Articles by Sophie Collins

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  • Mum faces huge backlash online for ‘disrespectful’ shopping hack

    Mum faces huge backlash online for ‘disrespectful’ shopping hack

    A mum has attracted criticism online after sharing a controversial parenting “hack” that many say unfairly exploits retail workers. In a now-deleted TikTok video, the mum-of-one explained her approach, which has been reposted and criticised by another TikTok user, @unpluggedmoments. The video showed the mother allowing her daughter to pick up multiple items while shopping, […]

    3 months ago

  • ‘How long should I wait to bathe my newborn?’ Experts explain

    ‘How long should I wait to bathe my newborn?’ Experts explain

    Many newborns are given their first bath shortly after they’re born, but research suggests this might not be best for baby Parents might want to wait to wash their new arrival as he or she could benefit from vernix, the substance that’s on a baby’s skin when it’s born. The white, waxy film on the […]

    6 months ago

  • How to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and labour contractions?

    How to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and labour contractions?

    Knowing the difference between Braxton Hicks and Labour contractions is important During pregnancy, it’s common to experience uterine contractions. Understanding the differences can help in determining when labour has truly begun. So, we’ve done the research for you (and for me) about what to expect and when to head to the hospital. Braxton Hicks contractions […]

    8 months ago

  • Swimming coach warns parents not to put towel around kids’ shoulders

    Swimming coach warns parents not to put towel around kids’ shoulders

    Parents are praising a certified swim instructor who has taken to TikTok to advise parents on the correct way to wrap their child in a towel to avoid injury Nikki Scarnati, who is also a water safety advocate and drowning prevention educator, has taken to TikTok to educate parents about the best way to dry […]

    9 months ago

  • Experts predict timeline for decline in house prices in Ireland

    Experts predict timeline for decline in house prices in Ireland

    Finally, some welcome housing news!! The Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) has predicted that average house prices may soon begin to fall. The news comes despite the fact that property costs surged by 7.3% between May 2023 and May 2024. The BPFI released its latest Housing Market Monitor report, and it has indicated that […]

    9 months ago

  • Mum asks for advice after realising her teen daughter is sneaking out

    Mum asks for advice after realising her teen daughter is sneaking out

    Remember: they always come back around A concerned mum recently turned to Reddit for advice after a late-night incident involving her teen daughter.  In her post, she explained that she was woken up at 2:30 am by a phone call from her daughter, who had been pulled over nearby due to a broken taillight. “I […]

    9 months ago

  • What parents need to know about school attendance in Ireland

    What parents need to know about school attendance in Ireland

    Making sure your child goes to school every day is important, but did you know that schools have legal responsibilities when it comes to attendance? Here’s what parents should know about how schools track attendance, what happens if a child misses too much school, and what to do if your child is put on a […]

    11 months ago

  • Kids’ flip flops recalled due to harmful chemicals after thousands sold in Ireland

    Kids’ flip flops recalled due to harmful chemicals after thousands sold in Ireland

    An urgent recall has been issued for Hoot Girls Printed Flip Flops due to the presence of potentially dangerous chemicals. Gem Imports Limited, the distributor, has said these flip flops contain phthalates exceeding permitted levels, posing potential health risks to children. The brand is Hoot, the affected model number is TOY5313/OB, with a batch number […]

    11 months ago

  • Mum shares brilliant and quick cleaning trick for kids’ shoes

    Mum shares brilliant and quick cleaning trick for kids’ shoes

    We will absolutely be trying this! A mum has shared her great way of making sure her kid’s shoes are always looking brand new and it only takes her a couple of minutes. Eilidh Wells often shares home hacks and fashion inspiration on social media (@eilidhwells) over on TikTok. In a recent video, the mum […]

    11 months ago

  • Children’s music set recalled due to risk of choking

    Children’s music set recalled due to risk of choking

    Parents are urged to stop using the Just Bee Kids Music Set immediately due to serious safety concerns Infinity Reliance, trading as Just Bee Kids, has issued a recall for this product following reports that the cymbals on the tambourine can become loose, creating small parts that pose choking, cutting, and ingestion hazards for children. […]

    11 months ago

  • Penneys shopper spots €4 dupes of popular Jellycat toys

    Penneys shopper spots €4 dupes of popular Jellycat toys

    Penneys fans are rushing to get their hands on new €4 mugs and €8 soft toys that closely resemble Jellycat’s popular €23 plush toys.   A Jellycat enthusiast, Kimberely, recently shared her find from a Primark store in Bristol on social media, pointing out the mugs’ striking similarity to Jellycat’s well-known designs.   The collection includes adorable […]

    11 months ago

  • ‘Students are now choosing subjects to maximise CAO points, not out of interest’

    ‘Students are now choosing subjects to maximise CAO points, not out of interest’

    “Students are picking maths for the bonus points, they’re not picking maths in order to study maths” The 25 bonus points awarded to Leaving Certificate students for passing higher-level maths are lowering educational standards, according to some secondary school teachers. Upcoming changes are set to see class projects made part of the Leaving Cert assessment, […]

    11 months ago

  • HPV Awareness Day: Eight facts everyone should know

    HPV Awareness Day: Eight facts everyone should know

    On HPV Awareness Day, we should all take a minute to understand this virus better. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral infections, yet many people are still unaware of how it spreads, its potential risks, and the importance of prevention. Here are eight key facts the HSE has outlined about HPV: […]

    11 months ago

  • Government unveils major commitments for women’s health in 2025

    Government unveils major commitments for women’s health in 2025

    The Irish government insists it is committed to advancing women’s healthcare in 2025. It is promising new initiatives aimed at tackling gender-specific health challenges as part of Women’s Health Week 2025. Ministers have promised to build on the progress made since the launch of the Women’s Health Action Plan, which was announced in April of […]

    11 months ago

  • Expert explains why toddlers may ‘stop talking’ when a new baby arrives

    Expert explains why toddlers may ‘stop talking’ when a new baby arrives

    A mum voiced her concern on Irish radio because her toddler has regressed a bit since the arrival of her baby sister. The worried parent asked was it normal that she had stopped talking and started babbling like her three-month-old sister. And the long-and-short of it is that it can be considered normal, but bringing […]

    11 months ago

  • Finance Minister confirms there will be no more energy credits in future budgets

    Finance Minister confirms there will be no more energy credits in future budgets

    If you’ve been counting on those handy electricity credits in the budget each year, it looks like that’s coming to an end. Finance Minister, Jack Chambers has confirmed that energy credits won’t be part of future budgets, as the government shifts its approach to tackling rising electricity costs.   For the past few years, households have […]

    11 months ago

  • Popular kid’s cereal recalled in Ireland due to health risk

    Popular kid’s cereal recalled in Ireland due to health risk

    A popular kids cereal has been recalled due to a health risk An urgent recall has been published in Ireland and the UK due an issue with batches of the popular Shreddies cereal. Cereal Partners UK and Ireland issued a statement on Friday morning to confirm the voluntary recall of 12 batches of Nestlé Frosted […]

    11 months ago

  • School principals call for change as education system ‘fails to deliver’ for students

    School principals call for change as education system ‘fails to deliver’ for students

    School principals across Ireland are raising serious concerns about the country’s education system, warning that it is “failing to deliver for all students”  There are growing issues like student disengagement, poor attendance, and rising anxiety levels and many believe the system is no longer fit for purpose. These concerns were being addressed on Thursday at […]

    11 months ago

  • Expert claims this trick will help your little one nod off in 40 seconds

    Expert claims this trick will help your little one nod off in 40 seconds

    Getting a baby to sleep quickly might sound like a dream, but with the right tricks, it’s absolutely possible, according to one expert Every parent knows the struggle of trying to soothe a restless baby, but sometimes, the simplest of methods work best. One of the most surprisingly effective sleep techniques is the tissue trick […]

    11 months ago

  • Lack of laws around vaping in Ireland is ‘normalising’ the act of smoking to children

    Lack of laws around vaping in Ireland is ‘normalising’ the act of smoking to children

    The Irish Heart Foundation has raised concerns over vaping being normalised in Ireland There are currently no laws in place to ban vaping in public spaces, and officials are now saying that this normalises it in the eyes of children. Speaking to Newstalk about this issue, spokesperson Mark Murphy said: “If you’re a child or a teenager […]

    11 months ago

  • CCPC recall kid’s toy due to fire hazard after thousands sold in Ireland

    CCPC recall kid’s toy due to fire hazard after thousands sold in Ireland

    There have been 2,756 affected YOTO toys sold in the Republic of Ireland, so this affects many parents across the country The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has issued a recall on a popular Yoto kid’s toy this week Officials said a “safety issue has been identified with the Yoto Mini (2021-2023 Edition).”   The kid’s […]

    11 months ago

  • New event launched in Ireland to empower, educate, and celebrate new mums and dads

    New event launched in Ireland to empower, educate, and celebrate new mums and dads

    Expecting a baby is a life-changing journey, filled with excitement, questions, and sometimes a little uncertainty  To support parents through this time, Little Roo is hosting Welcome to the World, an exclusive event. It’s designed to empower, educate, and celebrate families as they navigate pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. Taking place on March 8th from […]

    11 months ago

  • When can my baby sleep with a blanket? Experts explain safe sleep methods

    When can my baby sleep with a blanket? Experts explain safe sleep methods

    We may be heading into Spring, but Ireland’s nighttime temperatures always seem to drop until we’re in the height of summer With a newborn, the urge to make sure they’re wrapped up and warm in their co-sleeper or cot is only natural – however, you need to be careful with blankets. “While it might be […]

    11 months ago

  • Top tips for dressing your baby for sleep and one golden rule to follow

    Top tips for dressing your baby for sleep and one golden rule to follow

    Any new or experienced parents will have lived through or are currently experiencing the newborn trenches There will be times when you feel like nothing seems to settle your little one and you’re likely googling tips and tricks on how to get them to sleep. Rest really is the holy grail of early parenthood (if […]

    11 months ago

  • Expert believes children shouldn’t always be expected to share

    Expert believes children shouldn’t always be expected to share

    For generations, parents have encouraged their children to share, reinforcing the idea that “sharing is caring” However, not everyone believes children should always be expected to give up their belongings simply because others ask. Parenting consultant Kirsty Ketley takes a different approach, teaching her children that they have the right to say no when it […]

    11 months ago

  • Irish rent prices ‘keep climbing’ according to latest Daft report

    Irish rent prices ‘keep climbing’ according to latest Daft report

    If you’re renting in Dublin, you’ve probably noticed that rent costs just keep climbing According to the latest Daft.ie Rental Report, the average rent in Dublin city was 4% higher in the last three months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. That brings the average listed rent in the capital to a […]

    11 months ago

  • Expert explains how parents can effectively help their children cope with divorce

    Expert explains how parents can effectively help their children cope with divorce

    A mum recently reached out for advice on how to help her 10-year-old son process her separation from his dad She said she believes their split was the right decision, but worries about the emotional toll it might be taking on her child.   After years of unhappiness, she explained that financial constraints had kept her […]

    11 months ago

  • Ireland is among the least affordable countries for parents in Europe

    Ireland is among the least affordable countries for parents in Europe

    Raising children is one of the most rewarding but financially demanding parts of life, and the cost varies greatly from country to country A recent study by Ubuy, a cross-border e-commerce platform, has ranked European countries based on affordability for parents, taking into account things like maternity and paternity leave, childcare costs, and family benefits.  […]

    11 months ago

  • ‘My five-year-old refuses to go to school, I don’t know what to do’

    ‘My five-year-old refuses to go to school, I don’t know what to do’

    A woman has asked for advice because her young step-son is vehemently refusing to go to school. She said she fears the five-year-old is going to ‘spiral out of control’ and that everyday she is receiving calls from his school to collect him after an hour. The step-mum explained that the school even put him […]

    11 months ago

  • HSE warn of rise in winter bug cases in Ireland and issue advice to parents

    HSE warn of rise in winter bug cases in Ireland and issue advice to parents

    Health experts are urging the public to be cautious as cases of norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, continue to rise The Health Service Executive (HSE) has reported a significant increase in infections and expects the virus to continue circulating in communities for the coming weeks.  Norovirus spreads easily through direct contact, contaminated […]

    11 months ago

  • Teacher’s Union raises concern over students’ use of AI in Leaving Cert coursework

    Teacher’s Union raises concern over students’ use of AI in Leaving Cert coursework

    The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked fears among teachers that it could compromise the integrity of the Leaving Cert.  That’s according to the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) who say it’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell if someone has used AI in their school projects. As coursework becomes more of a focus in […]

    11 months ago

  • TikTok mum warns others not to make common mistake with baby names

    TikTok mum warns others not to make common mistake with baby names

    “You’re naming adults, not babies” Several mums on TikTok are advising parents to be wary of what they decide to name their children, amid a rise in particularly unique names. While some parents opt to give their children traditional names like Sarah or John, there has been an increase in babies being given names they’ll […]

    11 months ago

  • Children’s doctor lists five ways to ensure your kid’s helmet fits properly

    Children’s doctor lists five ways to ensure your kid’s helmet fits properly

    “If I could prescribe a helmet to every child in Ireland, I would” A children’s emergency department doctor warned parents to ensure their kids are wearing helmets while riding bikes. While cycling is great fun and a great form of exercise, it is so important to protect children. CHI staff have spoken in the past […]

    11 months ago

  • Teacher comes up with great way to stop kids saying inappropriate words in public

    Teacher comes up with great way to stop kids saying inappropriate words in public

    “It is all about your reaction” Every parent and guardian will have experienced a moment in their kid’s life when the little ones blurt out something inappropriate in front of company. Although it’s completely natural – and sometimes funny – it’s all part of them developing awareness of everything around them. Despite the humorous side […]

    11 months ago

  • Here are some ways to help your child to build self esteem and confidence

    Here are some ways to help your child to build self esteem and confidence

    Teaching your little one to build self-esteem and confidence is essential, even when they’re just toddlers. Between the ages of one and two, your child will be growing and developing in many ways; cognitively, emotionally, and physically. Some of the milestones they will be reaching at this stage of life, according to the HSE, include: […]

    11 months ago

  • Urgent recall issued for popular Stanley product due to burn risk

    Urgent recall issued for popular Stanley product due to burn risk

    The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has issued an urgent recall for Stanley’s Trigger Action Travel Mugs due to safety concerns.  The recall affects over 200 units in the Republic of Ireland and has been initiated by Stanley 1913. The recall was prompted by the risk of burns associated with the product. According to […]

    11 months ago

  • Parenting expert’s advice to parents dealing with extreme tantrums at home

    Parenting expert’s advice to parents dealing with extreme tantrums at home

    A concerned mum recently opened up about her three-year-old son’s alarming habit of biting himself when he’s having tantrums.  Speaking to Sean Moncrieff on Newstalk, she described how her child’s frustration often leads to biting, sometimes breaking the skin.   The mum explained that the behaviour typically occurs in moments of transition or frustration, like when the […]

    11 months ago

  • Four fascinating facts about February babies

    Four fascinating facts about February babies

    If you were born in February or know someone who was, you might be surprised to learn that people born in this month have some unique traits and fun facts associated with their birth. From zodiac influences to scientific studies, here are four interesting facts about these babies.   They’re more likely to be artists Studies […]

    11 months ago

  • How to navigate skincare during pregnancy

    How to navigate skincare during pregnancy

    Pregnancy is a transformative time for both your body and your skincare routine The tried-and-true products you once swore by might now contain ingredients that are unsuitable for expectant mothers. With hormone fluctuations affecting the skin and certain ingredients needing to be avoided, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what’s safe and what’s not. […]

    1 year ago

  • Chrissy Teigen shares very relatable parenting struggle – “They hate it”

    Chrissy Teigen shares very relatable parenting struggle – “They hate it”

    Chrissy Teigen may be a model and bestselling cookbook author, but when it comes to parenting, she’s just like any other mom – especially when dealing with picky eaters. On February 12th, Teigen took to her Instagram Stories to share a classic dinnertime struggle with her youngest children, Esti and Wren. After preparing a homemade […]

    1 year ago