How many times have you watched the Late Late Toy Show? It’s a question I don’t know the answer to myself, but I’ve been trying to work it out. I’m in my early forties, so let’s account for the first few years of my life when staying up that late was beyond me, and my […]
Parenting Column: Acts of understanding make Halloween more inclusive for children with autism
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Halloween is upon us. It’s a night full of excitement – glowing pumpkins on porches and the happy chaos of trick-or-treaters filling the streets. But for many children with autism, the unpredictable sights, sounds, and social interactions can make the evening stressful rather than fun. The good news is that a few small acts of […]
Parenting Column: Fireworks can seem like harmless fun but can turn into a life-changing tragedy
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Every October, as the evenings grow darker, excitement builds for Halloween across Ireland. But alongside the spooky fun and deep-rooted tradition, there’s a concern for parents: the increasing number of teenagers and tweens getting their hands on fireworks. What might seem like harmless fun or a quick thrill can, in a split second, turn into […]
Parenting Column: The hardest part of owning a pet is saying that last goodbye
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LAST week, we said goodbye to our fifteen year old cat, Stella. It was really tough on the kids, but a valuable life lesson for them too. We knew she’d been unwell for a while, so they were prepared to a certain extent, but it still came as a shock for them. Myself and Ray […]
Parenting Column: Parents share nappy rash remedies after beloved yellow bum cream discontinued
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The concern you feel when you peel back your baby’s nappy and see bright red skin is nauseating. Nappy rash can strike at any time; from tiny newborns to teething toddlers. There used to be a cream on the market called Metanium, affectionately referred to as ‘yellow bum cream.’ It was miraculously effective at clearing […]
Parenting Column: Exhausted parents are trying everything to help their kids sleep
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Sometimes, no matter how solid your kid’s bedtime routine is, it can prove challenging for them to settle to sleep. I’m not just talking about babies here; it’s an issue that can persist well into their double digits. Lots of parents message Letterkenny Babies Facebook page for sleep advice and tips. One parent recently wrote: […]
To those facing unimaginable grief, the hearts of all parents are broken for you
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Every week, when it’s time to pen this article, I try to base it on something that has been on my mind. Mostly, I aim to keep it light-hearted, but it would be tone-deaf of me to write a parenting column about anything light-hearted in a time when several Donegal parents have been shattered by […]
Parenting Column: Moving from primary school to secondary – a pivotal time in a child’s education
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I can hardly get my head around the fact that the summer is scuppered. Most first years are mere days away from stepping through the doors of their brand new secondary school. As daunting as the move to school can be for Junior infants, first year students tend to have heads brimming with more questions […]
Parenting Column: First day at primary school is a milestone moment for parents too
The first day of primary school isn’t just a milestone for the child; it’s a moment that tugs at a parent’s heartstrings too. Seeing them in their fresh new uniform and shiny shoes can make you realise that the years are flying by faster than you want them to. It’s an emotional leap of entrusting […]
Parenting Column: Don’t forget to pack Calpol when venturing abroad with children
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Venturing aboard with small kids can seem very daunting. It requires a deal of preparation, but I think it’s worth it to spend a bit of family time in the sun if at all possible. You might need to offer up extra luggage space, sacrificing the hair straighteners for nappies and the jewellery for rattles. […]