Tots To Teens: National Tree Week shows kids how to safeguard nature

Plus: A new book on old customs

Tue, 13 Feb, 2024 - 02:00

Sharon Ní Chonchúir

National Tree Week runs from March 3 to March 10 this year and Coillte has launched a nationwide primary school competition to celebrate it.

The aim of the competition is to encourage children to engage with nature and to understand the importance of trees in safeguarding the future of our planet.

To enter, all children have to do is take a photo of their favourite tree or outdoor nature space and upload it to the Coillte website at: www.coillte.ie/national-tree-week.

Four winners will be selected, who will each be awarded a prize consisting of a visit to ‘Beyond the Trees Avondale’ at Coillte’s Avondale Forest Park in Wicklow for themselves and their class.

Other events will also be held throughout the country to mark National Tree Week. These will include guided forest walks, tree-planting days, workshops and talks.

The deadline for entry to the photography competition is 5.30pm on Friday, February 23.

Teaching old customs

Some Irish people leap over fires on bonfire night, others set an extra place at the kitchen table at Halloween.

A new book called Sparks from the Flagstones aims to teach children why we practice these age-old customs.

The book is written by Edwina Guckian, a dancer, farmer, teacher, filmmaker and folklorist who lives in Leitrim with her husband and two children.

When she was a child, Guckian’s grandfather used to bring her to house dances where he played fiddle and dancers in hobnail boots would ‘knock sparks from the flagstones’ as they danced jigs, reels and hornpipes on traditional stone floors.

While such house dances may be a thing of the past, Guckian still wants the children of today to have the opportunity to learn about Ireland’s ancient customs.

With the help of illustrations by Andrea Rossi, she has brought the world of straw boys, mummers, crossroads dances and other Irish traditions back to life, in the hope of making them seem exciting and relevant once more.

Sparks from the Flagstones, €22.99, is available from bookshops or online at: www.edwinaguckian.com.

Building self-esteem

Psychologist Dr David Coleman is giving a talk on how to help children build self-esteem and resilience at the Fota Island Resort, Co Cork, on Thursday, February 22.

During the talk the clinical psychologist, radio and TV broadcaster, and columnist will discuss how it’s natural for parents to want to shield their children from the harsh realities of life yet vital that they show them how to deal with such realities.

Children need to realise that challenges can be overcome and that it’s possible to survive adversity and go on to thrive afterwards.

Coleman’s talk will aim to give parents the skills they need to support their child’s self-esteem and resilience as they handle the ups and downs of life. There will be an opportunity to ask questions afterwards.

The event runs from 7.30 - 8.30pm and tickets cost €35, available from www.eventbrite.ie.

A breastfeeding cover from Mama's Boobie Box

Breastfeeding comfort

New mums can feel anxious and shy when breastfeeding in public, especially at first.

Petrina O’Halloran knows first-hand how challenging it can be.

The Clare-based mum of two had a difficult start to her breastfeeding journey, which is what inspired her to set up Mama’s Boobie Box, a business that supplies mums with all of the practical essentials they need to breastfeed.

This nursing cover is one such essential. Its design provides mums with discreet coverage.

Its breathable and stretchy lightweight fabric makes it comfortable for mum and baby, and its wide neckline allows mum to keep an eye on baby while feeding.

The nursing cover can also be used as a cover for a baby’s car seat to shield their eyes and protect them from sunburn on bright days.