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Sunday 2 April 2023 Dublin: 7°C

# family magazine

All time
# believe it or not
My kids are Santa sceptics - but here's how I'm keeping them interested in Christmas
Keeping the magic alive after the questions start is easier than you’d think, says Andrea Mara.
# parents panel
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.
# Competition
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.
# family event guide
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.
# parents panel
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.
# 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.
# aibabp
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.
# Competition
WIN: A brain-boosting hamper worth €100 for your little one
Nab a hamper of Cognikids goodies for your bundle of joy.
# family event guide
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.
# aibabp
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.
# parents panel
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.
# 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’.
# 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.
# 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.
# aibabp
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.
# parents panel
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.
# parents panel
Parents Panel: Readers share what their kids are dressing up as for Halloween this year
Butterflies, cowboys… and one ‘vampire-skeleton-zombie-witch’.
# Competition
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.
# 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.
# aibabp
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.
# 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.
# 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.
# parents panel
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.
# aibabp
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.
# 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.
# parents panel
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.
# aibabp
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.
# Competition
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.
# 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.
# whine not
9 tried-and-tested tips for getting the kids to stop whining*
*And why they do it in the first place.
# aibabp
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.
# family event guide
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.
# 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.
# parents panel
Parents Panel: What's the right age for a smartphone?
How soon is too soon? Our panelists told us what they thought.
# Competition
WIN: A chilled-out weekend stay with brunch at the Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone
Plus late check out for that long-awaited lie-in.
# family event guide
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.
# parents panel
Parents Panel: Readers share their tips for planning birthday parties on a budget
Homemade Gruffalo cakes, pound shop supplies and pre-buying the sweets.
# 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.
# aibabp
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.
# Competition
WIN: A €160 voucher to spend on Aldi's autumn kids' clothing range
The cosy collection hits stores tomorrow.