Articles

Ireland’s Only Human Milk Bank

By Put the Kettle On on October 4, 2015 • ( 2 )

I’ve been a little busy studying recently, so in an attempt to keep my blog afloat – here’s an article I wrote for Mums and Tots. Irvinestown, Enniskillen is the location of The Western Trust Human Milk Bank, Ireland’s only… Read More ›

Baby Reflexology

By Put the Kettle On on June 15, 2015 • ( 0 )

Reflexology is an ancient alternative and complimentary touch therapy originally practised by the Chinese and is based on the idea that the reflexes in the feet are directly connected to every other part of the body. Reflexology can provide some… Read More ›

Sibling Rivalry

By Put the Kettle On on June 8, 2015 • ( 9 )

Many sibling relationships are fraught with conflict and most of us have probably had direct experience in our own lives. Watching our children’s battles can be upsetting and the urge to step in and possibly becoming embroiled can sometimes be… Read More ›

10 Sure Signs I’m a Belfast Mammy

By Put the Kettle On on May 1, 2015 • ( 16 )

When the kids won’t stop fighting – which is frequently – I shout ‘CEASE FIRE!!’ I often put up pretend road blocks around the house and quiz them on where they’re going and what they’re doing, only letting them pass… Read More ›

Promoting Child Safety

By Put the Kettle On on March 7, 2015 • ( 2 )

Regardless of our desire to supervise our children all of the time, this is not possible and won’t help develop their self-confidence or independence. We need to teach our children about their personal safety, while moving past our own fears… Read More ›

REAL DADS: Signing with baby

By Put the Kettle On on February 13, 2015 • ( 6 )

Words by Anna’s dad, Brian Sharky. A friend was bringing their baby to baby sign classes and said they’d really helped their daughter become more settled. They thought the classes were great and encouraged us to bring our daughter too…. Read More ›

Baby Sign Language

By Put the Kettle On on February 10, 2015 • ( 0 )

The idea of teaching sign to hearing children was first realised in the 1800s and has been used by speech and language therapists for decades to support children with speech and developmental delays. In recent years it has been recognised… Read More ›

Living In The Present

By Put the Kettle On on January 28, 2015 • ( 10 )

I’ve decided to join up with a linky by Aisling Lyons, a fellow member of the Irish parenting bloggers’ group. Aisling did a post ‘mindfulness and simple pleasures‘ where she wrote about her New Year’s resolution of living in… Read More ›

Coping With Colic

By Put the Kettle On on September 17, 2014 • ( 2 )

WHAT IS COLIC? Colic is defined as a behaviour rather than a medical condition. Paediatricians regard it as excessive and frequent, inconsolable crying in a baby who is otherwise in good health and feeding well. The episodes of crying can… Read More ›

Twins start school!!

By Put the Kettle On on September 9, 2014 • ( 17 )

Last week the twins started school, and although I knew the transition wouldn’t be overly difficult, a small part of me worried that things may not go smoothly. On the eve of their first day of school I found out… Read More ›

Real Adventure Playgrounds

By Put the Kettle On on September 3, 2014 • ( 7 )

What are junk and adventure playgrounds? Adventure playgrounds are in bold contrast to the modern playgrounds you’ll see around Ireland today which are planned and built according to minimum safety standards. Images of adventure playgrounds show ram shackled dens, old… Read More ›