Tots to Teens: From Barnardos ‘Big Toddle’ fundraiser to colourful fun in Cobh

Smallest Feet, Biggest Impact: Join the Big Toddle for Barnardos. Pictured at the launch were: Ollie Peachey Pope, aged 4, Aychin Pitse, aged 5, Louise Duffy, Joanie Ryan aged 4 and Blake McLaughlin, age 4. Picture: Patrick Bolger Photography.

Barnardos ambassador Louise Duffy is calling on little ones everywhere to get involved in The Big Toddle, a half-mile sponsored walk for crèche and pre-school aged children.

The Big Toddle is a fundraiser that Barnardos has organised every May and June for the past 22 years, raising €4.84m for Barnardos’ early years services in the process.

Taking part couldn’t be easier. All crèches, childminders, and parents have to do is register at www.barnardos.ie/bigtoddle.

Once they sign up, they will receive a free fundraising pack as well as details of extra activities and games they can play as they prepare for their fundraising walk.

Anticipating birthdays

A Little Birdie Told Me is a gorgeous new picture book by the Irish-based author and illustrator Tarsila Kruse.

It tells the story of a little birdie excited at the thought of someone coming to a surprise birthday party that will include cake, balloons, dancing, decorations, games, and music. Who is that special someone? It’s the birthday boy or girl themselves, of course.

It’s best to read this book in the days and weeks leading up to the child’s birthday, as it will help build a sense of anticipation of the celebrations to come.

A Little Birdie Told Me is published by O’Brien Books and costs €13.99.

Children’s sun hats

The clear skies and bright sunshine of recent weeks will have prompted parents all over the country to take steps to protect children’s skin from too much sun exposure.

Because children’s faces, necks, and ears are some of the areas most susceptible to sun damage, getting them to wear a wide-brimmed sunhat, such as one from www.puddleducks.ie, can be very useful.

This lightweight hat provides shade for the face and neck and blocks up to 97.5% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. It comes in sizes that fit children from newborns up to age five and has a Velcro strap which adjusts its brim size. 

The hat can also be turned inside out to give it a completely different look.

Puddle Ducks is a Cork-based company that specialises in outdoor wear for children. This sunhat comes in various colours and patterns and costs €14.95.

Good week to saddle up

This week is Bike Week, and to mark the occasion, Cycle Freedom Cork is offering free bike rentals from 9.30am to 5.30pm every day from now until May 18.

They aim to get more people outside, exploring their natural surroundings and enjoying cycling. Bikes can be hired from Cork Bike Hire in the Cork City Depot (Eircode: T12 YX76).

For other events being organised nationwide, see exa.mn/bike-week.

Colourful fun in Cobh

Young children can enjoy messy, sticky, and colourful fun at the Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh this Saturday, May 17. From 11am to 12pm, artist Catarina Araújo will facilitate a workshop for toddlers aged one to three. Designed to spark curiosity and foster early learning, the workshop will allow children to explore mixing and blending colours and paint pictures with the resulting shades.

The workshop costs €10 per child, and tickets can be purchased from exa.mn/colour-explorers.

Aid for exam anxiety

Exam season is almost upon us, and teenagers will likely look for ways to deal with the stress.

An Anxiety Aid Pulse Pointer from Killarney Organic could be just the thing.

This little bottle contains a blend of oils that can be applied to the skin.

Sweet orange and ylang ylang are known for helping ease anxiety and promoting calm, while geranium is said to promote positivity.

It could be just what they need to get through their exams.

The Anxiety Aid Pulse Pointer can be purchased from killarneyorganic.ie for €14.95.