Tots to Teens: Lollipop sticks it to illness – with vitamin C

The packaging has been given a special makeover, and these three packs are currently available from major retailers and convenience stores across Ireland. 

For every pack purchased, Heinz will donate to Barnardos Breakfast Clubs, which provides nutritious breakfast foods at selected Barnardos centres across Ireland.

In 2023, Barnardos supported more than 26,000 vulnerable children and families throughout the country, and the Heinz partnership helped the charity provide thousands of meals.

Watch out for these limited edition three-packs, which cost €3.59, in a store near you.

Tonstix pops

Knowing how best to treat a child’s sore throat or dry and lingering cough can be difficult.

Sinéad Crowther, a busy mum of four from Co Meath, used to struggle with this. However, as a pharmaceutical technician and co-founder of Soothing Solutions, a company that designs natural products to comfort children when they are unwell, she realised that she was in a position to do something about it.

She developed Tonstix Pops, jelly-based lollipops enriched with vitamin C and zinc, essential nutrients that support the immune system. The lollipops come in two flavours: honey and strawberry and honey and apple. A pack of six costs €6.

Fairy tale

If you have a little one who is interested in arts and crafts, this fairy-making kit from www.franziska.ie could be just the thing for you to do together on a rainy day.

Franziska Lienberger is a Swiss felt-textile artist who now lives in Roscommon. She is particularly interested in Irish mythology and its fairy folk, which inspired her to create this kit.

It contains wool in three colours, cotton cord, wooden beads, sparkly tulle, strong thread, and three little wooden hearts. Follow the instructions on Franziska’s YouTube channel to make three otherworldly fairies.

The kits are suitable for children aged eight and up, cost €23.50, and are available from www.franziska.ie.

Self-care for parents

It’s impossible to pour from an empty cup. This is an adage parents could do well to reflect on.

It’s easy for mothers and fathers to fall into the trap of spending all their time and energy on their children to the neglect of their own well-being.

The national mental health charity Jigsaw is offering a free online course to teach parents the importance of self-care. The 40-minute course can be downloaded at www.jigsaw.ie/self-care-for-parents-course.

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common problem at this time of year, as young children get used to spending time at school or in childcare and away from the comfort and familiarity of home.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise if children feel sad, lonely, and worried as they adjust to their new routine. But, as a parent, you are likely to want to do something to help ease their anxiety.

These adorable pocket hugs could be just the thing. Costing €7 each, they are made by woodenitbenice.ie, a family-run business in Monaghan, and can be customised with an inscription of your choice.

You can place them in a child’s lunchbox, pencil case, or pocket, where they will be ready and waiting to remind them just how loved they are and to reassure them that it won’t be long before they get to go home.