# family magazine

Am I being a bad parent... by telling my broody husband I don't want more kids?

This week, a reader is conflicted over telling her husband that she doesn’t want another baby.

9.1k

Jan 29th 2019, 4:16 PM

WIN: A relaxing two-night stay with dinner at Radisson Blu Hotel Limerick

Relax at the pool or explore the hotel’s 20 acres of lush grounds.

1.4k

Jan 22nd 2019, 5:23 PM

6 science and tech activities for curious young minds around Ireland - from defying gravity to deep sea science

You might even learn a thing or two yourself.

987

Jan 22nd 2019, 5:23 PM

# After Dark

January cabin fever? 7 ways to entertain the kids inside as winter rolls on

It’s *still* getting dark at 5pm, so here’s how to get through it with little ones in tow.

1.4k

Jan 22nd 2019, 5:23 PM

Am I being a bad parent... by telling my ex he needs to spend more time with our sons?

One reader wants to know if she should raise the issue again, or if she’s fighting a losing battle.

5.4k

Jan 22nd 2019, 5:22 PM

Parents Panel: What's the one dinner everyone in your house will eat?

Spag bol? Shepherd’s pie? Pizza? Our panel share the family dinners that have everyone clearing their plates.

8.8k

Jan 22nd 2019, 5:22 PM

6 totally free (and fun) days out around the country - from dinosaurs to the Gruffalo

Keep your January budget in check with a free family day out.

827

Jan 15th 2019, 3:41 PM

Parents Panel: What's the naptime routine in your house?

A mid-morning sleep, two naps a day – or none at all? Our panel weigh in.

920

Jan 15th 2019, 3:40 PM

Am I being a bad parent... by letting my 11-year-old wear makeup to a party?

This week, a worried reader is wondering if it’s better to lay down some rules or take a more relaxed approach.

1.4k

Jan 15th 2019, 3:40 PM

# untying the knot

'In truth I was scared of the kids' reactions': One mum on navigating a divorce with three young children

The guilt of putting your kids through the turmoil of separation goes deep, writes Kate Gunn.

5.7k

Jan 15th 2019, 3:39 PM

WIN: Escape the January blues with a luxurious getaway to Lyrath Estate

Beat the post-Christmas lull with a five-star prize.

1.9k

Jan 8th 2019, 5:17 PM

6 kid-friendly museums around Ireland that you'll enjoy as much as they do

From Ireland’s only interactive kids’ museum to a Viking-themed day out.

2.3k

Jan 8th 2019, 5:17 PM

Parents Panel: What's one thing you've tried to get your kids to read more?

Kids’ book clubs and reading to them from day one – our panel share their advice for nurturing young bookworms.

833

Jan 8th 2019, 5:16 PM

# On the Move

11 practical tips to make a move with kids go smoothly - whether it's across the globe or down the road

Don’t underestimate the importance of familiar items like sheets and pillows, writes Emily Westbrooks.

1.5k

Jan 8th 2019, 5:16 PM

Am I being a bad parent... by telling the neighbours to sort out their child's head lice?

Outside of school or playgroup, head lice can be a tricker subject to tackle.

7.0k

Jan 8th 2019, 5:16 PM

Zipline, ski or just climb the walls: 6 action-packed spots to take the kids to this January

Make the most of the remaining Christmas break.

610

Dec 20th 2018, 5:50 PM

Am I being a bad parent... by giving out to my kids for not being more active?

This week, a reader is wondering what to do with two kids who would *much* rather stay inside.

4.0k

Dec 20th 2018, 5:50 PM

Parents Panel: What age did you find most challenging with your kids?

Terrible twos, threenagers or moody teens? Our panel share the ages that tested them the most.

1.8k

Dec 20th 2018, 5:50 PM

# my birth story

'At 4am, scared, she was what I needed': One mum on how a doula helped her through a tough labour

‘She wasn’t going to go off duty, she was there for me.’

12.8k

Dec 20th 2018, 5:50 PM

6 kid-friendly spots to check out when cabin fever sets in - from star-gazing to roller skating

You won’t hear any cries of “I’m bored” during these activities.

462

Dec 19th 2018, 9:27 AM

# am i being a bad parent?

Parents Panel: Readers share tips for keeping kids entertained over the Christmas holidays

Playdates, “lazy days”, and getting everyone out for a family walk.

942

Dec 19th 2018, 9:27 AM

# new arrival

'Ireland's adoption process is like climbing Everest - and we were luckier than many'

As a dual US/Irish citizen, Emily Westbrooks chose to leave Ireland to avoid adoption red tape here.

27.3k

Dec 19th 2018, 9:26 AM

Am I being a bad parent... by finding out the baby's gender without my partner knowing too?

This week, one reader is grappling with the politics of the gender reveal.

6.8k

Dec 19th 2018, 9:26 AM

WIN: A hamper packed with indulgent chocolate from Lindt's Christmas collection

Perfect for sharing, or not.

1.1k

Dec 14th 2018, 12:51 PM

6 magical Christmas markets to visit around Ireland - with Ferris wheels, carol singers and more

From Cork to Belfast, here’s our pick of the best markets and carnivals.

845

Dec 14th 2018, 12:50 PM

# drivin' home for christmas

Am I being a bad parent... by asking my older kids to contact me more often?

One reader is wondering how to keep communication lines open with her college-age kids.

939

Dec 14th 2018, 12:50 PM

'Save screens for the final leg': 9 ways to make long family car journeys more bearable this year

Keep your stress for the Christmas traffic jams, writes Ciara McDonnell.

807

Dec 14th 2018, 12:50 PM

Parents Panel: Readers share their favourite Christmas morning traditions

Selection boxes for breakfast and stockings by the bed – here’s how these families spend December 25.

3.5k

Dec 14th 2018, 12:49 PM

WIN: An adventure-filled family day at Dublin's Funderland and iSkate

Unlimited theme park rides – and a visit to Ireland’s largest outdoor rink.

569

Dec 10th 2018, 5:46 PM

6 festive events happening outdoors - from Christmas treasure hunts to a moving crib

Take a break from indoor movie marathons and get some fresh air.

532

Dec 10th 2018, 5:45 PM

Parents Panel: What's your family's favourite film at this time of year?

Elf, Arthur Christmas or one of the classics? Our panel share their picks.

704

Dec 10th 2018, 5:45 PM

Am I being a bad parent... by arguing with my ex over Christmas custody?

One reader is wondering how best to split family time with her ex-partner over the Christmas period.

7.2k

Dec 10th 2018, 5:45 PM

# checkin' it twice

'How does he get down the chimney?': Kids' trickiest questions about Santa, answered by experts

If you don’t know the answer, science probably does, writes Sheena McGinley.

6.3k

Dec 10th 2018, 5:44 PM

6 of the most magical spots around the country to visit Santa

Skip the department store and head to Croke Park instead.

2.3k

Nov 30th 2018, 4:37 PM

Parents Panel: When's the best time to start Christmas shopping?

Is there ever a way to do it right? We asked our panel of mums and dads to weigh in.

1.4k

Nov 30th 2018, 4:35 PM

# gifting guidelines

Put Santa on a budget : 7 smart tips for avoiding Christmas overload in your house

I adore spoiling my kids, but I know it’s no good for them, says Emily Westbrooks.

3.8k

Nov 30th 2018, 4:35 PM

Am I being a bad parent... by telling the grandparents we want our own space this Christmas?

One reader is wondering if he should keep the in-laws happy, or start some new family traditions.

14.7k

Nov 30th 2018, 4:35 PM

WIN: A two-night pamper-filled stay at The Galmont Hotel & Spa

With spa treatments, a delicious dinner and even afternoon tea.

2.2k

Nov 27th 2018, 4:04 PM

5 Irish cinemas showing family-friendly Christmas classics this December

Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny muggins.

1.2k

Nov 27th 2018, 4:03 PM