# family magazine

Parents Panel: Readers share their tips for weaning kids off the dummy

We asked our panel of mums and dads how to ditch the dummy without the tantrums.

6.2k

Nov 27th 2018, 4:01 PM

WIN: A day of epic family adventure at Dublin's Funderland and iSkate

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

801

Nov 20th 2018, 5:07 PM

6 magical theatre events to book in for this Christmas - from Oliver Jeffers to a panto on wheels

Here’s what’s on around the country next month.

1.1k

Nov 20th 2018, 5:03 PM

Parents Panel: Readers share their tips for protecting kids from winter bugs and colds

Extra vitamins or just a little extra fresh air? We asked our panel for their flu-fighting family tips.

1.3k

Nov 20th 2018, 5:03 PM

# perils of playtime

7 truly awkward parenting moments you'll experience at every playdate

Step one, attempting to use the word “playdate” without smirking, writes Sheena McGinley.

4.4k

Nov 20th 2018, 5:01 PM

Am I being a bad parent... by holding off on toilet training my toddler?

One reader is wondering if it’s okay to let her son decide when he’s ready for the potty.

7.4k

Nov 20th 2018, 5:01 PM

WIN: A brain-boosting hamper worth €100 for your little one

Nab a hamper of Cognikids goodies for your bundle of joy.

903

Nov 13th 2018, 5:08 PM

6 totally free events for little readers at the Dublin Book Festival

The festival starts on Friday, with pop-up poetry, giant colouring sessions and more.

484

Nov 13th 2018, 5:07 PM

Am I being a bad parent... by arguing with the noisy neighbours?

One reader is wondering if she’s setting a bad example by confronting the folks next door.

1.2k

Nov 13th 2018, 5:07 PM

Parents Panel: Do you share photos of your kids on social media?

It’s a topic that divides parents, so we asked our panel for their take.

3.0k

Nov 13th 2018, 5:06 PM

# ready set go

10 new parent firsts that the baby books definitely don't mention

Unless your baby book has a chapter titled ‘The First Explosive Poo’.

11.3k

Nov 13th 2018, 5:06 PM

# Mind Your Ps and Qs

Mind your manners: I'm teaching my kids to say 'please' and 'thank you' - but nobody says it back

The exchanging of pleasantries is an important social buffer, says Sheena McGinley.

1.2k

Nov 6th 2018, 5:10 PM

# Event Guide

Bread-baking in space and DIY holograms: 5 Science Week events for kids of all ages

Science Week kicks off next Monday November 11, and here’s what’s on for mini Einsteins.

340

Nov 6th 2018, 5:08 PM

Am I being a bad parent... by not having a sleep routine for my three-month-old?

Is it too soon to start getting strict with bedtime? This week’s dilemma has divided our panel.

3.4k

Nov 6th 2018, 5:08 PM

Parents Panel: Readers share the differences between their first and second pregnancies

More hormonal mood swings, less frantic Googling – and *far* better nappy-changing skills.

6.6k

Nov 6th 2018, 5:07 PM

Parents Panel: Readers share what their kids are dressing up as for Halloween this year

Butterflies, cowboys… and one ‘vampire-skeleton-zombie-witch’.

1.3k

Oct 30th 2018, 5:18 PM

WIN: A night of family fun at Dublin Zoo's all-new Wild Lights

Wild Lights is back with a new cast of characters, all made from spectacular silk lanterns.

2.3k

Oct 30th 2018, 4:55 PM

# halloween happenings

6 spooooky family Halloween events to check out tonight - from dragon parades to the Boo at the Zoo

Here’s where to head with your mini zombies, witches and ghouls.

490

Oct 30th 2018, 4:55 PM

Am I being a bad parent... by not having enough 'mum friends'?

We put a reader’s friend-finding dilemma to an anonymous panel of mums and dads.

1.7k

Oct 30th 2018, 4:54 PM

# On the Move

How I moved continents with two toddlers and six suitcases - and survived

If it wasn’t essential or could be replaced in Dublin, it wasn’t coming in the suitcase, writes Emily Westbrooks.

6.2k

Oct 30th 2018, 4:53 PM

# family magazine

6 spectacular events to entertain your little ones during the mid-term break

From learning how to make slime to wonderful silk animals at Dublin Zoo.

824

Oct 23rd 2018, 5:17 PM

Parents Panel: What one item has made it easier for your little one to fall asleep?

Blackout blinds, bottles with slow teats and YouTube videos – our panel weighs in.

2.9k

Oct 23rd 2018, 5:14 PM

Am I being a bad parent by... taking my kids out of school for a term-time holiday?

One reader is wondering if the cheaper flights are worth the missed days.

6.7k

Oct 23rd 2018, 5:14 PM

# kitted out

11 handy pieces of breastfeeding kit you may not have thought of

An endless supply of cushions will be your saving grace, writes Chrissie Russell.

17.4k

Oct 23rd 2018, 5:13 PM

Parents Panel: Readers share the pet names they use for their kids

Chickpea, Charlie Bear and Lord Squidgypants… our panel share the nicknames they always return to.

3.1k

Oct 16th 2018, 5:20 PM

Am I being a bad parent... for resenting my partner's choice of guardian for our son?

We asked a group of anonymous mums and dads to have their say on a delicate dilemma.

1.5k

Oct 16th 2018, 5:11 PM

WIN: Two nights in the lush Sligo countryside at the four-star Radisson Blu Hotel

Plus dinner at the hotel’s AA Rosette-winning restaurant.

2.0k

Oct 16th 2018, 5:08 PM

# Art Attack

6 events coming up this month for kids who love arts and crafts

Here’s what’s on around Ireland for the mini Monet in your house.

773

Oct 16th 2018, 5:07 PM

# whine not

9 tried-and-tested tips for getting the kids to stop whining*

*And why they do it in the first place.

12.3k

Oct 16th 2018, 5:06 PM

Am I being a bad parent... by telling a playgroup mum to keep her toddler under control?

One reader is wondering if it’s unreasonable to ask another parent to address their child’s behaviour.

1.5k

Oct 9th 2018, 5:21 PM

6 animal-tastic spots to bring the kids to this month - from wallaby farms to creepy crawlies

Here’s where to bring your budding Dr Dolittles.

552

Oct 9th 2018, 5:15 PM

# allergy watch

'All it takes is one wrong chocolate bar or snack': What it's like to raise a kid with severe food allergies

Ciara McDonnell speaks to two parents whose day-to-day routines involve endless vigilance.

5.9k

Oct 9th 2018, 5:14 PM

Parents Panel: What's the right age for a smartphone?

How soon is too soon? Our panelists told us what they thought.

2.5k

Oct 9th 2018, 5:14 PM

WIN: A chilled-out weekend stay with brunch at the Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone

Plus late check out for that long-awaited lie-in.

1.1k

Oct 2nd 2018, 3:55 PM

6 indoor events to keep the kids out of the rain this month - from pizza-making to puppet shows

Escape the bad weather cabin fever with these autumnal goings on.

458

Oct 2nd 2018, 3:54 PM

Parents Panel: Readers share their tips for planning birthday parties on a budget

Homemade Gruffalo cakes, pound shop supplies and pre-buying the sweets.

800

Oct 2nd 2018, 3:53 PM

# feeding time

I know breast is best, but here's why I stopped feeling ashamed about bottle feeding

Let’s support mums whatever their situation is, writes Sheena McGinley.

2.2k

Oct 2nd 2018, 3:52 PM

Am I being a bad parent by... saying 'no' to being a godmother?

One reader is wondering if she can avoid godparenting duties without rocking the boat.

7.2k

Oct 2nd 2018, 3:52 PM