School’s out for summer! Like other parents, I won’t miss the lunches, the uniforms, the homework or the morning scramble for the next few months. A slower pace of life awaits most of us as the summer holidays begin for primary school children. For many parents, school closure can create a headache as they juggle […]
Should schools take a back seat when it comes to Communions and Confirmations?
We’re well and truly in the thick of First Communion season. My own son, Evan, made his First Holy Communion last weekend. We had a fabulous day. The dry weather was a great bonus and everyone was very chilled out. Having celebrated my daughter Lucy’s Communion three years ago, I found it all much more […]
Parenting column: The importance of pelvic floor exercises – especially for mums
During the recent spell of good weather, I was out messing on the trampoline with the kids. A couple of bounces was all I could manage before my bladder warned me to stop! After you give birth, you do get advised to do your postpartum pelvic floor exercises, but it is something many of us […]
PARENTING COLUMN: Speed at which changes to Leaving Cert are being introduced is alarming
Over 20 years on, I still have recurring nightmares about my Leaving Cert maths exam. Sometimes, I even have one of those weird dreams where you know it’s a dream but you still have to go through the motions: ‘It’s ok, Louise, it’s just a dream. You’re 41 now and Leaving Cert maths actually went […]
Parenting Column: Mums to be should pack separate bags for the labour and maternity wards
Each time I was expecting, I relished the thought of packing my hospital bag. It’s one of the most practical – and oddly satisfying – ways to prepare for Baby’s arrival. It felt good to be organised in spite of the uncertainty of the labour ahead. As it turns out, I was lucky to have […]
Parenting Column: Children should be encouraged to learn a musical instrument
Last weekend, my daughter Lucy performed in An Grianán Theatre as part of Letterkenny Music and Drama’s Junior crew. Their variety show was called Socks Off and included a whole array of singing, dancing and drama sketches. It was fabulous to see the kids shine on stage. Thank you to producer, Fiona McDaid, for all […]
Biddy O’Barnes applauds emergency services for containing wildfires in Barnesmore Gap
A PUB situated on the roadside in scenic Barnesmore Gap has praised emergency services for their outstanding efforts in containing the recent wildfires. Yesterday evening, staff from Biddy O’Barnes said they were “alarmed” to see a gorse fire across the road from the well-known pub. The fire, which was first reported around 6pm, continued to […]
Parenting Column: Life is a gamble at the best of times, in the world of social media, it’s a minefield
I watched the Netflix show, Adolescence, during the week, along with millions of other people. Data released indicates that it is the most-watched British production of all time on the streaming platform. Since then, I have read countless articles and listened to podcasts and interviews about the show; so much commentary on it that I’m […]
Parenting Column: Irish mammy’s – what is it that makes them so special?
It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday. Mind you, it goes without saying that mums should be celebrated and valued everyday of the year. Mums do so much of the heavy lifting around the house. Our brains are constantly on high alert trying to keep on top of everything. We know where the swimming goggles are and […]
Parenting Column: When it comes to school activities, it’s almost impossible to keep on top of everything
Juggling all the activities offered in primary school is tough. I regularly get calls from the school to ask if I can drop down my daughter’s guitar for orchestra practice. I am humbly resigned to the fact that these calls are inevitable, given my general disorganisation. I do feel guilty that the poor secretary has […]