got an amazing competition for you this week. We have teamed up with Lidl to give you the chance to win €1,000 in cold hard cash plus a year’s free shopping at one of their many stores. Wouldn’t that be great? All you have […]
9 years ago
Serve on its own or with rice, pasta, lentils or quinoa.
9 years ago
Today marks the UN’s International Day of Families – a day dedicated to raising awareness of the role of families in promoting early childhood education and lifelong learning opportunities for children and youth. A new survey of 10,000 parents, launched to coincide with the day, has shown that many parents are concerned about unhealthy material that their children […]
9 years ago
Every parent wants to encourage their child from the sidelines, but how do you avoid crossing the line and becoming ‘that’ shouting parent who believes every match is a televised final? We have all encountered a mum or dad who takes their children’s sport wayyyyyy too seriously. Shouting at the ref, adding their ‘coaching skills’ […]
9 years ago
We recently dug out Neven Maguire’s Complete Baby & Toddler Cookbook and we have to say it’s completely fab. The book offers more than 200 recipes and daily menu planners to take you from first tastes through each stage of weaning. Neven also weighs in on the organic debate and offers great tips and advice […]
9 years ago
Welcome to week 26 of your pregnancy! This week, your baby is as big as a zucchini. Here’s what else you can expect this week. Your baby By 26 weeks, your baby is about the size of a zucchini, weighing approximately 760 grams. Their little eyes are starting to open, and although vision is limited, […]
9 years ago
Welcome to week 25 of your pregnancy! This week, your baby is as big as a head of cauliflower. Here’s what else you can expect this week. Your Baby At 25 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a head of cauliflower, weighing around 660 grams. Their little body is developing even more baby […]
9 years ago
For the first six months of life, your growing baby’s nutritional needs are met with breastmilk or formula. After that, it’s time to introduce your little prince or princess to solid foods. And while it can be a bit daunting to get started, there are tips and tricks to make that transition that bit easier. […]
9 years ago
Everyone knows a pushy parent, forcing their child to make up for their own mistakes and failed dreams. Abraham Lincoln once said what every mum who’s ever forced tennis, piano, or violin lessons on their child secretly wants to hear, “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my mother.” There comes […]
9 years ago
One of our favourite funny mothas, Emma Doran, has shared another on-point video with a few diet tips as we come into shorts season. Emma, who lives in Dublin with her partner Shane, their three children, Ella (13) Joe (3) and Tommy (1), and two dogs Twiggy and Stan, is a Republic of Telly regular. Her latest video […]
9 years ago