Tots to teens: Where play meets child development

Children's wellness range in Aldi stores has affordably priced products designed to encourage gentle play and mindful moments

Sensory floor mat from Aldi, €16.99.

A children's wellness range launches in Aldi stores countrywide on Sunday, January 25, with affordably priced products designed to encourage gentle play and mindful moments.

The sensory rocker (€9.99) supports balance and body awareness through rhythmic movement and soothing sounds, helping children to relax while also releasing energy. The sensory ball, with LED lights (€3.99), provides tactile and visual stimulation, and the sensory floor mat (€16.99) creates a soft, textured space for children to play.

Visit your local Aldi store to see the full range.

Medication side-effects

The language used to describe mental-health medication can be confusing. As a result, many parents and young people find it difficult to understand the side effects associated with, for example, drugs prescribed for depression and ADHD.

An Irish-led project, called YouthMed.info, fills that knowledge gap. The website is co-created by pharmacists, psychiatrists, nurses, and young people, in collaboration with St John of God University Hospital, the Royal College of Surgeons, Spunout, and the University of Edinburgh. It provides practical information about these medicines in simple language that parents and young people can understand.

The content has been created in collaboration with young people who have lived experience of mental health issues and mental health medications. It’s evidence-based and age-appropriate.

The information is constantly updated, and there are plans to launch videos on how to manage the common side-effects of the medicines.

County socks

Little ones will be proud to wear a pair of these county socks from irishsocksciety.com.

County Socks from irishsocksciety.com, €9.90. 

Pick your county colours from an all-Ireland, 32-county line-up. The socks are a blend of 80% cotton, 17% polyamide, and 3% elastane. They have a seamless finish and cost €9.90.

Soft touch

The Icky Yucky Sensory Box, from thinkingtoys.ie, is for the sensory-seeking child who loves messy play and enjoys the touch of squidgy, sticky, slimy, or fluffy textures. Hours of fun can be had while playing with the items in this box. The box also suits the sensory avoider, who can use the items to try to overcome their reluctance to touch different textures.

The Icky Yucky Sensory Box from thinkingtoys.ie, €45

The boxes cost €45, and their contents can vary as the Thinking Toys team adds new products.

Toy swap

The Toy Library is hosting one of its first events of the year this Saturday, January 24, in Bunscoil na Cathrach, in Cahir, Co Tipperary. The Circular New Year Swap and Play event will take place from 11am to 2pm and offers families an opportunity to donate and take away pre-loved toys, engage in a variety of games and activities, and enjoy a free day out.

If your house is full to bursting with toys after Christmas, bring along some of the ones your children no longer play with to pass on to another family. You can bring up to five toys, as long as they are in excellent condition. You can also take home any item that catches your eye. You don’t need to donate to take part.

Besides the toy swap, children will also enjoy an eco-crafting corner, a temporary tattoo station, and the teddy bear hub, where their teddies will receive a check-up and a prescription for cuddles.

Find out more about this event and others at thetoylibrary.ie.

Fears of school

What if your child refuses to go to school? An event at the Listowel Community and Family Resource Centre this Wednesday, January 21, offers support.

From 6.30pm to 8pm, a panel will discuss the local services and supports available to parents struggling with this issue. The event is free, but places need to be reserved on eventbrite.ie. Call the centre at 068-23584 for more information.