Articles by Melissa Carton
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  • Parent shares video on reasons why their toddler cried and we can relate

    Parent shares video on reasons why their toddler cried and we can relate

    Ah, life with a toddler. I’m currently quarantined with a two-year-old and it’s been an experience. If you’ve already gone through the toddler stage with your kid then you’ll know that it takes very little to set them off. One day my daughter cried because she couldn’t put a pair of shoes over the shoes […]

    6 years ago

  • Man who grew up without a dad starts “Dad, How Do I?” YouTube channel

    Man who grew up without a dad starts “Dad, How Do I?” YouTube channel

    Such a great idea. I grew up in a single parent household so when it came to learning skills like unblocking a toilet or fixing a puncture in my bike tire I’d usually ask my mam. Of course for my brother I realised the situation was different. Your mam can’t exactly teach you how to […]

    6 years ago

  • Retro Drive-in Movies is set to return and we couldn’t be more excited about it

    Retro Drive-in Movies is set to return and we couldn’t be more excited about it

    We’re counting down the days. Places and events are starting slowly reopen again as we enter Phase 1 of the new government rules. We’re not quite back to normality yet, but we’re getting there and the lessening of certain restrictions mean more of us can get out and more things than we could a month […]

    6 years ago

  • Cads About Maternity is the hilarious card game that all new parents need

    Cads About Maternity is the hilarious card game that all new parents need

    This is not a joke, these actually exist! If you know or are a new parent or have a baby shower coming up you may want to think about investing in a pack of these. Cads About Maternity is a hilarious card game that will get you laughing at everything that parenting throws at you. […]

    6 years ago

  • Research finds Virtual Baby Showers fast becoming a growing new trend in Ireland

    Research finds Virtual Baby Showers fast becoming a growing new trend in Ireland

    Very interesting. Even though restrictions have lifted a little, large gatherings and parties are still prohibited. That unfortunately means that celebrations like baby showers can no longer go ahead in person. That being said, it doesn’t mean that baby showers have to be cancelled altogether. In fact research shows that virtual baby showers are becoming […]

    6 years ago

  • SimplyBe dropped their fab summer range and we kinda need all of it ASAP

    SimplyBe dropped their fab summer range and we kinda need all of it ASAP

    Summer is here! While we can’t jet off into the horizon this summer, there’s no reason we can’t still enjoy all of the summer sunshine we’ve been getting in Ireland. I know any time I’ve had off I’ve been straight out the back garden to take in a few rays. One thing I have noticed […]

    6 years ago

  • Three beautiful books that any dad or grandfather would love for Father’s Day

    Three beautiful books that any dad or grandfather would love for Father’s Day

    Father’s Day is only a month away. With Father’s Day just around the corner we’re all on the lookout for a great gift for our children to give to their dads. With story time being a favourite activity for children to do with their parent, what better gift than a book? Below is a selection […]

    6 years ago

  • Lenny Abrahamson will be giving a film class as part of RTE’s Home-School Hub

    Lenny Abrahamson will be giving a film class as part of RTE’s Home-School Hub

    So exciting. Since RTE’s Home-School Hub started just over a month ago my kids have been glued to it. The Home-School Hub offers an hour of school a day for children in lockdown, as well as additional resources on the RTE website. Home-School Hub has covered a lot over the last few weeks with everything […]

    6 years ago

  • Taoiseach says rule on wearing facemasks does not apply to children under 13

    Taoiseach says rule on wearing facemasks does not apply to children under 13

    Restrictions surrounding COVID-19 are slowly easing. Today Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made a speech discussing Phase One of the country’s easing of restrictions that are due to begin next week, May 18. This easing of restricions will include allowing some people to return to work, and small gatherings to occur outdoors. Though some restrictions are lessening the Taoiseach […]

    6 years ago

  • Fighting Words is running free online summer camps for kids and teens

    Fighting Words is running free online summer camps for kids and teens

    The summer projects are officially back on! My eldest child loves getting involved in different activities during the summer. Last year he took part in a summer drama camp and also Cul Camps and he was looking forward to going back again this year. Unfortunately because of the global pandemic all of these summer activities […]

    6 years ago

  • You may want to consider this about the hot weather if you use cloth nappies

    You may want to consider this about the hot weather if you use cloth nappies

    More and more Irish people are beginning to use cloth nappies. I started using cloth nappies myself with my daughter when she was a baby, both for the environmental factor and because it cuts down on the price of our weekly shop. If you are one of the many Irish parents using cloth rather than […]

    6 years ago

  • Healthcare workers childcare scheme due to start on Monday has been cancelled

    Healthcare workers childcare scheme due to start on Monday has been cancelled

    Unfortunate news. The childcare scheme planned for healthcare workers due to start next week had been cancelled. In a statement, the Department of Children confirmed that the childcare scheme would not be going ahead as only  six providers indicated a willingness to take part in the scheme. The scheme initially planned to have approximately 5,000 […]

    6 years ago

  • Toddler always throwing tantrums? It may mean they’ll end up being rich

    Toddler always throwing tantrums? It may mean they’ll end up being rich

    Parenting a toddler is no walk in the park. My daughter is currently in a phase of screaming near constantly and pitching fits left, right and center when she doesn’t get her way. There are a lot of parents out there reading this and thinking ‘oh yes, I know that’. If you happen to be […]

    6 years ago

  • Charlotte Tilbury unveils new Airbrush Bronzer and we need it in our lives

    Charlotte Tilbury unveils new Airbrush Bronzer and we need it in our lives

    OMG we need! Charlotte Tilbury is well known for creating beauty products that give a flawless finish and now she has created a brand new product to add to the mix. It will be the latest additions to the incredibly popular Airbrush range and we’re more than ready to ‘add to cart’. Following on from […]

    6 years ago

  • Teachers in the UK are concerned about what will happen when schools reopen

    Teachers in the UK are concerned about what will happen when schools reopen

    Schools are set to reopen in Britain next month. While schools in Ireland will not return until September, possibly even October, the UK will begin to open their doors to students again. Classes are said to be capped at a maximum of 15 children per room but many teachers in the UK still have concerns […]

    6 years ago

  • WaterWipes launch virtual support network for new parents in lockdown

    WaterWipes launch virtual support network for new parents in lockdown

    A brilliant idea! Irish brand WaterWipes, the world’s purest baby wipes, is launching #EarlyDaysClub, an honest and entertaining life-line for new and expecting parents during lockdown, which will include helpful advice from Irish expert Dr Laura Lenihan. Being a new parent is hard enough without a global pandemic but physical distancing doesn’t mean you have […]

    6 years ago

  • Fashion that never goes out of style: Tommy Hilfiger kids essential collection

    Fashion that never goes out of style: Tommy Hilfiger kids essential collection

    Some gorgeous bits for kids. Tommy Hilfiger is probably one of the most recognizable fashion brands in the world, especially when it comes to sports wear. Style and comfort goes hand in hand when it comes to the Tommy Hilfiger range so it’s no surprise that it’s popular with kids as well as adults. The […]

    6 years ago

  • Tommy Hilfiger lounge wear that makes staying at home seriously stylish

    Tommy Hilfiger lounge wear that makes staying at home seriously stylish

    We want it all. With quarantine still in place for the next little while, are any of us really trying to squeeze into our skinny jeans just hang around the house? I know I’m not. I have been living in my tracksuit bottoms and lounge wear the last few weeks but sometimes it is nice […]

    6 years ago

  • Parent comes up with great hack for what to do with used packets of wipes

    Parent comes up with great hack for what to do with used packets of wipes

    A great way to keep babies entertained. It hasn’t been easy keeping the kids entertained solely at home the last while, especially my toddler. She’s constantly looking for new ways to play and learn like any two-year-old so I’ve been looking for as many parenting tips and tricks as possible. Recently I came across a […]

    6 years ago

  • My son had his birthday in lockdown yesterday and this is how we celebrated

    My son had his birthday in lockdown yesterday and this is how we celebrated

    It was a birthday he’ll always remember. Yesterday was my son’s 8th birthday. Back at the start of the year we had originally planned to do something during the weekend his birthday fell on with friends and family. One idea we had was to try and recreate our trip to the Hobbits Huts in Mayo […]

    6 years ago

  • Small Irish business designs t-shirts to commemorate cancelled communions

    Small Irish business designs t-shirts to commemorate cancelled communions

    Hands up if you need one? Over the last two months a lot of things have had to be cancelled but early summer brings on the cancelling of communions. My son was due to make his communion in early June and his cousin only last week saw his communion day come and go without any […]

    6 years ago

  • Mums are flashing their boobs at their breastfed babies to hilarious response

    Mums are flashing their boobs at their breastfed babies to hilarious response

    They know what those boobs are for. There’s been a lot of jokes going around about how since lockdown the mums have discovered TikTok, and well, it’s true. I never had any intention of downloading the phone app but once the boredom hit I found myself making iced coffee tutorials with the best of them. […]

    6 years ago

  • Since lockdown started we’ve been working on growing our own vegetables

    Since lockdown started we’ve been working on growing our own vegetables

    One way to pass the time. Ever since lockdown began I’ve been kicking myself that we didn’t plant fruit and vegetables in our garden last year. With the kids at home all day they’ve been eating me out of house and home and having our own fruit and veg in the garden would mean a […]

    6 years ago

  • Fancy Fawn launches eco-friendly kids leggings made from fishing nets

    Fancy Fawn launches eco-friendly kids leggings made from fishing nets

    Eco-friendly never goes out of style. Since they first launched last year I’ve been a big fan of Fancy Fawn. The Irish clothing brand creates ethically made clothing for children in comfortable and stylish deigns, that are machine washable (most important thing as a parent). I try to buy sustainable clothing for my children as […]

    6 years ago

  • Elon Musk and Grimes can’t name their baby X Æ A-12 due to California laws

    Elon Musk and Grimes can’t name their baby X Æ A-12 due to California laws

    Not great news for the couple. A lot of celebrities over the years have named their children very unusual names with everything from Apple to Stormi. That being said I don’t think any baby name has caused as much of a stir online as the name Elon Musk and Grimes chose for their newborn baby. […]

    6 years ago

  • Study finds that having a bubble bath can significantly improve mental health

    Study finds that having a bubble bath can significantly improve mental health

    Another good excuse to stock up on bath bombs. A study has found that having a bath can seriously help those suffering with depression. Conducted by the University of Freiburg, Germany, it was concluded that taking a long soak in the tub can be as effective in boosting our mental health as talking a long walk. […]

    6 years ago

  • Mum makes honest Instagram post about how she’s not holding it together

    Mum makes honest Instagram post about how she’s not holding it together

    It’s not easy being a parent right now. Many are working from home or have lost jobs and all of us are attempting to home school. On top of that we can only leave the house for short spans and we can’t visit anyone that we know. It’s stress on a new level for everyone. […]

    6 years ago

  • Friendship finds a way: my toddler made a new friend through gap in our hedge

    Friendship finds a way: my toddler made a new friend through gap in our hedge

    Both my children are missing other children. Whether it’s school friends or cousins, they have really been missing interacting and playing with other children. Even as an adult I’ve been missing my friends, I think we all have, but for young children quarantine is just that little bit harder. Last week though something incredibly sweet […]

    6 years ago

  • Incredible! Mum in Australia gives birth to 14.5 lb baby girl naturally

    Incredible! Mum in Australia gives birth to 14.5 lb baby girl naturally

    Wow. An Australian mum wowed the doctors and nurses at the maternity hospital she attended when she gave birth to a 14.5 lb baby girl naturally. In fact baby Willow might be the biggest baby ever to be born in the Victoria region of Australia and is double the average weight for babies born in Australia. […]

    6 years ago

  • #entertainingathome: DAS Academy is running online dance classes for kids

    #entertainingathome: DAS Academy is running online dance classes for kids

    A great way to keep the kids active at home. With the news that schools won’t be reopening until September or October many of us are looking for new and interesting ways to keep them entertained over the next couple of months. Usually during the summer there are lots of kids camps and summer projects […]

    6 years ago

  • Child and Family Relationships Act 2015 brought into law for female same-sex couples

    Child and Family Relationships Act 2015 brought into law for female same-sex couples

    The Act was brought into law this week. As of this week The Children and Families Relationship Act has been brought into law which will see some same-sex female parents both be recognized on their child’s birth certificate. The new law will allows women whose children were born as a result of a Donor Assisted Human […]

    6 years ago

  • Can I help? During the lockdown remember to look out for your pregnant friends

    Can I help? During the lockdown remember to look out for your pregnant friends

    I don’t think I’ve met a mum who didn’t worry during pregnancy. Even though pregnancy is an exciting and joyous time it can also be stressful. I remember constantly second guessing every decision I made during all of my pregnancies. Am I allowed to eat this? Should I be doing so much exercise? Am I […]

    6 years ago

  • Product alert: new Irish cosmetics brand Naura make mood enhancing lipglosses

    Product alert: new Irish cosmetics brand Naura make mood enhancing lipglosses

    Think we could all do with a pick me up right now. I’ve found myself staring at my make up bag lately wondering when I’ll ever use it again. There honestly doesn’t really seem like much point in throwing on foundation and eyeliner when I’ve absolutely no where to go. Saying that I have found […]

    6 years ago

  • The Irish edition of ‘Coronavirus: A book for children’ has just been published

    The Irish edition of ‘Coronavirus: A book for children’ has just been published

    A fantastic book to help children through quarantine. Right now is a very difficult time for children. They’ve been out of school for weeks, unable to see family and friends and no doubt feeling very confused about what’s going on. Explaining what’s happening right now in the world is no easy task but new publication Coronavirus: […]

    6 years ago

  • DiaryZapp, the digital diary for kids to record their daily lives during lockdown

    DiaryZapp, the digital diary for kids to record their daily lives during lockdown

    Such a brilliant idea! We’re living through a historical moment and one important thing we should all take a little time to do is document our daily lives right now, especially children. Creating a time capsule of this moment in time will be something great for them to look back on once it’s all over […]

    6 years ago

  • Style at home : comfy and cool Tommy Hilfiger lounge wear for children

    Style at home : comfy and cool Tommy Hilfiger lounge wear for children

    Lounge wear isn’t just for us mums. The latest fashion trend in clothing is comfort due to us spending most of our time at home nowadays. Every time I go on social media I’m seeing celebrities and influences talk about where they got their new lounge wear and as it has become increasingly popular. That […]

    6 years ago

  • Watching my children struggle with quarantine is tearing me up inside

    Watching my children struggle with quarantine is tearing me up inside

    I feel so powerless. The last few weeks in isolation have been stressful but one of the biggest factors of that stress is watching how upset lockdown is making my children. I’ve watched my toddler cry as she watched from the window as relatives dropped off Easter Eggs in the garden but couldn’t come inside. […]

    6 years ago

  • Got a green project in your community? innocent & GIY expand The Big Grow

    Got a green project in your community? innocent & GIY expand The Big Grow

    Great news for those with green fingers. Since lockdown began in March one thing I’ve been doing more with the kids is spending time in the garden planting. They love it and it’s a great excuse to spend some time outside and grab some sunshine. One thing we used was a packet of seeds we […]

    6 years ago

  • Beauty at home: how to create an ‘at home’ spa experience with Yonka Paris

    Beauty at home: how to create an ‘at home’ spa experience with Yonka Paris

    Looking to recreate the experience of a spa but at home? Lockdown has been going on in Ireland for almost two months now and we’re all missing our regular treats. Having our hair done at a salon, getting our nails topped up, waxing of all varieties and of course facials. The first time I ever […]

    6 years ago

  • Lockdown life: how to make sure your child is getting enough Vitamin D

    Lockdown life: how to make sure your child is getting enough Vitamin D

    How to stay healthy while staying at home. As a result of the varying degrees of self-isolation at the moment, you and your children may be getting less sun on the skin than usual. Vitamin D from the sun plays a hugely important part in both pregnancy and in a child’s development. It’s a vital […]

    6 years ago

  • The official trailer for season 2 of Dead To Me has landed and it looks amazing

    The official trailer for season 2 of Dead To Me has landed and it looks amazing

    May 8 can’t come fast enough. Last week I wrote about how the release for season two of Dead To Me had been announced, but at that point the full official trailer hadn’t dropped yet. Well you’re in for some good news this Monday because the trailer has now been released and it looks every […]

    6 years ago

  • Dublin City Mum has posted the ultimate guide to online classes for children

    Dublin City Mum has posted the ultimate guide to online classes for children

    There’s a lot! Keeping the kids entertained right now is not always easy but luckily there are a lot of online resources for parents to use. Over the last few weeks I’ve been keeping an eye out for as many of these resources as possible when I came across Dublin City Mum’s list and wow, […]

    6 years ago

  • Children in China begin to head back to school as lockdown restrictions ease

    Children in China begin to head back to school as lockdown restrictions ease

    Some positive news. China has been in lockdown for months since the outbreak of COVID-19, but now it seems the end may be in sight. Gradually the Chinese government have been easing restrictions, most recently to allow children to go back to school. While only a small step right now, it’s a step in the […]

    6 years ago