Right up there on the list of things I never thought I’d write about is Peppa Pig – and yet, here we are! The TV series which first aired over 20 years ago has always focused on four year old Peppa Pig and her two year old brother, George. A very clever marketing team announced […]
Exam time: Home should be a place of reassurance, not added stress Premium
The Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle exams are looming large on the horizon. As a secondary school teacher, I’ve heard many parents say they feel as though they’re doing the exams again themselves, what with the LC or JC having consumed the whole house. While we can’t take the tests for them, parents play a […]
Miscarriage – I found so much comfort knowing I was not alone Premium
May is the month when I reflect most on my journey to motherhood. It is the month when my first pregnancy ended in miscarriage at 18 weeks back in 2012. Thankfully as the years have passed, the heartache has eased significantly. I have since been blessed with three children and my heart is full. But […]
Should schools take a back seat when it comes to Communions and Confirmations? Premium
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 Premium
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 Premium
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 Premium
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 Premium
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 […]
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 […]