Magic in the forest
Kids love nothing more than a day out where they can dress up and have fun with their friends and family. For the tenth year running, fairies and elves of all ages are being summoned to Rathwood in Tullow for a magical day out to remember.
During this whimsical May 19-20 weekend, children can decorate the wooden Fairy House, ride through an enchanted forest on the Rathwood train, or even stop off for some fun and games at the Fairy Barn.
They can also enter an Enchanted Fairy and Elf Festival to meet up with other elves and fairies, have their face-painted and meet characters such as the Tooth Fairy.
The event intends to help the children charity Sensational Kids, to raise funds to expand Early Intervention Services for children with additional needs such as Autism, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Down Syndrome and many other developmental delays.
Bath-time? Sink no more!
In days of old, children were bathed in a metal tub, sometimes with the luxury of hot water. Nowadays bathtubs are the norm in every house, but bathing babies in a large tub isn’t ideal.
That’s why for generations parents have used the kitchen sink instead – although without the correct supports this can prove difficult. The Puji Tub is a spongy sink insert that cradles and cushions babies during bath time. It fits in standard-sized bathroom sinks and also works with pedestal and countertop models. Importantly, it’s free from PVC and BPA – plastics that have been associated with health problems.
It also alleviates the strain commonly felt when bending over to wash your child in a big bath tub. Once used, you can store it anywhere you like to dry as it hangs flat and uses very little space.
Link between CBT and anxiety found
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help children with autism not only manage anxiety but other emotional challenges, such as sadness or anger, a new study has shown.
Research from York University’s Faculty of Health led by Jonathan Weiss, associate professor in the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, revealed CBT can lead to significant improvements in children’s emotional regulation.
Sixty-eight children from eight to 12 years of age and their parents participated in the study and were randomly assigned to two groups: one group receiving 10 sessions beginning right away and another group waiting to receive treatment later. Researchers tracked how their emotions and behaviour changed prior to and after treatment.
“We showed that children who received this treatment right away improved in their ability to manage their emotions, and in overall mental health problems, versus kids who were waiting for treatment,” said Weiss.