Tots to Teens: No need to get in a knot when you're learning to tie your shoelaces
The Wild Tribe's wooden shoelace-tying practice board.
Can you remember how frustrating it was to master the art of tying your shoelaces as a child? You’d struggle to tie them into something resembling a bow. Then you’d look down a few moments later to find that they had come undone all over again.
thewildtribeireland.com, a family-run business based in Kerry, sells handcrafted wooden lacing shoes that make learning how to tie shoelaces a fun experience for today’s children.
They cost €15, are made with high-quality plywood and non-toxic paint and are ideal for developing hand-eye coordination and improving dexterity.
Most parents struggle at times. Some may not know how to help their toddler manage their emotions. Others may find it difficult to support their teenager through a difficult situation.
At these moments, Debbie Cullinane’s Instagram account @debbiecullinane can provide some reassurance.
A mum of two from County Mayo, Cullinane spent 10 years working as a primary school teacher before retraining as a child and adolescent psychotherapist. She now provides parenting support online, face-to-face, and through webinars and her social media is an oasis of calm.
Her account is full of positive, proactive tips for handling common childhood issues, particularly relating to school.
For example, if you’ve got a child who regularly complains about having to get up for school in the mornings, Cullinane has advice on how to support them in dealing with those negative feelings.
Her suggestions are non-judgemental and based on simple practical things that can help us all through the everyday challenges of parenting.
Wholefood chef and nutritional therapist Oliver Mc Cabe wants to get children into the kitchen to learn about food and explore how to cook while having fun. That’s why he has just released a cookbook for kids aged from five to 15.
The book contains 35 recipes, each of which was tried and tested by children and their families in Ireland. The recipes are designed to be budget-friendly and delicious, as well as being easy to follow with pictures that show each step of the process.
From pancakes and bread to pizza and lasagne, the recipes that will please the whole family. The book is currently for sale at independent health stores throughout Ireland and online at olivermccabe.ie from €22.95
Childline is calling on schools, childcare centres, clubs and workplaces across the country to don their most festive Christmas jumpers to raise money for the charity this holiday season.
Run by the ISPCC, Childline is a 24-hour support line that children can contact for free every single day of the year, either online at childline.ie or by calling 1800 666666. It relies heavily on donations, with 75% of its funding coming from members of the public.
You can show your support this Christmas by going to idonate.ie/event/childlinechristmasjumperday and setting up your own Christmas jumper-wearing event. All you need to do is set the date and let your family, friends and colleagues know. Childline will provide you with posters, stickers and balloons as well as any social media content you might need.
Next Sunday, November 12, Dungarvan will host its first-ever Parent and Baby Expo.
Taking place from 9am to 12 noon at the Park Hotel Holiday Homes and Leisure Centre, it promises to be a great opportunity for new parents and experienced mums and dads alike to learn tips and tricks. New services and products will be showcased at the event.
There will also be guest speakers throughout the day and a first aid demonstration focusing on baby and toddler safety.
Tickets cost €10 and are available from eventbrite.ie
