Ahead of going away for a weekend, I had to go shopping for some pool attire that would (a) stop small children jumping out of the water with the fright of seeing the Michelin Woman wombling towards them and (b) contain side boobage that has the escapist abilities of Houdini. Not an easy feat. The increasingly popular tankini just looks ... Read More »

Bio: After an 8 year hiatus, I am currently in the process of growing a second tiny human to join our family of three. Baby number two is due on the end of May but previous experience has taught me that I have the gestation system of an elephant (nobody needs to be pregnant for 42 weeks!). Over the next three ... Read More »

Love Parenting’s Friday News Round Up from 21st February – 27th February.  Mental Health “Helping to change the face of our mental health services” Want to know more about mental health? Check out Love Parenting Mental Health Articles: Self Care for Heros Minding Your Mental Health so you can mind your Childs Detention Centres “Detention facility not always safe for ... Read More »

I have been a parent for over thirty years and I have worked with children and young people before I became a parent and for most of that time. I have been a nursery primary and secondary teacher and I have worked and continue to work as an early years worker caring with the youngest children in crèches and preschools. ... Read More »

My belly has gone from looking like a little over-indulgence at Christmas to a very definite baby-carrying shape. A good friend, with a penchant for irony, bought me one of those horrendous ‘baby on board’ t-shirts. Straight into the charity bag with that. It’s almost as offensive as the ‘I’m not fat, I’m pregnant’ ones that were so popular back ... Read More »

Love Parenting’s Friday News Round Up from 14th February – 20th February.  Parenting “We’ll fix it parents do their children no favours“ “What can Parents do for children suffering from anxiety?“ Childcare “What to do you’re your child is excluded” “Childcare professional March on Dail to call for more funding” “A Creche Course in kids charm and a harsh lesson ... Read More »

When we talk about children and babies the word ‘attachment’ is often misunderstood. There is an almost hippie legacy, where images of a baby literally attached to a parent with a homemade papoose spring to mind. The reality, however, is very different. Attachment simply means the bond that you create with your baby, even before they are born. It is ... Read More »

 The fruit analogies drive me nuts. Wow, the raisin-like foetus of week 5 became a kiwi-sized embryo and low and behold, at week 23 it seems I have myself a large mango – baby hybrid. True panic will set in when I read that I’m carrying a water melon and have to plan its exit strategy.  Weekly conundrum: Maternity jeans – ... Read More »

The first of Love Parenting’s Friday News Round Up from 7th February – 13th February.  Internet Safety Tuesday 10th February was Safer Internet Day, an EU wide initiative to promote safer use of the internet especially among children and young people. “Internet Safety- the Apps Parents need to know about‘ “Ten tips to ensure your child’s online safety” “Report shed ... Read More »

Get Creative this Valentine’s Day with our Valentine Hand Heart idea, here’s what you need to make a extra special Valentine’s Card. Remember DON’T GET STRESSY – JUST GET MESSY!!  What You Need Plain paper Contrasting colour of paint A paint brush Shallow dish (paper plates work well) Your child’s hands A cloth or sink to clean off hands To ... Read More »