Take Three: Activities to book with the kids this Easter in Meath, Dublin and WexfordPlan ahead to make this particular school holiday a bit easier
Opinion Eithne Shortall: Here is my postcard from a ‘durable relationship’ When you go to the polling booths on Friday, we are exactly the kind of monogamous, long-term but unmarried family you’ll be voting about
Shopping Take Three: Presents of mind for Mother’s Day Top gift ideas, from stylish sleep accessories to attractive plants and sharp writing
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?
Opinion Eithne Shortall: Funny how once-loathed school uniforms are a relief now that I’m the parentUniforms create a more level playing field. They’re not going to wipe out inequality, but they can remove the overt pressures of designer labels and on-trend items. And yes, for parents, they are a time-saving godsend
Referendums NGOs row in to support government on referendums after initial misgivingsA failure to secure the support of NGOs would have made it difficult for the government succeed in its own campaigns
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
Politics Two referenda on the role of care in the home and definition of family to take place in MarchFollowing recommendations from an Oireachtas committee and the citizens assembly, the government will hold both referenda on International Women’s Day next year
Opinion Eithne Shortall: Big girls do cry, and we’re not the only onesWhether it’s getting older, becoming a parent, or the world becoming a harsher, more cynical place, the tears seem to flow more readily these days
Opinion Eithne Shortall: Doctors are not deities but well-educated fallible humans, and too often our children bear the cost Trust is vital when you’re literally putting the life of your children in the hands of the medical profession, so where does that leave parents after the Temple Street spinal surgery investigation?
Opinion Eithne Shortall: The reason quitting gets such a bad name is because starting over is the actual worstIf you decide to speak Irish to your children at home, definitely keep going, because resuming after a break will not go well
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
Legal Are cohabiting couples being let down by the law when a relationship ends? As cases increase, difficulties over proof of relationship status and no fixed rule for financial claims are raising questions over whether the existing legislation provides sufficient protections to unmarried couples
Design for Life: Should I cut ties with my verbally abusive dad?This week, psychotherapist and author Siobhán Murray advises an adult child feeling rage over having to visit their irascible father
Design For Life: Should I tell my children about their parentage? This week, clinical psychologist Dr Malie Coyne advises a reader with one biological child and one adopted child who is unsure whether to tell them about it just yet
Pregancy and Covid: The loneliness of the labour wardThe exclusion of partners and families from maternity services during the pandemic has led to increasing distress for pregnant women. Will the government’s new roadmap, to be announced this week, finally address their concerns?
Holly Shortall: The modern family has room for everyone – including pets The definition of family is far broader than two adults plus children, I realise, as I pander to the demands of Wanda, our much loved and very spoilt rescue dog
Childcare costs: a creche course in financial stressAs more people begin to return to the workplace, the old familiar nightmare of exorbitant childcare costs is starting to rear its head again – but some parents are taking a stand
Kathleen MacMahon: From feeding my babies to making meatballs for my nephew, food is my favourite love languageWatching kids make and eat food is one of the most fulfilling pleasures of life – and a privilege we should all be lucky enough to enjoy
Design for Life: Why is our teenage son always arguing with us?This week, clinical hypnotherapist Fiona Brennan advises a couple on how to talk to their hostile 16-year-old son