VIP MAGAZINE PARENTING March 26th

Last week as I was driving James to crèche and a very strange thing happened. James started screaming: “Ouch Mummy it hurts. It’s so bright.  Make it go away.” The first thing any paranoid freak of a mother like me thinks about is meningitis. But being in Ireland the actual culprit here was the sun. Yes you heard me THE SUN. This is how you know your child has been reared in Ireland. The sun in all its glory with its vitamin D and ability to enhance moods was alien to my child. We have been to Spain but he obviously doesn’t remember and over the winter months had turned into a mole. Considering James is equally as dramatic as me it didn’t end there. When we got to crèche he started to touch the windowsill where the sun was shining, completely unable to understand the heat he was feeling on his body and the lack of heat on the windowsill.  We now have daily chats about this rare but very welcome new addition to our lives. I tell stories about far off countries that we will travel to where the sun shines every day and turns your skin a different colour so that you actually look good. I add in here you can take off your clothes, put on your swimming trunks and swim in the sea or pool. This story might be premature as we are not going anywhere for quite a while and every morning James asks when can we go to the sun and swim.

It is at this point I understand that children unlike adults actually live in the moment instead of wishing their lives away like us. It is also at this moment I realize I should keep my dreams of a holiday in my head where they belong. Unfortunately I feel the damage has been done and for the foreseeable future my days will start with the same question. When can we fly on the aeroplane to see the sun? I will not cry every time James asks this question but act happy as I slide over the curtains and peak out hoping that by some miracle Ireland was moved closer to Spain or Africa. A little birdie told me we are having a hot Summer this year and considering I would swallow a brick or maybe I just want to believe I have changed my story and told James there will be no need for a plane as soon right here in little old Ireland we’ll be in shorts and tee shirts, eating ice-cream and dancing through daisy’s.

 

I love SHOOBEES, the soft leather shoes with non-slip soles that keep your baby safe when on the move. The shoe sole is brushed suede and thin enough for the baby’s feet to spread, grip, and balance naturally, giving the ‘bare foot’ feeling and the confidence little ones need to take those first steps. There are over 20 styles to choose from and they are perfect for use around the house or in crèches and child-minders. Prices from €12 for 0-6 months sale stock using the code 06SHOOBEES and €15.95 for the latest designs, with FREE DELIVERY WORLDWIDE.

 

With the weather starting to improve and maybe travel on the horizon you will need the washable, squashable and now personalized Totseat. Perfect for cafes and restaurants with no highchairs. Your baby will also feel like a big person sitting in his or her own chair- independence with a twist!! €29.99 www.totseat.com

 

ASK ALISON:

Hi Alison,

I’m at the weaning stage with my first baby and I was wondering if you have any tips for when you’re out and about. I make all my food myself on a Sunday for the week. Any storage tips??

Thanks, Amy

Hi Amy,

I’m so excited to tell you about a brand new product called Fill n squeeze. You won’t need to worry about any extra cooking and will be able to incorporate preparation in two simple steps. Having prepared the family meal, pop it in the Fill n Squeeze jug, prepare it using the masher provided or a hand blender, fill the pouch, and then squeeze when the time is right! The same process can be taken to prepare fruit or vegetable purees, fruit smoothies and much more!  As well as the ease of preparing delicious homemade baby food the clear benefit of parental control will be important for many families. Not only will parents know exactly what their child is eating, but to be able to tailor the meals for little ones need and allergies is a great help. It is also cost effective which is currently very important. The brands re-sealable pouches are an extremely convenient solution to store, freeze and warm food.

 

FOR BABY:

 Fill n Squeeze €22.90 for starter pack (pouch filler jug, plunger (which doubles up as a masher), jug closure cap, 5 x 150ml Squeeze Pouches, sterile and ready to use.) €4 for Refill pack +€6.90 p&p
Stockist: Jojo Maman and www.fillnsqueeze.co.uk

 

FOR MUM:

This Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara gives you eyelashes to die for. €9.95

THIS FORTNIGHT WE ARE:

BIDDING ON THE LINDT GOLD BUNNY AUCTION – the Lindt Gold Bunny Auction returns and is set to get fans fighting for the limited ceramic gold bunnies signed by their favourite celebs including The script, Robbie Williams and JLS. All proceeds from the Auction go directly to Temple Street Children’s Hospital and all final bid winners not only get to take home their signed Lindt Gold Bunny but also a Lindt Gold bunny hamper worth €100 Go to www.facebook.com/lindtchocolateireland  ‘LIKE’ the Lindt Chocolate Ireland Facebook page and get bidding! DANCING around our sitting rooms as it helps to express feelings and emotions. It also gets the creative juices flowing, builds confidence and is great fun. So crank up the music and get shake that booty!