Category: Family & Faith

Meditation can be child’s play

Mindful Living Dr Noel Keating   Meditation brings considerable practical benefits to those who take up the practice and persist with it. But it also gives rise to deeper, spiritual fruits – it promotes human flourishing and an attitude of compassion and service to one another and to all of creation. The practical benefits of…

Dad’s Diary

“But marshmallows are a St Patrick’s Day tradition!” my eldest daughter righteously insisted, aghast at my ignorance on the subject. “Don’t you remember, we all had giant marshmallows last year?” she asked in total incredulity. It was as though I had suddenly announced that I’d never heard that people bring little pine trees indoors and…

Family News and Events

Human race needs green space The great outdoors may be one of the cheapest therapies for children, a new study from Denmark shows. Kids who grow up surrounded by nature have up to 55% less risk of developing various mental disorders later in life, according to the paper from Aarhus University in Denmark, published in the…

Lessons in love our children deserve

A Parent’s Perspective   I always remember my mother giving me a little pamphlet titled My Dear Daughter which was the equivalent of what’s commonly referred to as ‘The Talk’. Schools often depend on outside-trained speakers now to supplement the information they deliver on sexuality and relationships.  Parents may be relieved to leave this aspect of…

Faith in the Family

I have found the need this Lent to change things up a bit. I approached Ash Wednesday and the coming weeks with a sense of dread. I usually go off coffee and various other things. This year I just found myself wondering what I was doing and why. I have been particularly busy recently and have…

Are you ready to rocket?

Children’s Corner   Despite billions of dollars and euro being spent on space travel, building your own rocket doesn’t have to cost a cent. With some household material and a bit of DIY you can spend some quality time with your own team of family scientists building one. All you will need is: – A…

Family News and Events

Do not be afraid, learn first aid Keeping the family safe is a number one priority for parents and guardians, and with so many dangers out there, learning first aid could be a skill used on multiple occasions. Family First Aid is a first aid awareness course designed specifically for carers, parents, grandparents or guardians…

Dad’s Diary

“You’ve got your hands full.”  That phrase is apparently the new “hello”. At least, that is what random strangers typically say to me on the street by way of greeting. I suppose it’s not an altogether inaccurate statement of the obvious. Particularly as I rush down the road – late for school again – with…