Ask Layla ‘Despite feeling confident in my decision to remain child-free, I find myself constantly facing questions and criticisms from those around me’Ask Layla: When people ask me questions like, “Why don't you want children?" or say things like "You'll regret it later," it really affects me deeply. It makes me question myself and wonder if I'm making the right decision. How can I maintain my inner strength and confidence in my choice despite these ongoing doubts and criticisms?
Making it Work Sully & Juno aim for new heights with their clothes for children with sensory issuesThe firm was founded during the pandemic in 2021 and has experienced rapid expansion
Opinion Eithne Shortall: I forgot that December is a bit like childbirth This is supposed to be my favourite time of year – but once the blind optimism fades, the disappointment can be disproportionate
LIFE & ARTS Eithne Shortall: Welcome to ‘The Sickening’, the time of year where someone will always be illThe Sickening happens mainly to households with kids and involves bodily fluids, possessed children, sleep-deprived zombies, and many, many sequels
Advice Advice column: My toddler appears to hate pre-school. How can I reassure her?This week, Dr Malie Coyne advises a reader who asks how he can support his three-year-old, who is having trouble settling into pre-school
Health HSE launches probe into spinal surgery at Temple Street One child died and many suffered significant complications after undergoing surgery with one consultant
Health Consumer watchdog issues choking warning over water beads toysCCPC says toys - which have become popular on social media - pose a ‘serious threat for babies and toddlers’
Politics No magic bullet for Tusla crisis, Taoiseach saysTwo reports from Hiqa last week detailed a litany of failings in the state agency’s care of children
Social Affairs HIQA report on Tusla’s separated children service ‘very concerning’ - Roderic O’GormanThe report found gaps in governance and a lack of management oversight
Fashion News Louis Vuitton launches first baby collectionMini-me monogrammed luggage, luxury play mats and a Louis Vuitton teddy bear are just some of the luxe pieces launching this month
Books Children’s books: Gift the life-long joy of reading this ChristmasFrom fantasy monsters and magic to the realities of plastic pollution and the war in Ukraine, there’s something for every child in this selection of books for young readers
75% of children aged 5-11 yet to be registered for Covid vaccineLess than 20% of young children have received a first dose of the vaccine, which has been available since early January
Children from poorer families at a disadvantage in education and health, research showsThe long-term Growing Up in Ireland study found that nine-year-olds from middle-class backgrounds were less likely to be overweight and more likely to do well at school