Kids overindulging in screen time can lead to all sorts of battles at home, but this week, I’m focusing on the best app that my daughter uses on her tablet; Duolingo. According to a quick google search, Duolingo is the most popular language-learning platform and the most downloaded education app in the world, with more […]
PARENTING COLUMN: Rain or sun, let’s make the most of this summer
By Louise Flanagan The summer holidays are trundling on and the weather is still so hit and miss that cabin fever is setting in fast for lots of us. I’m a teacher, so I know that I’m not well placed to complain about the hassle of organising childminding when the schools are closed, but I […]
PARENTING COLUMN: Shake off the Taylor disappointment
In the run up to the concert, myself and my husband entered online raffles and radio competitions, desperately hoping for a last minute miracle.
PARENTING COLUMN: A brush with Scarlet fever
Out of nowhere, the rash got brighter and crept down her arms and across her belly.
PARENTING COLUMN: Water balloon incidents – fun for some, not for others
By Louise Flanagan DURING the week, Letterkenny Babies Facebook page received the following message: “Milford area. 8.15pm Wednesday, Church Road. Boys were throwing water balloons from the church graveyard over the wall on church road. My car was hit by four; the first hit the windscreen, one hit my wee girl’s window very hard, the […]
Parenting: A story which highlights the qualities of kindness
By Louise Flanagan Last weekend, Letterkenny Babies Facebook page received an appreciation post to share. It gained great traction with well over 1,000 people reacting positively to the story: “My son had a bit too much to drink last night and was sick and unable to stand. “A young man who couldn’t have been more […]
PARENTING: Preparation is key when you’re planning a trip on a plane with the kids
By Louise Flanagan WITH summer on the horizon, there’s a good chance some of us will be hopping on a plane and saying ‘adios’ to the rain for a while. Making that trip with babies and toddlers can add another dimension to the airport experience. Gone are the pre-boarding cocktails and 20kg of heels and […]
COLUMN: Life is rarely a perfect score sheet – and the same applies at exam time
By Louise Flanagan I recently read a quotation credited to Leah McDermott: “Let’s stop glorifying academic success and start praising our kids for the weird and wonderful interests and talents that make them uniquely who they are. This is how we inspire the next generation of artists, problem solvers, and creative, joyful souls.” It struck […]
COLUMN: Small things can become big issues when you are doubting yourself as a parent
By Louise Flanagan Parenthood is the steepest of learning curves. Babies don’t come with a manual; we’re expected to figure it out as we go. Trust your instincts, they say. And yet, there are loads of guidelines that we are urged to follow. Advertisement Yes, they’re in the best interest of our babies, but it […]
PARENTING COLUMN: Hats off to Lily, she got it just right
By Louise Flanagan BRITISH pop star, Lily Allen, had lots of hits in the noughties. Of late, she has admittedly fallen off the radar. She explained that her children “ruined” her career – that’s her choice of word, not mine! She said, “Yes, my children ruined my career. I love them and they complete me, […]