EmmaKelly's Blog

Every year, Halloween rolls around and parents are not only faced with having to fork out for yet another set of costumes for their little ones, but they also have to wrangle with helping their kids pull the ‘look’ together. And let’s face it, we all know one super-crafty mum who always smacks their kid out in the full regalia; either a handmade, delicately detailed costume, or at the very...

When did it become a play ‘date’? There are so many aspects of parenting that continue to surprise me. You'd think after the earlier eras of sleepless nights, weaning, teething, potty training, and all those challenges you were faced with in the first few years were over, that things might become less of a minefield. Me, as usual - yep. Erm...totally wrong about that. Playdates. They...

It finally happened. The nappies are gone! *Does a silly, happy dance* He is fully toilet trained. I genuinely didn't think he would manage it before he turned three. He was totally not interested in even learning about it long past the time when his sister had learned. Treats didn't tempt him; reward charts were met with laughter, and promises of new toys were scoffed at. Weirdly, I was...

One minute they are this tiny helpless infant in your arms. The next, they are growing like a weed; learning, changing, developing, gaining more understanding of the world, and trying out new experiences. I’ll never forget the day my daughter went out for the day without me. She was four, and a neighbour was given free tickets to see Annie the musical, and asked Amelia to go with her. It started...

Recently, more than ever I’m grateful. I’m incredibly grateful for the gift of language that I’ve been given. Not only have I been able to make a career out of it, as an English teacher, writer and blogger; but I know that my ability with words is starting to benefit my children. All parents have a different unique skill, talent or awareness that they are lucky enough to be able to share...

In many families, there are Easter traditions that are observed every year. It might be parlour games, a walk in the park, or Sunday lunch in the cosy, local pub. Whatever it is, we all enjoy taking the time out after the long gruelling winter to be able to spend time with family and friends. Of course, Easter is first and foremost a religious celebration, but my kids aren’t quite ready yet to...

The warnings of my childhood dentist were literally ringing in my head. Why? Because, after years of sloppy, lazy dental hygiene, I was finally facing root canal treatment. Terrified doesn’t really come close to describing how I felt as I drove from work last Monday afternoon to the dentist – it was as though my car was doing the driving for me, forcing me to get out and walk on wobbly legs...

It’s been a bit crazy in our house recently. And I think it has something to do with my son having a bit of a leap forward in his development, and basically beginning to assert himself a little more. He was always quite good with vocabulary and speech for his age, but there’s been a huge push forward in him recently, and he’s graduated to full sentences, questions and interaction. It’s...

I’m sure you’re all looking forward to celebrating Christmas just as much as I am. That cozy feeling, the glittering lights on the tree, mince pies, that cheeky little Baileys you can sip before lunch (when else could get away with it?) and seeing the joy and delight on your children’s faces as they soak up the excitement and blessings that Christmas day brings. It can, however, be...

It has finally happened. I’m now going to be almost €200 a year better off. No, its not a pay rise. I haven’t won the lottery either (I wish!). The €200 quid a year is simply the wonderful silver lining of my daughter finally having a totally dry night! I genuinely thought it would never happen. I’ve come to learn - since I had my son - that every child is an entirely different set of...