Tots to Teens: Guide to your child’s health from A to Z

Plus the Junior Eurovision song contest, teenage skincare and more

Holos is an Irish skincare brand that creates its products by hand, using plant-based formulas and packages them in sustainable, recyclable materials.

FROM fretting over your newborn’s sleeping habits to panicking that your toddler isn’t eating enough, there is nearly always a reason for parents to be anxious.

A new book by Cork-based paediatric consultant and mother of two Dr Niamh Lynch allays their concerns.

Should I Be Worried? is a practical guide that takes parents through the common child health issues at each stage of early development. 

There are sections on teething, rashes, choking, sleeping, and developmental differences, and an A-to-Z of the most searched-for health conditions.

Ideal for parents of babies and young children, the book retails from €16.99.

Junior song contest

The Junior Eurovision song contest is back, and applications are now open for children aged between nine and 14.

TG4 and Adare Productions are looking for the top 10 young solo singers, duets, or groups of up to six people in Ireland to battle it out to represent the country.

For details on how to enter, visit tg4.ie/junioreurovision. Send a 40-second clip of you singing your best song. Auditions will take place nationwide throughout March.

For the onesie you love

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with a Grá onesie from the Dublin-based sleepwear brand, Snoozip.

Made from 100% organic cotton, this onesie has a concealed, nickel-free double zip for quick-and-easy nappy changes, fold-over mittens to prevent little ones from scratching themselves, and a shoulder-fold neckline, which makes it simple to put on and take off.

It costs €24.50 and comes in sizes ranging from newborn to two years old. There are matching child and adult versions available, so that the whole family can join in the celebration of love.

See the full range at snoozip.com.

Fresh faced

Teenage skincare needs have moved far beyond the desire to remove blackheads and prevent and treat spot outbreaks.

Today’s teenagers are far more savvy about the importance of looking after their skin, but it can be difficult for them to find products that are both sensitive and gentle.

Step in Holos, an Irish skincare brand that creates its products by hand, using plant-based formulas and packages them in sustainable, recyclable materials.

Its Teen Queen gift set contains a 150ml face wash, a 100ml floral toner, and a 50ml face cream, all packaged in a natural cotton cosmetic bag.

It costs €49 and is available from holos.ie.

Autism workshop

Hollyhill Library in Knocknaheeny, Cork, is holding free workshops for the parents of autistic children and teens. They will be hosted by parent coach Deirdre Ryan, who has worked as a special-needs teacher in her native New York and here in Ireland.

Ryan is autistic herself and has an autistic son, so she has personal and professional insights to share.

The first workshop, on February 26, will focus on the tips and strategies parents can use to help their children understand and regulate their emotions.

The second, on March 26, will cover sensory differences.

Ryan will discuss the importance of understanding your child’s sensory profile and adapting their environment accordingly.

On May 14, there will be a session on executive functions, like time management, self-control, and flexibility and how these can impact autistic people differently.

And the final session, on June 11, will deal with how anxiety manifests in autistic young people and how parents can help them cope with it.

All sessions will run from noon to 1.30pm and need to be booked in advance by contacting Hollyhill Library at 021 4924928 or [e-mail].