Tots to Teens: Open a new chapter for storytellers

Author, business owner and former actress Aoibhín Garrihy, pictured with Seámus (8) and Xinai (5) at The Gutter Bookshop, launching the Specsavers nationwide children's short story competition, encouraging young authors across Ireland. 

Specsavers wants to hear from little ones who enjoy telling tall tales. The company has just launched its annual short story competition, calling on budding authors to submit their most creative compositions.

Fantastic prizes are up for grabs. Winners in both the junior and senior categories will receive €500 for their school library as well as all the shortlisted children’s titles at this year’s An Post Irish Book Awards.

To enter, children should go to the Specsavers website, where they will find a picture and the first line of their story. Using those as inspiration, they have to writea story no longer than 500 words. The closing date for entries is January 7.

• Full details are available at specsavers.ie/irish-book-awards

Pictured are Ayla Casey from St Audoen's National School and 'Viking' Brian Hoelzle explore Dublinia’s new nationwide education programme, stepping into the world of Viking and Medieval Dublin through hands-on workshops and interactive learning experiences. PHOTO: Mark Stedman

History in the making

The Viking and medieval museum Dublinia is offering a new education programme that aims to transform how children engage with history.

For the past 30 years, Dublinia has inspired generations of youngsters through its interactive exhibitions and curriculum-linked tours. Now it’s taking things one step further with online resources that can be used by those who are unable to travel to its location beside Christ Church in Dublin City centre.

These include interactive maps and videos on topics such as Viking houses and the lives of Viking children. There are also opportunities to see what Dublin was like at various points in its history, including when its inhabitants were struck by the Black Death.

• Find out more at dublinia.ie.

Add an extra sprinkling of magic to your child’s Christmas this year with a personal letter from Santa. It’s one of a range of gift ideas available from the humanitarian charity Concern Worldwide

Christmas magic

Add an extra sprinkling of magic to your child’s Christmas this year with a personal letter from Santa. It’s one of a range of gift ideas available from the humanitarian charity Concern Worldwide at gifts.concern.net.

For €15, your child will receive a letter that includes their name, details such as the toy they hope to find under the tree on Christmas morning, and a message from Santa. 

For an extra €10, they will also receive a festive fun pack, which includes a colouring sheet, a certificate stating they have made it onto Santa’s Nice List, and Christmas-themed stickers.

RSV season

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of hospital admissions in young children.

Yet research recently published by the healthcare company Sanofi found that only 51% of parents are familiar with symptoms of the virus, and 19% had never heard of the virus at all.

Peaking in December and January, RSV is common and causes coughs, colds, and possible infection in the lower part of the respiratory system.

Most children will experience mild symptoms, including a fever, sniffles, wheezing, reduced appetite, a sore throat or ear infections.

However, some cases warrant a trip to the GP or nearest emergency department. Symptoms to watch out for are prolonged periods without wet nappies, rapid breathing or breathlessness, difficulty breathing, a persistent high fever despite medication, and a lack of energy or irritability.

Frequent and careful handwashing is encouraged to protect young children from contracting RSV. So, avoid contact with anyone showing cold-like symptoms.

• For more information about RSV, visit togetheragainstrsv.ie.

Jigsaw fundraiser

Get cosy for a good cause this festive season with Christmas Jumpers for Jigsaw.

The team at the youth mental health charity know that Christmas can be challenging for young people who are struggling with their psychological wellbeing. While others are celebrating, they can feel anxious and isolated.

This fundraising campaign aims to make sure they are not forgotten. By donning Christmas jumpers with co-workers or classmates or organising a Christmas coffee morning with friends and family and asking al who attend to donate what they can, money can be raised to help fund Jigsaw’s free mental health services across Ireland.

• Get your registration pack at jigsaw.ie/ChristmasJumpers and you will be sent everything you need to host a fun fundraising event this festive season.