Articles by Sophie Collins
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  • Penneys shopper spots €4 dupes of popular Jellycat toys

    Penneys shopper spots €4 dupes of popular Jellycat toys

    Penneys fans are rushing to get their hands on new €4 mugs and €8 soft toys that closely resemble Jellycat’s popular €23 plush toys.   A Jellycat enthusiast, Kimberely, recently shared her find from a Primark store in Bristol on social media, pointing out the mugs’ striking similarity to Jellycat’s well-known designs.   The collection includes adorable […]

    1 year ago

  • ‘Students are now choosing subjects to maximise CAO points, not out of interest’

    ‘Students are now choosing subjects to maximise CAO points, not out of interest’

    “Students are picking maths for the bonus points, they’re not picking maths in order to study maths” The 25 bonus points awarded to Leaving Certificate students for passing higher-level maths are lowering educational standards, according to some secondary school teachers. Upcoming changes are set to see class projects made part of the Leaving Cert assessment, […]

    1 year ago

  • HPV Awareness Day: Eight facts everyone should know

    HPV Awareness Day: Eight facts everyone should know

    On HPV Awareness Day, we should all take a minute to understand this virus better. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral infections, yet many people are still unaware of how it spreads, its potential risks, and the importance of prevention. Here are eight key facts the HSE has outlined about HPV: […]

    1 year ago

  • Government unveils major commitments for women’s health in 2025

    Government unveils major commitments for women’s health in 2025

    The Irish government insists it is committed to advancing women’s healthcare in 2025. It is promising new initiatives aimed at tackling gender-specific health challenges as part of Women’s Health Week 2025. Ministers have promised to build on the progress made since the launch of the Women’s Health Action Plan, which was announced in April of […]

    1 year ago

  • Finance Minister confirms there will be no more energy credits in future budgets

    Finance Minister confirms there will be no more energy credits in future budgets

    If you’ve been counting on those handy electricity credits in the budget each year, it looks like that’s coming to an end. Finance Minister, Jack Chambers has confirmed that energy credits won’t be part of future budgets, as the government shifts its approach to tackling rising electricity costs.   For the past few years, households have […]

    1 year ago

  • Popular kid’s cereal recalled in Ireland due to health risk

    Popular kid’s cereal recalled in Ireland due to health risk

    A popular kids cereal has been recalled due to a health risk An urgent recall has been published in Ireland and the UK due an issue with batches of the popular Shreddies cereal. Cereal Partners UK and Ireland issued a statement on Friday morning to confirm the voluntary recall of 12 batches of Nestlé Frosted […]

    1 year ago

  • School principals call for change as education system ‘fails to deliver’ for students

    School principals call for change as education system ‘fails to deliver’ for students

    School principals across Ireland are raising serious concerns about the country’s education system, warning that it is “failing to deliver for all students”  There are growing issues like student disengagement, poor attendance, and rising anxiety levels and many believe the system is no longer fit for purpose. These concerns were being addressed on Thursday at […]

    1 year ago

  • Lack of laws around vaping in Ireland is ‘normalising’ the act of smoking to children

    Lack of laws around vaping in Ireland is ‘normalising’ the act of smoking to children

    The Irish Heart Foundation has raised concerns over vaping being normalised in Ireland There are currently no laws in place to ban vaping in public spaces, and officials are now saying that this normalises it in the eyes of children. Speaking to Newstalk about this issue, spokesperson Mark Murphy said: “If you’re a child or a teenager […]

    1 year ago

  • CCPC recall kid’s toy due to fire hazard after thousands sold in Ireland

    CCPC recall kid’s toy due to fire hazard after thousands sold in Ireland

    There have been 2,756 affected YOTO toys sold in the Republic of Ireland, so this affects many parents across the country The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has issued a recall on a popular Yoto kid’s toy this week Officials said a “safety issue has been identified with the Yoto Mini (2021-2023 Edition).”   The kid’s […]

    1 year ago

  • New event launched in Ireland to empower, educate, and celebrate new mums and dads

    New event launched in Ireland to empower, educate, and celebrate new mums and dads

    Expecting a baby is a life-changing journey, filled with excitement, questions, and sometimes a little uncertainty  To support parents through this time, Little Roo is hosting Welcome to the World, an exclusive event. It’s designed to empower, educate, and celebrate families as they navigate pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. Taking place on March 8th from […]

    1 year ago

  • When can my baby sleep with a blanket? Experts explain safe sleep methods

    When can my baby sleep with a blanket? Experts explain safe sleep methods

    We may be heading into Spring, but Ireland’s nighttime temperatures always seem to drop until we’re in the height of summer With a newborn, the urge to make sure they’re wrapped up and warm in their co-sleeper or cot is only natural – however, you need to be careful with blankets. “While it might be […]

    1 year ago

  • Top tips for dressing your baby for sleep and one golden rule to follow

    Top tips for dressing your baby for sleep and one golden rule to follow

    Any new or experienced parents will have lived through or are currently experiencing the newborn trenches There will be times when you feel like nothing seems to settle your little one and you’re likely googling tips and tricks on how to get them to sleep. Rest really is the holy grail of early parenthood (if […]

    1 year ago

  • Expert believes children shouldn’t always be expected to share

    Expert believes children shouldn’t always be expected to share

    For generations, parents have encouraged their children to share, reinforcing the idea that “sharing is caring” However, not everyone believes children should always be expected to give up their belongings simply because others ask. Parenting consultant Kirsty Ketley takes a different approach, teaching her children that they have the right to say no when it […]

    1 year ago

  • Irish rent prices ‘keep climbing’ according to latest Daft report

    Irish rent prices ‘keep climbing’ according to latest Daft report

    If you’re renting in Dublin, you’ve probably noticed that rent costs just keep climbing According to the latest Daft.ie Rental Report, the average rent in Dublin city was 4% higher in the last three months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. That brings the average listed rent in the capital to a […]

    1 year ago

  • Expert explains how parents can effectively help their children cope with divorce

    Expert explains how parents can effectively help their children cope with divorce

    A mum recently reached out for advice on how to help her 10-year-old son process her separation from his dad She said she believes their split was the right decision, but worries about the emotional toll it might be taking on her child.   After years of unhappiness, she explained that financial constraints had kept her […]

    1 year ago

  • Ireland is among the least affordable countries for parents in Europe

    Ireland is among the least affordable countries for parents in Europe

    Raising children is one of the most rewarding but financially demanding parts of life, and the cost varies greatly from country to country A recent study by Ubuy, a cross-border e-commerce platform, has ranked European countries based on affordability for parents, taking into account things like maternity and paternity leave, childcare costs, and family benefits.  […]

    1 year ago

  • ‘My five-year-old refuses to go to school, I don’t know what to do’

    ‘My five-year-old refuses to go to school, I don’t know what to do’

    A woman has asked for advice because her young step-son is vehemently refusing to go to school. She said she fears the five-year-old is going to ‘spiral out of control’ and that everyday she is receiving calls from his school to collect him after an hour. The step-mum explained that the school even put him […]

    1 year ago

  • HSE warn of rise in winter bug cases in Ireland and issue advice to parents

    HSE warn of rise in winter bug cases in Ireland and issue advice to parents

    Health experts are urging the public to be cautious as cases of norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, continue to rise The Health Service Executive (HSE) has reported a significant increase in infections and expects the virus to continue circulating in communities for the coming weeks.  Norovirus spreads easily through direct contact, contaminated […]

    1 year ago

  • Teacher’s Union raises concern over students’ use of AI in Leaving Cert coursework

    Teacher’s Union raises concern over students’ use of AI in Leaving Cert coursework

    The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked fears among teachers that it could compromise the integrity of the Leaving Cert.  That’s according to the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) who say it’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell if someone has used AI in their school projects. As coursework becomes more of a focus in […]

    1 year ago

  • TikTok mum warns others not to make common mistake with baby names

    TikTok mum warns others not to make common mistake with baby names

    “You’re naming adults, not babies” Several mums on TikTok are advising parents to be wary of what they decide to name their children, amid a rise in particularly unique names. While some parents opt to give their children traditional names like Sarah or John, there has been an increase in babies being given names they’ll […]

    1 year ago

  • Teacher comes up with great way to stop kids saying inappropriate words in public

    Teacher comes up with great way to stop kids saying inappropriate words in public

    “It is all about your reaction” Every parent and guardian will have experienced a moment in their kid’s life when the little ones blurt out something inappropriate in front of company. Although it’s completely natural – and sometimes funny – it’s all part of them developing awareness of everything around them. Despite the humorous side […]

    1 year ago

  • Here are some ways to help your child to build self esteem and confidence

    Here are some ways to help your child to build self esteem and confidence

    Teaching your little one to build self-esteem and confidence is essential, even when they’re just toddlers. Between the ages of one and two, your child will be growing and developing in many ways; cognitively, emotionally, and physically. Some of the milestones they will be reaching at this stage of life, according to the HSE, include: […]

    1 year ago

  • Urgent recall issued for popular Stanley product due to burn risk

    Urgent recall issued for popular Stanley product due to burn risk

    The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has issued an urgent recall for Stanley’s Trigger Action Travel Mugs due to safety concerns.  The recall affects over 200 units in the Republic of Ireland and has been initiated by Stanley 1913. The recall was prompted by the risk of burns associated with the product. According to […]

    1 year ago

  • Parenting expert’s advice to parents dealing with extreme tantrums at home

    Parenting expert’s advice to parents dealing with extreme tantrums at home

    A concerned mum recently opened up about her three-year-old son’s alarming habit of biting himself when he’s having tantrums.  Speaking to Sean Moncrieff on Newstalk, she described how her child’s frustration often leads to biting, sometimes breaking the skin.   The mum explained that the behaviour typically occurs in moments of transition or frustration, like when the […]

    1 year ago

  • How to navigate skincare during pregnancy

    How to navigate skincare during pregnancy

    Pregnancy is a transformative time for both your body and your skincare routine The tried-and-true products you once swore by might now contain ingredients that are unsuitable for expectant mothers. With hormone fluctuations affecting the skin and certain ingredients needing to be avoided, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what’s safe and what’s not. […]

    1 year ago

  • Chrissy Teigen shares very relatable parenting struggle – “They hate it”

    Chrissy Teigen shares very relatable parenting struggle – “They hate it”

    Chrissy Teigen may be a model and bestselling cookbook author, but when it comes to parenting, she’s just like any other mom – especially when dealing with picky eaters. On February 12th, Teigen took to her Instagram Stories to share a classic dinnertime struggle with her youngest children, Esti and Wren. After preparing a homemade […]

    1 year ago

  • ‘I am not ok’ – Stacey Solomon shares emotional milestone with youngest daughter Belle

    ‘I am not ok’ – Stacey Solomon shares emotional milestone with youngest daughter Belle

    “She ran straight in and never looked back” TV personality Stacey Solomon has given fans a heartfelt glimpse into a major family moment. Two-year-old, Belle, the youngest of Stacey’s five children, started nursery for the first time – an experience that left the mum feeling emotional.   Sharing the milestone on Instagram, Stacey posted a touching […]

    1 year ago

  • Taoiseach confirms there will be no cost of living package or energy credits in next Budget

    Taoiseach confirms there will be no cost of living package or energy credits in next Budget

    Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed that there are no plans to introduce a new cost-of-living package or continue the €250 energy credit in Budget 2026. Last year’s budget, announced in October, provided significant relief for households across the country, with cost-of-living measures totalling €2.6 billion.  It was the largest social welfare package in the State’s […]

    1 year ago

  • Breastfeeding: 15 steps to help your baby latch well

    Breastfeeding: 15 steps to help your baby latch well

    Breastfeeding is such a unique journey for every mum. Some are lucky enough to find it easy to get the hang of things, but many others have difficulty – there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The HSE has some great advice on things you can do to help your baby to latch well from the beginning […]

    1 year ago

  • ‘We don’t know why Lily Collins and her husband chose to use surrogacy – and it’s none of our business’

    ‘We don’t know why Lily Collins and her husband chose to use surrogacy – and it’s none of our business’

    Surrogacy lawyer, Natalie Sutherland has weighed in on the backlash Lily Collins and her husband faced after announcing the birth of their daughter via surrogacy After the couple shared their happy news on Instagram, they received many lovely messages, but also criticism from people questioning their decision to use a surrogate.  Collins’ husband, Paul McDonald, […]

    1 year ago

  • ‘School phone bans alone are not enough to tackle the negative impacts’

    ‘School phone bans alone are not enough to tackle the negative impacts’

    It seems the recent phone ban that was implemented in schools across Ireland has not done enough to actually tackle negative impacts That’s according to the authors of a study on school phone bans, who say they are “surprised” to see that it has had very little impact on school children. Education Minister, Norma Foley, […]

    1 year ago

  • What passengers need to know about Ryanair’s new rules for 2025

    What passengers need to know about Ryanair’s new rules for 2025

    As summer approaches, many of us are starting to plan our 2025 holidays Before booking, it’s important to be aware of any changes to airline rules to avoid unexpected fees, especially when flying with Ryanair. Ryanair, known for its strict policies, has announced a major update starting in May 2025. From that time, the airline […]

    1 year ago

  • Symptoms to watch out for as GP warns we are ‘still in the RSV and flu season’

    Symptoms to watch out for as GP warns we are ‘still in the RSV and flu season’

    The warmer weather can trick us into feeling like we’re out of the RSV and Flu woods, but parents need to remain vigilant That’s according to GP, Dr. Maire Finn from Ennis Centric health who says we “are still in the RSV and Flu season”. Respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, cause infections in […]

    1 year ago

  • Panel of experts present ‘new medical evidence’ in Lucy Letby case

    Panel of experts present ‘new medical evidence’ in Lucy Letby case

    Recent developments have emerged in the case of Lucy Letby. The former neonatal nurse was convicted in 2023 for the murders of seven infants and the attempted murders of seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital. An international panel of 14 medical experts, led by Canadian neonatologist, Dr. Shoo Lee, has conducted a comprehensive […]

    1 year ago

  • Five things to remember when choosing a child’s first pair of shoes

    Five things to remember when choosing a child’s first pair of shoes

    There is a lot more to choosing your little one’s first pair of shoes than picking out a colour and design that they like. Finding a pair that is suitable for their development and their age is imperative. For those who are maybe unsure about where to start, Alison McGrath, owner of My First Steps […]

    1 year ago

  • EU proposes scanning private messages to tackle child abuse, sparking privacy concerns

    EU proposes scanning private messages to tackle child abuse, sparking privacy concerns

    Private messages on apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Snapchat could soon be under the microscope if the EU’s latest child protection law gets the green light The proposed legislation, first introduced in 2022, would mean all digital communications – photos, videos, texts, and even links – will be scanned for child abuse material.  This move […]

    1 year ago

  • Charlotte Crosby welcomes second baby with fiancé Jake Ankers

    Charlotte Crosby welcomes second baby with fiancé Jake Ankers

    Huge congratulations are in order for Charlotte Crosby! Charlotte Crosby welcomed her second little one last week with her fiancé, Jake Ankers by her side. Pixi Cecilia was born on January 31st, the star confirmed on Instagram. The pair already share an older daughter, Alba. Crosby took to social media to gush about her new […]

    1 year ago

  • Parents warned about harmful chemicals in kids’ shoes sold on TEMU

    Parents warned about harmful chemicals in kids’ shoes sold on TEMU

    If you’ve recently bought kids’ shoes from TEMU, you might want to double-check them. A serious safety warning has been issued about two types of children’s footwear because they could contain dangerous chemicals.  Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has recalled two different kids’ shoe styles sold on the popular shopping platform.  They were […]

    1 year ago

  • ‘Should I be worried about my five-year-old’s habit of lying?’

    ‘Should I be worried about my five-year-old’s habit of lying?’

    When do kids’ fibs become a bigger issue? One mum has said she is beginning to worry about her five-year-old’s fibs and wants to know what she should do. Speaking to Newstalk, the mum shared: “Our five-year-old seems to be a rather unreliable narrator of her own life. “We never know for sure if what […]

    1 year ago