Family News and Events

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 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the a US.

The research used satellite data from 1985 to 2013 to map the proximity of green space to the childhood homes of 943,027 Danes, from birth to age 10, for whom they had longitudinal data on mental health outcomes, socioeconomic status, and place of residence.

The study then compared access to green space to data on mental health outcomes for that population, and found that consistent access suggested a big difference when it came to the risk of developing one of 16 different mental disorders later in life.

Lovely stretch in the morning

Whether you’ve tried yoga before or not, there’s no doubt doing it with your toddler would be oodles of fun.

Run by Harmony Yoga Ireland, a toddler yoga class will take place on Monday, April 29 from 10.30am in Dundrum, Co. Dublin. The session is tailored for toddlers age 18 months or more, babies are also welcome to come in arms at no extra charge.

Each attendee will also get to paint a pottery tile with their baby or toddler’s handprint as part of their session. Any mugs painted at this session (optional activity) are discounted to €14 from €19.50.

There is an €8.50 entry fee per participating child. One adult per child. If more than one adult is attending two tickets are required – two adults and one child require two tickets.

It will take place in Giddy Studios, established in 2008, a well-loved Pottery Painting Studios located on Level 2 of the Red Car Park in Dundrum Town Centre.

 

Never mind the whine, manage screen time

It can be difficult for anybody to separate themselves from technology, particularly smartphones. To take control of personal and children’s smartphone use, the TechDen – Screen Time Managing Device may help.

Combining an app parents use to manage screen time with a physical home for devices; this system also functions as a secure charging station. TechDen aims to help families develop healthier screen habits. The TechDen securely houses and charges everything from smartphones to tablets to keep them out of sight and out of mind. In addition, the app sends instant alerts if a device is removed and logs time usage for each device.

The app allows a person to create schedules to remotely lock and unlock both doors on the gadget. Parents get peace of mind and kids are expected to benefit from predictable routines. The TechDen has space for two iOS or Android devices.