Here in Ireland we recently celebrated the news that from next year, fathers will also be able to enjoy some paid parental leave. In Scandinavia, families (mums and dads can share parental leave between themselves) get up to a year’s fully paid leave to bond with their babies. In the US, however, mums are having […]

11 years ago

“Bossy” has a bad reputation. I mean, just try googling the word, and you will no doubt find images of sour-faced women pointing their index fingers at you. Absent largely, however, are images of boys or men attached to the same word. Strange? Not so much, says Facebook COO and author of Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg. […]

11 years ago

It’s a dilemma for mums in countries around the globe – is it possibly to keep your career and even climb the ladder, while still raising a family? And while often the kids (cost of childcare, the sheer logistic of the kids’ schedule, being there for them) get the blame for getting in the way […]

11 years ago

There is no denying that as parents, our Friday and Saturday nights are more often than not spent at home, rather than hanging out at hip bars and happening restaurants. But every once in a while we actually managed to put our party best on and get out for some fun and frolicking. The fun! […]

11 years ago

Because of the internet, the whole world is linked together. Thousands of miles and oceans apart are turned  into nothing more than a few seconds of loading time. Because of the internet, we are all together in Paris. But tonight, as we have spent the day glued to news channels and Twitter feeds, much as […]

11 years ago

We all know that a baby that is fed and happy and healthy is the holy grail, and that we are all entitled to chose what method we would like to use when it comes to feeding our babies. However, mothers choosing to use formula over breast milk to nourish their infants often admit to […]

11 years ago

Did you know that your phone – or more precisely – the info you have stored on it, can help save your life in an emergency situation? Across the country (and globe) nurses and doctors working in A&E departments are often faced with situations where they get a patient in, but have no way of […]

11 years ago

There is no denying that back in the day books – reflecting life at the time, of course – were fairly heavy on the old gender stereotypes. Mums were depicted cooking and baking and taking care of the house, while dads went out to work, got their dinner on a plate and provided for the […]

11 years ago

With the hashtag #PorteOuverte Parisians advertise ‘open doors’ for those stranded by terror attacks. Meaning that French humanity and compassion rapidly raised its head in the midst of the horror that took place last night in the French capital. A mere moments after the terrorist attacks struck, the Twitter hashtah #porteouverte was launched. It quite […]

11 years ago

Cities around the world are turning landmark buildings and large events red, white and blue in a touching tribute to Paris, who last night came under siege from terrirosts, leaving more than 150 people dead and many more injured. Our own Convention Centre in the Dublin Docklands lit up in the French colours last night […]

11 years ago

You know how you always end up with a ton of leftover mash after you have made dinner for the kids? Well, whatever you do, don’t scrape it in the bin. Instead; make these crazy tasty tater-tots for yourself (go away, kids, you’ve had your dinner!) Tater tots are basically like little potato croquettes, crispy […]

11 years ago

With the temperature getting noticeably lower, who can blame us for craving blankets, open fires and comfort food around the clock? But if you are feeling a little stuck for ideas to rustle up, fear not: these seven dishes, one for every night of the week, pack a punch when it comes to both goodness, […]

11 years ago

The majority of us spend a good whack of money on keeping our bodies and looks as young and healthy as possible. Between hot yoga and kale juice and ballet bar and expensive facials, we aim to stay as taut and firm and fine looking for as long as humanly possible. But what about our […]

11 years ago

We all know that bad food choices, huge portion sizes and a lack of physical activity are all factors that can affect children’s risk of obesity. But were you aware that your parenting style might play a part too? According to researchers at Concordia University in Montreal, who studied how parenting styles and social environment […]

11 years ago

Forget about Kim Kardashian and her shapely behind, this wedding cake is what is breaking the internet the last few weeks. There is no denying that cake making is a bit of a thing of late; I mean; the craft even has its own TV shows at this stage. (Who’s as addicted to Cake Boss […]

11 years ago

Now, this is all a little bit BA-NANAS, but that’s science for you. Little George of Cambridge has already grown from an ADORABLE royal baby into an ADORABLE royal toddler, but some people are eager to predict the future, and have tried to figure out what the little tot will end up looking like later […]

11 years ago

You know all those joyful (sarcastic voice, guys) things about pregnancy that we DON’T miss about being pregnant? Norwegian illustrator and mother-of-two Line Severinsen began drawing cartoons of pregnancy problems back in 2012 while pregnant with her first child – and perfectly captures the array of challenges we ALL face. And in fairness; when it […]

11 years ago

Be honest; how often do YOU look at your phone on any given day? We have all fallen under the spell of the smart phone, it seems, and the ease and comfort it is to literally have the world – and all that’s going on in it – at your fingertips. But there is also […]

11 years ago

In an absolute mind-blowing project, these pregnant women had paintbrushes attached to their bumps, so their unborn babies could help create some very unique artwork. The project, set up to raise awareness of how many unborn babies in Africa won’t survive birth because their mothers don’t have access to proper medical care, was captures on […]

11 years ago

Toddlers are just a different breed altogether, aren’t they? I mean, gone is your tiny, innocent, much-better-behaved baby, and in its place is this loud, hyper, determined, constantly-moving, stubborn, eager, (and amazing) little person. Rules don’t apply to them. Logic is wasted on them. They will win every battle, test every limit, climb every peak […]

11 years ago

It’s the trip all parents dream of being able to bring their kids on – at least once in a lifetime. Or twice. Or again and again. So start saving; it’s worth it. Trust me. Disney World in Florida, sprawled over an area twice(!) the size of Manhattan, has no less than five theme parks, […]

11 years ago

Nwah! There’s a stork heading for Pippa O’Connor’s house in the new year! The model, blogger and businesswoman took to twitter only late yesterday afternoon to announce that she is expecting her second child. From before O’Connor and her husband, TV presenter Brian Ormond,  are parents to 2-year-old Ollie. With this cute snap the 30-year-old […]

11 years ago

This would be every new mum’s worst nightmare no doubt – and one Australian mother recently had to live it. Only hours after Stefanie Phillips gave birth to her first child, Ellie, in New South Wales’ Gosford Hospital in August of this year, the newborn was taken into the maternity nursery to provide the new […]

11 years ago

This Welsh barber’s unique approach to his craft paid off big time with one tiny customer… Ever since Jamie Lewis and Denine Davies’ you son Mason was diagnosed with autism a few months ago, they had been struggling to find a barber who could help their boy sit down and feel comfortable during a haircut. Because of […]

11 years ago

The importance of safety when it comes to babies and car seats are being highlighted this week after news broke about the death of a baby who passed away while sleeping in one. 11-week-old Shepard Dodd from Oklahoma in the US tragically died after his childminder let the infant sleep in a car seat placed […]

11 years ago

Who knows better what kids will love than kids themselves? This is what IKEA figured too, when they enlisted the help of children around the world and invited them to draw their “dream soft toy” for a good cause. The drawings, done by children from 40 different countries all over the globe, were reviewed last […]

11 years ago

Brides are often reminded to remember that unexpected things sometimes can occur on their wedding day – despite all the meticulous planning beforehand. But of all unexpected things that you think can happen (rings going missing, flowers being the wrong shade or the priest running late), your bridesmaid going into labour isn’t one that immediately […]

11 years ago

Ladies; have we got news for you! You know Uggs – AKA the world’s most comfortable, yet hated, footwear (that you still sneakily wear because you just can’t bring yourself to bin them)? Well, they are BA-ACK.  And we’re not just saying that because we desperately want a new pair for winter (hubbies and Santa, […]

11 years ago

Want to know the secret to perfect and successful relationships? It looks like researchers now have found it – and it is quite amazing – and yet beautifully simple. According to scientists at Georgia University in the US, is all comes down to showing gratitude. Being grateful, and telling your partner that you are, will, […]

11 years ago

Feeling bad for constantly being on your daughter’s back over finishing her homework and doing well in school? Don’t. She will probably thank you for it later in life. According to a study conducted by the University of Essex in England, girls with pushy mums grow up to be more successful than children with mums […]

11 years ago

The spookiest eve of the year is nearly upon us, and for all our little (and medium sized) ones, it’s a thrilling night of barely contained excitement. But to ensure a safe and sound Samhain celebration all around, it can be well worth taking the following safety advice into account: Costumes A lot of costumes […]

11 years ago

Prepare for the funniest thing you’ll see all day. A lot is said about the crazy stuff kids say that can make for some absolutely MORTO moments, but remember this: Words are not their only method of communication. Oh no. They can hang us with their crayons too. Which is exactly what happened to this […]

11 years ago

The infamous thigh-gap (referring to thighs that are so slim that they don’t in fact meet – hence creating a gap)  is a feature most often found (by nature or Photoshop) on catwalk models and scrawny celebrities. But this week the internet is virtually buzzing over claims that well-known nappy manufacturer Huggies did in fact […]

11 years ago

So long, copper coins! We all have pockets and piggy banks full of them, but as of today, the change you get in shops will be rounded up or down to the nearest 5c as part of plans to reduce the use of 1c and 2c coins. The Central Bank is now rolling out this […]

11 years ago

Time to wave bye-bye to the weekend fry-up? According to a brand new report by the World Health Organisation, processed meats, such as bacon, sausages, hot-dogs and ham are now classed as carcinogenic, meaning they do cause cancer –  much the same as cigarettes and alcohol also do. Its report said 50g of processed meat […]

11 years ago

“I call this hairstyle, ‘keep the kid alive.’” We just fell a little more in love with actress – and mum of one – Olivia Wilde. Wilde, 31, posted a picture to her Instagram account earlier this week that pretty much every mother of young children can relate to. In the snap, the actress displayed […]

11 years ago

The season of festivities and countless dinner parties are soon upon us, and if you, like me, like to bestow upon your host a nice little present for having you over, keep reading, because this little DIY project is sure to go down a treat.  We all love a little TLC and pamper time, and […]

11 years ago

It’s the go-to hair-style for mums across the world, a combination of the fact that the top knot (or ballerina bun) is somewhat always in vogue – and more importantly; perfect for hiding the fact that it has been DAYS since we last washed our hair. Much as it can be tempting to just scrape […]

11 years ago

Move over, Playmobil. See you later, Lego. Turns out the latest building craze we ought to get our kiddies into (riiight in time for the Christmas present season) is miniature architecture. Arckit, an innovative modelling kit developed by Irish architect Damien Murtagh, has been dubbed “the new Lego” or “Reality Minecraft” by fans. Surprisingly, the […]

11 years ago

We all know drinking while pregnant is a big no-no. But what about that night out the town before you discovered you were in fact pregnant? Or that half a glass of red at the dinner party when you’re approaching the 38th week mark – sure baby is practically on his way out now? Can […]

11 years ago

If you ever suffered from morning sickness when pregnant (*shudders at the memories) or have children who get motion sickness when inside any moving vehicle, you know how this can end up getting in the way of being able to do what you want to do – when you want to do it. This too […]

11 years ago

A new little royal is in the works! No, no, not Kate (Jeez, give a girl a break!). This time around it is Sweden’s Princess Sofia and her husband, Prins Carl Philip, that have just announced they are expecting their first child. The new royal is due in April of next year according to an […]

11 years ago

Mamas giving birth by C-section have had to endure a lot of scaremongering about how sections are to be blamed for everything from autism to obesity and even food allergies. But it looks like it might have all been in vain, as new research now shows that C-section births are in fact not associated with […]

11 years ago

When an excited Sean Talara jumped into his aunt’s arms for a hug at his 8th birthday party, the duo took a tumble which resulted in his aunt, Jennifer Connell, landing roughly and breaking her wrist. Four years later, Connell, who lives in New York City, decided to take her nephew, now 12, to court […]

11 years ago

Did you know that over  1,000 children in Ireland are suffering from Arthritis? No? Neither did Irene Collins until her daughter, Grace, was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when she was only just 2 ½ years old. “She started complaining about a leg that was sore, she would cry and say she couldn’t walk on it”, […]

11 years ago

Looking at the budget Minister for Finance Michael Noonan just presented the nation with, it would be fair to say that overall, young Irish families were the cautious winners this time around. Several measures that will be much welcomed by cash-strapped Irish parents were introduced for next year’s budget. These included: 1. The introduction of […]

11 years ago

When single dad Philippe Morgese posted his one-of-a-kind idea about Dads and Daughters” hair class to the Internet, he had no idea it would become a viral sensation. It was shortly after becoming a single dad to his daughter Emma when she was only 1, that Morgese realized the amount of things he had to […]

11 years ago

Do you have children who more or less live on the naughty step? You’ll be happy to know there is a silver lining to all your worries. According to a recently published study, there is a link between behaviour and future salary – so the naughtier your children are now, the higher their future income […]

11 years ago

Yeah, yeah, we know you can buy plastic buckets ready-made for tricking and treating for next to nothing in Tesco or the Euro-shop. But how about setting aside half an hour one afternoon and DIY your own with the kids? Seriously,it could not be easier. Or more fun for your littles. All you need is […]

11 years ago

A Playmobil pirate ship set has sparked a media firestorm over a toy that resembles an African American slave wearing a neck shackle. It was when her 5-year-old son asked her to help assemble his new birthday present that Ida Lockett from Sacramento in California found the dark skinned figurine – and the instructions telling her […]

11 years ago