The annual Back To School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a vital support scheme for thousands of parents It provides a yearly lump sum payment of €285 or €160 per child, aimed at helping families cover the cost of school uniforms and shoes. Many families receive this payment automatically. However, if you haven’t received it […]
1 year ago
When it comes to picking a name for your new baby, so many factors come into play. Trying to choose something unique can be difficult and we often avoid names of people we know, dislike, or that can be easily twisted into another funny or embarrassing word. But have you ever thought about what your […]
1 year ago
Friday, August 23rd is a huge day for thousands of students and families across Ireland as the Leaving Certificate results come out. It can be a nerve wracking experience for everyone involved, and while we hope everyone gets the results they need for their first CAO choice, sometimes that simply doesn’t happen. The first thing […]
1 year ago
It’s no secret that the cost of childcare in Ireland is a point of contention for many families Gone are the days when one parent could remain at home for the early years of their kids’ lives with most households needing income from both parents to survive. The monthly costs are constantly racking up, with […]
1 year ago
The summer season is drawing to a close and the HSE child health experts have you covered They’re offering up advice on changing your kids’ routines after the holidays and planning ahead for those inevitable illnesses and viruses. Dr Abigail Collins, HSE National Clinical Lead, Child Health Public Health, who spoke on the ‘Back to […]
1 year ago
The new school year is fast approaching It’s been a long summer and switching back into a strict school routine can be difficult for little ones. Getting the bedtime, homework, early morning and routine down for another term takes time. However, there are things you can start doing now that will ease the transition back […]
1 year ago
As the Leaving Cert results day approaches on Friday, August 23rd, 2024, many students will be feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. Whether your child is eager to celebrate their achievements or is worried about the outcome, this can be a challenging transition period. During this time, parents play a crucial role in guiding […]
1 year ago
The new school year is fast approaching and with that, comes the arrival of the ‘back-to-school plague’. Colds, coughs, stomach bugs and pink eye (conjunctivitis) are just some of the many common viruses spread at school. If you are looking for ways to avoid your child being sick every two weeks or so from now […]
1 year ago
The topic of screen time has been at the forefront of discussions on parenting websites and forums worldwide While some experts caution that excessive screen time can hinder children’s development, others argue it may not be as harmful as feared. This divide has led to increasing feelings of guilt among parents who allow their children […]
1 year ago
Dunnes Stores has recalled three of its newborn baby sleepsuits due to safety concerns. The store confirmed to the Irish Independent that issues with the zip sleepsuits were found, however they were not specific about what the issues are. The suits, decorated with bunnies, lions and an ‘animal’ design are made for babies from 0 […]
1 year ago
“I promise you that it doesn’t” There are so many myths surrounding what happens as women if we shave (or dermaplane) our faces. For years people have been taught, or assumed themselves, that if you dermaplane your face, the hair, or peach fuzz will grow back thicker and darker than before. In a recent video […]
1 year ago
Teachers “leave, they go to Dubai or places like that” The summer holidays are swiftly coming to an end and schools across Ireland are struggling to fill positions for teachers. According to princpials, it is becoming increasingly difficult to hire teachers who specialise in subjects such as maths, Irish and Home Economics. The situation has […]
1 year ago
Screen time is part of most kids’ days Like everything else in life, it’s fine in moderation, but too much screen time can cause issues in the future. The experts at OutdoorToys have to compiled a guide on the risks of excessive screen time as well as the recommended amount of time your children should […]
1 year ago
Experts are urging the government to include younger women in plans to fund hormone replacement therapy (HRT) They’re highlighting the financial burden and silent struggles many face when managing early menopause. On Monday, it was revealed that the Department of Health is looking into a proposal to fund HRT for women experiencing menopause, with detailed […]
1 year ago
The debate around single-gender schools has kicked off again, with some arguing that they can contribute to negative behaviours later in life. Opposing that argument is Barbara Ennis, Principal of Alexandra College, who said she firmly believes these schools should be protected. “Most single-sex schools are performing excellently well,” she insists, urging that they “be […]
1 year ago
Establishing a breastfeeding routine in the days after birth is so important for both the baby’s and mother’s comfort on this journey Breastfeeding is tough and sometimes not possible for a number of reasons, but if you’re lucky enough to be able to provide your baby with breast milk, here are some tips for you. […]
1 year ago
There are lots of families in Ireland who may not realise they’re entitled to this payment The Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly tax-free payment for people in the workforce who have children. It supports those who are on lower pay and may be better known by its old title, the Family Income Supplement […]
1 year ago
In a bid to attract younger voters, the government is considering a significant increase in the Rent Tax Credit in Budget 2025 Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien is pushing for the credit, currently set at €750, to rise to €1,000 for individuals and €2,000 for couples. The Rent Tax Credit, which benefits around 400,000 renters annually, […]
1 year ago
It’s Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and we know how important it is to have access to information that can help you along the way. It’s essential for new and expectant parents to equip themselves with the right knowledge for a successful breastfeeding experience. We spoke with Niamh Cassidy, the founder of MyBabyBeginnings.ie, who offered invaluable advice […]
1 year ago
The summer season is veering to an end, but despite that, warmer temperatures usually continue into September. This means the wasp population will continue to thrive for another few weeks. While they are usually harmless – but annoying – each year we try new ways to keep them away from ourselves and the kids, and […]
1 year ago
As your little one grows, many parents start to think about when it will be appropriate to let them sit in the front seat of the car. Whether you need to shuttle more children than can fit in the back from place to place, or notice that some of their friends are allowed to sit […]
1 year ago
In the ever-evolving landscape of baby names, one Irish gem is making waves across the Atlantic in 2024. Once teetering on the brink of extinction, this traditional Irish baby name has staged a remarkable comeback, capturing hearts and imaginations far beyond its homeland. Just a few years ago, the name Maeve faced an uncertain future, […]
1 year ago
An expert has offered up some great advice to a mum who is dealing with two little boys who ‘fight over everything’. She explained that they argue with each other over ‘most things’ and her eldest has been losing his temper a lot with his younger brother. “I have a five-and-a-half year old, three-and-a-half year […]
1 year ago
Many workers in Ireland are unaware that they are entitled to claim flat rate expenses This is a tax relief designed to cover the cost of expenses incurred in a profession. This relief is available to a list of more than 200 jobs, but remains largely unclaimed, leaving potential savings on the table for thousands […]
1 year ago
We love a bit of baby name inspo August is a month that signifies the transition from the heat of summer to the cool beginnings of autumn, offering a huge amount of inspiration for baby names. This period is known for its warmth, colour, and a sense of winding down, providing an excellent time for […]
1 year ago
Approximately one-in-ten people in Ireland has asthma The Asthma Society is warning that persistent symptoms should not be considered an inevitable part of life with the condition. They are encouraging people to be aware of the fact that they could indicate a serious risk to health or life. An average of one person every five […]
1 year ago
A groundbreaking proposal by People Before Profit (PBP) aims to revolutionise parental leave in Ireland by introducing paid Parental Leave. The move promises to address the gender pay gap and significantly improve parents’ mental health and work-life balance. Today, People Before Profit unveiled its Parental Leave Bill, which seeks to provide state-paid parental leave. Currently, […]
1 year ago
In a recent episode of This Glorious Mess podcast, Annaliese Todd shared her journey of balancing motherhood, maternity leave and career “I took a solid four years off work when I had my two kids,” she recalls. Financially able to take this time off, Annaliese said she values those years, despite the impact on her […]
1 year ago
After more than a year of speculation, Ryan Reynolds has finally revealed the name of his fourth child with wife Blake Lively The revelation came during the premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine in New York City on Monday night. The 47-year-old actor took to the stage to thank his wife Blake, 36, and their four […]
1 year ago
Summer camp season is here The beauty of camps is that not only are they fun and keep the little ones entertained, they also offer invaluable opportunities for children to develop essential life skills. The camp environment—being away from home among peers—helps little ones to foster the growth of social skills, healthy separation from parents, […]
1 year ago
The rise in consumption of ultra-processed foods is posing a significant threat to the health of Irish children The issues can even begin from their time in the womb. A recent study published in The BMJ has shown “consistent evidence” linking higher exposure to ultra-processed foods with an increased risk of 32 adverse health outcomes. […]
1 year ago
Social welfare recipients could see significant benefits in the upcoming Budget 2025, with government discussions hinting at the possibility of double payments The official announcement is slated for October 1st, and early reports indicate a range of measures aimed at easing financial burdens for various groups. Key proposals for Budget 2025 include a reduction in […]
1 year ago
Parents, have you ever wondered why baby soothers (or dodies) come in those little plastic boxes? In a recent TikTok video, Arthur Gourounlian shared a game-changing tip that many parents might not know. “Gorgeous people, I was today’s years old when I discovered that you can actually sterilise the dodies in the box,” Arthur explains. […]
1 year ago
“There’ve been a few cases now where children have been hospitalised – not too many, about six or so” Parents are being warned over the effects of slushies after several children were recently hospitalised in Ireland. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is pushing for retailers to advise customers of the glycerol content in […]
1 year ago
Parents and guardians are being warning over a recent kid’s toy recall The CCPC published the warning on Wednesday, July 17th, documenting the risks associated with a toy being sold on Amazon. In the notice, officials wrote: “A safety issue has been identified with an INSTOY Montessori Pull String Baby Toy sold on Amazon.” It […]
1 year ago
In the early years, your child relies on you heavily, and we often shape our social lives around their schedule However, as they grow up and gain some independence, the dynamics of the parent-child relationship inevitably change, leaving many parents feeling uncertain about their role. According to counselling psychologist, Leslie Shoemaker, this transition is marked […]
1 year ago
If you have coeliac disease and are expecting a baby, or have recently given birth, then you may be wondering if you have passed the autoimmune disease on to your little one. Although genetics does have a role to play, it doesn’t mean that your child will automatically be born with the same allergy. According […]
1 year ago
Menstrual cups are gaining popularity as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional menstrual products like tampons and pads Particularly in the aftermath of some alarming findings of an exploratory study in the US, more and more people are seeking alternatives to tampons. If you’re considering making the switch, it’s important to understand what menstrual […]
1 year ago
“Food poisoning bacteria, like Salmonella and E.coli, can survive on the screen of a smart device for more than 24 hours” A recent research study from Safefood has highlighted the importance of maintaining good food hygiene practices while using smart devices while home cooking. The study looked at hygiene habits when people used smartphones or […]
1 year ago
“It allows for children to become better in terms of motor skills and physical skills” A child expert has said some parentings styles today are potentially hindering children from developing motor skills and physical skills naturally. Anyone with little ones will have the natural instinct to protect them from harm, but Professor Ellen Beate insists […]
1 year ago
Summer often brings the promise of outdoor fun, but sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate – particularly in Ireland. When rain keeps the kids inside, we need creative ways to keep them entertained. So, here are some fun indoor activities to make those bad weather days enjoyable: Indoor Treasure Hunt Create a treasure hunt with clues […]
1 year ago
These changes have “the potential to be life changing” In its Budget 2025 submission, Early Childhood Ireland has outlined ‘4 Asks for Children’ that they believe have the potential to be transformative by recognising Early Years and School Age Care as a public good that plays a vital role in Irish society. “The Taoiseach has […]
1 year ago
It’s only a matter of time before parents face the decision of whether or not to buy their child or teen a phone. As soon as their peers begin arriving to school with their smartphones in hand, the pressure is on to let your child join the trend. However, Beatrice Moise, a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist […]
1 year ago
Do you know the extent of the importance of wearing sunscreen correctly? Along with other protective measures like covering up and seeking shade, being sun smart is essential to protect your skin from the sun and prevent skin cancer alongside your sunscreen. Every year, over 11,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland, and […]
1 year ago
EDCO Eindhoven B.V. is conducting a recall of the Fidget Caterpillar 6 Colours due to a serious choking hazard. This product, which has been on sale since February 2024, poses a significant risk to young children. This is due to small parts that can easily detach and be swallowed, potentially blocking airways and causing choking. […]
1 year ago
The month of July is here, and lots of soon-to-be mums will be preparing to welcome their new addition to the family With its warm, sunny days and vibrant celebrations, it serves as a wonderful source of inspiration for names. Here are ten names inspired by the month of July: Julia- A classic name that […]
1 year ago
A 2016 study has said this is just as effective for kids with tummy bugs Dr. Niamh, a popular TikTok health expert, recently shared a practical tip for parents struggling to rehydrate their children while they have a tummy big. There are lots of kids who dislike the taste of traditional oral rehydration solutions (ORS), […]
1 year ago
The post online has stirred up some debate Should we be calling an end to awarding school children for perfect attendance? According to Newstalk Breakfast Briefing presenter, Shane Beatty, it is unfair to those who miss school for valid reasons. The presenter’s recent online post stirred significant discussion, where he says that rewarding perfect attendance […]
1 year ago
Pregnancy comes with a whole host of discomforts ranging in types and degrees of pain. One of the most common of which is rib pain. This is especially common during the third trimester (weeks 28 to 40). It occurs during pregnancy due to the changes happening to your body that can make this type of […]
1 year ago
Irish Paediatrician Dr. Niamh has taken to TikTok to warn parents about a severe gastroenteritis outbreak affecting children “There’s an absolutely brutal gastroenteritis doing the rounds and it’s making children as sick as a small hospital,” she said. Here’s what you need to know to protect your family and manage the illness if it strikes […]
1 year ago