Tots to Teens: Guidance for the budding wordsmith

Storytelling skills, an aid for messy eating, and developing a positive mindset

Mushie long-sleeved bib is perfect for messy eaters.

ENCOURAGE young wordsmiths to develop their storytelling skills with Making It Up As You Go Along, A Children’s Guide to Writing Stories by the bestselling author and Ireland’s children’s literature laureate, Patricia Forde.

Aimed at children aged nine to 11, this illustrated book contains practical tips on finding inspiration for stories, developing plots, creating characters, and building worlds. 

It also includes imaginative exercises, easy-to-understand explanations of writing terms, and advice from some of Ireland’s most beloved children’s authors — including Eoin Colfer, Catherine Doyle, and Derek Landy.

Making It Up As You Go Along, A Children’s Guide to Writing Stories costs €16.99.

Mushie long-sleeved bib

Weaning can be a messy business, with more food often ending up on little ones’ clothes than in their tummies. This Mushie long-sleeved bib is designed to minimise that mess.

Made from water-resistant fabric, it wipes clean in seconds and is machine washable. Its generously sized front pocket catches dropped food and spills before they reach the baby’s clothes or hit the floor. 

Also, a secure velcro fastening at the back of the neck ensures a snug, yet adjustable and comfortable fit. It fits babies and toddlers aged from six to 24 months, and is available for €14.95 from Ennis-based littleones.ie.

Positive mindset

Help children develop a mindfulness habit that will support them throughout their lives with The Head Plan Kids Journal. 

The Head Plan is a Dublin-based business that designs journals and planners. This particular journal features daily pages of uplifting quotes, gratitude prompts, an emoji check-in, a section for children to reflect on what they learned during the day, and space to write or draw. 

There are also weekly challenges to encourage kindness and focus, as well as special sections with affirmations and morning and evening rituals, to help nurture a positive mindset.

The journal can be started at any time of the year. It is aimed at children aged from six to 12 and costs €19.

Art and nature classes

The Glucksman Gallery at University College Cork is currently accepting bookings for a series of art and nature classes designed for toddlers and their parents.

The first takes place from 10am-11am on February 21 and will combine a gallery visit with nature walks in the gallery grounds, along with hands-on creative activities. Tickets cost €15, cover one adult plus one toddler and are available from eventbrite.ie.

Dome of Senses

Portmagee, Co Kerry, will host a sensory and mindfulness experience for neurodivergent children and their families on March 14. From 10am-3pm, the Dome of Senses will offer a mix of gentle sensory exploration, hands-on activities, mindful movement, grounding activities, and quiet zones for regulation — all created with accessibility in mind.

Families can book one of six 45-minute sessions, and numbers will be limited in each session. Tickets cost €30 and are on sale now at eventbrite.ie.

Screentime warning

With mock exam season fast approaching, Specsavers is urging students and their parents to remember that increased screentime and late-night reading can cause eye strain. Common symptoms include dry, irritated eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.

To maintain optimal eye health during this demanding time, opticians recommend taking regular breaks. Look away from screens or books every 20 minutes, and focus on something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

To further protect eye health, optimise your study environment with good lighting that is neither too harsh nor too dim. Position screens at arm’s length and slightly below eye level. Adjust screen settings to match the surrounding light. Don’t rub your eyes, as doing so can potentially introduce bacteria.

Finally, if eye discomfort persists, book an eye test without delay.