Parents’ Hub

Finding out that you are going to be a dad can be an exciting but daunting thing! You may feel lots of different emotions both positive and negative and many men feel a variety of emotions at the thoughts of becoming a father. What matters most, is that you are here and open to thinking about what all this means for you and your family.

Men are designed for fatherhood, just like women are for motherhood. Dads can be as sensitive to a baby’s cries as mothers are. Within hours of the birth, dads can recognise their babies just by the touch of their hands, even when they are blindfolded. While there is a lot to learn through the experience of becoming a father, you also have instincts and knowledge within you to know where to start.

There are probably lots of ways that you may feel unprepared for becoming a dad, perhaps financially or emotionally or even wondering how it is going to change your lifestyle and social life. Becoming a father can often result in thinking about your own parents, and the role your dad played in your life and the responsibility of caring for a little person can sometimes feel very daunting. Lots of men experience this and have similar fears, the most important thing is to know that you are not alone.

It can feel difficult for dads to bond with their baby while their partner is pregnant. While it may feel natural for mothers to talk or sing to their bump it is more of a challenge for dads, who are not experiencing all the feelings and sensations in their own body. It can often feel like the mother is the main person responsible for connecting with your baby during pregnancy, but scientists and researchers now know that babies and young children develop a number of attachment relationships simultaneously with the adults that interact with them the most– including their fathers. Dad, babies can hear your voice while in the womb, and will recognise it when they are born, and it all helps towards building a strong relationship with your child.

Whether you had a great father or male role model in your own life to draw on, or not, becoming a father can teach you things about yourself that you never knew and bring out positive traits in you that you didn’t know where in there! Some dads may need to work a bit harder to pull out the good traits and hide the bad ones, but everyone has the capacity to love their child and develop a secure attachment. Becoming a dad can be lots of fun but also hard work! It’s important to take time out, to relax and stay healthy.

During pregnancy, it is a good time to talk to your partner about your baby, what you imagine your life will be like when they arrive, what you are most excited about or nervous about, and communicate your needs together to help you to prepare.

Connecting with your baby can happen during pregnancy, even before your child is born. Through thinking about your baby while you are pregnant, and what it will be like to become a parent and meet your child it is starting the relationship and bond between you both.

You might find yourself touching your growing belly, putting your hand over your belly protectively or finding comfort in rubbing your bump while relaxing, this is all part of the building a relationship between you and your baby.

Babies can always hear their mother’s heartbeat, and love to hear your voice and the voice of dad, or siblings or other important people. While it can feel silly, talking or singing to your bump can be a wonderful thing to do to develop your connection with your baby during your pregnancy.

When your baby is big enough for you to feel or see their kicks or movement, rub the spot that they have kicked and respond to their movement. Letting dad or siblings interact with your bump in this way can also help with building a relationship before your baby is even born.

Being curious with your bump is a lovely way to build a bond, if you notice certain activities result in lots of baby movements, or music or songs- notice how your growing baby responds to you and your environment.

If you are worried at all during your pregnancy, or you are finding it particularly hard to connect with your bump reach out to your midwife or public health nurse.

For more information or advice on connecting with your bump visit the Pregnancy and Birth section of My Child website.

Pregnancy is a time of great change, and it is important to look after yourself during your pregnancy.

You may feel happy, excited, stressed, nervous or frightened. It is normal to experience a mixture of feelings and what matters most is that you are open to thinking about becoming a Mum and what it means to you?

As well as all the physical changes in pregnancy, it is very common to experience a change in identity and your sense of yourself in the world. Using a journal can be very helpful to express the range of emotions.

Pregnancy can re-awaken memories from one’s own childhood. This may bring up questions for you and lead you to think about the type of Mum you want to be for your baby. What is most important to you? What are your hopes and wishes for this child? This is also a lovely time to start connecting with your baby growing inside you.

Pregnancy can also bring about changes in your relationships. If you have a partner, talk about the difference a baby will bring to your lives.

Attending your antenatal appointments and GP visits during your pregnancy is not just about checking that your baby is doing ok, it is also for you to get support.

The national website www.mychild.ie is a great resource for all things pregnancy related and offers expert tips, advice and guidance for you and your pregnancy.

Choosing to breastfeed

Choosing to breastfeed can have many benefits for your baby, such as reducing the risk of constipation or upset tummy and helping to protect them from illnesses such as chest, ear or tummy infections.

Breastfeeding has benefits for mothers too, such as helping your womb return to normal size after birth, it reduces the risk of certain cancers and can be convenient without the need for equipment or supplies for infant feeding.

Breastfeeding can help mothers and babies to bond and feel connected.

To find out more about the benefits of breastfeeding, along with advice, tips and information please go to Breastfeeding – HSE.ie or speak with your midwife or public health nurse.

There are community support groups in place for breastfeeding such as Cuidiu groups in local communities.

The benefits of infant massage

• Strengthened Bond: Infant Massage courses greatly enhance the early bonding relationship between parents, caregivers, and their precious babies.
• Colic Relief: Learn techniques that can help alleviate colic, providing much-needed comfort for your little one.
• Promotes Relaxation: Discover how to create a soothing environment for your baby, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.
• Improved Sleep Patterns: Gain insights into effective techniques that can assist in establishing healthy sleep patterns for your baby.
• Enhanced Immunity: Through the power of nurturing touch, you can contribute to boosting your baby’s immunity and overall well-being.

Who is it suitable for?

Infant Massage courses are designed for babies from birth to one year, alongside their parent or caregiver. Infant massage courses help to deepen the connection with your baby and help you acquire valuable skills.   

What can I expect from a class?

The course is usually run over five weeks.

Along with learning how to massage your baby, parents and caregivers will have a chance to chat with other parents and caregivers in a supportive environment and learn lots of information and tips around child development in those early months and years.

Each class finishes with a well-deserved cuppa and some treats for baby’s parents or caregivers.

What participants say

“It was so nice to get out for a bit of adult company and talk to other new mammies. Maria and Denise (facilitators) helped me more than they ever knew. I would 100% recommend this for new mammy’s, it was brilliant!!”

“The confidence I got from just leaving the house and being around such a warm and welcoming group was something I hadn’t expected and appreciate most from the group.”

“The girls put a lot of care, energy and effort into the group. It has been so reassuring to have evidence-based information and support in a relaxed and informal environment. Cannot recommend enough”.

There is no such thing as a perfect parent, our children need good enough.

At times all parents feel lost or without a clue about what our child might need from us. Imagine what it might feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The Circle of Security® Parenting™ programme is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.

By completing the programme you will learn to

• Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read their emotional needs
• Support your child’s ability to successfully manage their big feelings
• Promote the development of your child’s self esteem
• Honour your innate wisdom and desire for your child to be secure

What You’ll Learn

By participating in the programme, you will gain valuable insights and skills to enhance your parenting journey. The program focuses on:

Understanding Your Child’s Emotional World

You’ll learn how to decipher your child’s emotional needs and effectively respond to them. This understanding will help nurture a secure parent-child relationship.

Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Management

Discover strategies to help your child successfully navigate their big emotions. By offering support and guidance, you can empower them to develop healthy emotional regulation skills.

Promoting Self-Esteem Development

Learn how to foster your child’s self-esteem, encouraging their confidence and belief in themselves. Building a positive self-image is essential for their overall well-being.

Honouring Your Parental Wisdom

Recognise and trust your innate wisdom as a parent. The programme encourages you to embrace your desire for your child to feel secure and loved, empowering you to create a nurturing environment.

Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect parent, but with the right support and knowledge, you can be the good enough parent your child needs.

For more information visit Circle of Security

Caring for babies in a responsive way helps build a strong and loving bond. Trust your instincts – responding quickly to your baby’s cries will not ‘spoil’ him or her, but will make your baby feel safe and loved and help him or her grow up to be confident and happy.

Being responsive to your baby involves keeping your baby close, cuddling and stroking her body, talking to her in a gentle, soothing voice, learning the signs when she wants to be fed or comforted, and comforting her as soon as possible when she cries.

It can take time to learn and recognise your baby’s cues and signals and you will not always get it right but that is ok.

Why it is important to respond to your baby

When you notice your baby’s body language and respond to it, she or he feels safe and secure. This helps you to build a strong relationship with your baby.  Responding to your new baby lets them know that their needs matter and are important to you.  This will help your baby to grow up feel secure and confident. Sometimes babies just need to be held…

Recognising your Baby’s Cues and Nonverbal Communication and Body Language

Baby cues are your baby’s way of trying to tell you what he or she needs.  Your baby’s body language can tell you how he’s feeling and what he needs from you. By watching your baby, you will start to pick up and notice the cues.  This can take a little time so do not worry if you do not always get it first time.

Your baby will give you clues about to let you know what he or she needs.  Let’s take a look at some cues your baby may be giving.

Here are some cues your baby may display:

I am hungry…

Babies often give little cues before they start crying loudly.  Your baby may start rooting with their mouth, make sucking sounds and maybe some little noises or small cries before they start crying loudly.

I am tired…

When your baby is tired, he or she will often send the following cues;

• Becomes quiet and still
• Loses interest in people and toys
• Frowns or knotting her eyebrows
• Clenches his or her fists tightly
• Rubs his or hers eyes and ears and starts fussing

Recognising these drowsy cues can stop your baby from becoming irritable and make settling easier them.

I want to play…

New babies have a very short time before they are able to play and engage with you.  As your baby grows, you will notice that he or she is able to play for a longer time.  Your baby may send the following cues that he or she wants to play:

• Turns his or her head toward you
• Looks at your face
• May reach out to you and grasp a finger
• Make eye contact and smile
• Move his or her lips as though they are saying ‘ooh’

I need a break…

When your baby needs a break, they will let you know.  Small babies can only engage and maintain eye contact for short periods of time.  Your baby may send the following cues;

• Look away and turn his or her head to the side
• Start to squirm and frowns
• Kicking or arching his or her back
• Raise his or her hand

It is good to start to notice the ‘I need a break’ cues otherwise your baby can start fussing and crying.

Enjoy the Magic of Reading with Your Baby

It’s never too early to start reading with your baby! Reading together is not only a special bonding time but also has many benefits for your child’s language, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. It can reduce parental stress. When you engage in reading with your child from an early age, it sets them up for success in education and lifelong learning.

Why Read with Your Baby:

Bonding and Connection:

Reading provides an opportunity for you to spend quality time with your child, fostering a strong parent-child relationship. It’s a chance to snuggle up, explore stories, and share magical moments together.

Language and Cognitive Development

Regular reading exposes your child to a rich vocabulary and helps them develop language skills. They learn new words, sentence structures, and the joy of storytelling. Reading also enhances their cognitive abilities, stimulating their imagination and critical thinking.

Socio-Emotional Development

Books offer valuable life lessons, emotions, and characters that children can relate to. It helps them understand feelings, empathy, and different perspectives. This emotional connection through stories promotes their socio-emotional development.

Tips for Reading with Your Baby

• Is your child under the age of 5, and living in Dublin 24? Register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and your child will receive a FREE specially selected age-appropriate book to the door every month until they turn 5!
• Join Your Local Library – Membership is free, borrowing is free, and there are no library fines for children’s books. Libraries also host many fun events for children and families. Find out more about joining your local library here. You can use this handy tool to find your local library.
• Children’s Books Ireland provide lots of recommendations for children’s books for all ages.
• Consistent bedtime routines are an important aspect of a child’s development, and including reading in this routine will have benefits for you and your child. Reading at bedtime has been associated with increased sleep duration and provides a platform for you to bond with your child.

Give your baby things to feel and look at and things to hold, shake, and bang.

Connect with us on social media for more creative ideas and parenting tips to enhance your baby’s development.

Sensory Stimulation

• Provide a baby mirror and soft, cuddly toys for visual and tactile exploration.
• Offer items like bells and bricks for your baby to hold, shake, and bang, promoting motor skills.

Visual Tracking

• Encourage your baby to follow toys with their eyes by blowing bubbles or using finger puppets.

Hiding Games

• Play hiding games by letting a piece of tissue or scarf fall over your head, prompting your baby to pull it off.

Peek-a-Boo

• Engage in peek-a-boo games to enhance object permanence and surprise your baby in a playful way.

Rhymes and Anticipation

• Introduce simple rhymes like ‘Round and round the garden’ to involve your baby in anticipating actions or words, such as “boo.”

It is never too early to start talking to your baby! Talking to babies even when they cannot talk back helps them learn to speak and communicate. Babies love to hear their parent’s voices. By talking to your child, it will help you develop a loving and secure bond.

Even though your baby does not understand what you are saying, they will feel safe when they hear your calm and reassuring voice. Vary the volume and pitch of your voice too, as babies respond to high and soft voices. You don’t even need to use real words; have some fun with sounds!

Your baby may not copy these sounds straight away but will enjoy watching your mouth and face and hearing the sounds you make. Let your baby see and feel your mouth moving, either with their hands or on their skin. For example, blow raspberries and let your baby touch your lips to feel the vibration.

Mums and dads who talk to their babies when they are just babbling but not actually speaking are helping their babies develop their communication skills. Talk about things as they happen — bath time, feeding time, changing time— all the time!

Talk to your baby when:

• Your child is facing you
• You have their attention

Copy what your baby says

If your baby makes a certain sound or noise, copy the sound or noise and wait for your baby to make another. In this way, you are having a ‘baby conversation’ and teaching the concept of turn-taking.

Always make sure that you are looking at your baby, and try not to interrupt. Make sure you use smiling and facial expressions during your ‘baby conversations’.

Teach your baby new words

When you are with your baby, name familiar objects/toys that your baby looks at or plays with. If your baby makes sounds while they are playing with a toy or looking at an object, imitate those sounds and interpret them by providing the name of the toy/object.

During everyday activities — for example, feeding, bathing, and nappy changes — and during routines when your baby is with you, talk about what you or your baby are doing.

Let your baby experience different and new situations, for example, shopping trips, bus trips, or even washing the dishes. These are great situations to teach new vocabulary.

There is no such thing as a perfect parent, our children need good enough.

At times all parents feel lost or without a clue about what our child might need from us. Imagine what it might feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.

By completing the programme you will learn to

• Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read their emotional needs
• Support your child’s ability to successfully manage their big feelings
• Promote the development of your child’s self esteem
• Honor your innate wisdom and desire for your child to be secure


What You’ll Learn

By participating in the programme, you will gain valuable insights and skills to enhance your parenting journey. The program focuses on:

• Understanding Your Child’s Emotional World
  You’ll learn how to decipher your child’s emotional needs and effectively respond to them. This understanding will help nurture a secure parent-child relationship.
• Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Management
  Discover strategies to help your child successfully navigate their big emotions. By offering support and guidance, you can empower them to develop healthy emotional regulation skills.
• Promoting Self-Esteem Development
  Learn how to foster your child’s self-esteem, encouraging their confidence and belief in themselves. Building a positive self-image is essential for their overall well-being.
• Honoring Your Parental Wisdom
  Recognise and trust your innate wisdom as a parent. The programme encourages you to embrace your desire for your child to feel secure and loved, empowering you to create a nurturing environment.

Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect parent, but with the right support and knowledge, you can be the good enough parent your child needs.

If you would like more information please visit the Circle of Security International website.

We look forward to welcoming you and your little ones to our parent and toddler groups! Parent/Carer Facilitators (PCFs) are here to support you in setting up and participating in local parent and toddler groups in the Dublin 24 area. These groups take place either within the seven Early Learning and Care (ELC) settings where our PCFs are based or in community locations like a nearby community centre

Our parent and toddler groups are held on mid-week mornings, giving parents and carers of young babies and toddlers an opportunity to come together for an hour or two. While the children get to socialise and play, parents and carers can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and spend time chatting with each other.

During these sessions, PCF’s sometimes use the time in parent and toddler groups to share important messages about parenting and child development, and model ideas for play using techniques through a programme called the PEEP Learning together programme.

Remember, our PCFs are always available to talk with you about any aspect of your child’s development and offer support. We invite parents to contribute a small weekly amount of €2 to cover costs, but this is not mandatory.

If you’re interested in joining a parent and toddler group in Tallaght, here’s a list of currently running groups. Please reach out to the PCFs for more information. The details of established groups are provided below.

What parents say about our Parent and Toddler Groups

“We attended the Mammy and toddler group every Wednesday morning. This group provides a safe and fun space for my little girl to grow and develop. The mornings are always fun and filled with information for us parents. I have had many questions and worries as a first-time Mammy, and I always get the information and help from the staff at our mommy and toddler group.”

“Fantastic learning and social environment for my one-year-old. She and her mammy love attending.”

“My son loves the group, great for learning and mixing with other kids and I hope to have his little sister with us next week.”

“Parent toddler group… it’s fantastic! My daughter loves going on Wednesdays. It’s great to see her mixing with the other children and the little friendships she is making.”

What parents are saying about PEEP

“I started the PEEP programme when my baby was 6 weeks old. It was really nice to meet and socialise with other parents and their babies. My little girl loved watching all the older babies sitting up and playing and enjoyed the sing songs each week too.”

“My daughter and I are really enjoying the PEEP in the centre. She is loving exploring the varied materials each week its taught me just to give her more options for play other than just with baby toys, encouraging her to explore with other natural materials that can be found in your own kitchen and allowing her to lead the play too. She is loving the singing each week and the story telling.”

At CDI, we understand the significance of early intervention. Research shows that the first five years of your child’s life are crucial for their development. We believe that providing support to families during this early stage can lead to positive outcomes for everyone in the family.

Our Parent Carer/Facilitators (PCFs) are all trained to deliver the Parents Plus Early Years Programme. This fantastic course, ‘Parents Plus in the Early Years,’ is based on Irish evidence and is designed to make a real difference in the well-being of children and families.

The best part is that the course is solution-focused and will build on your existing strengths as a parent. It’s perfect for parents and carers of children aged 1 to 6 years, including young children with additional needs.

By attending this course, you’ll learn how to:

• Nurture strong attachments and relationships with your child
• Handle challenging behaviour with confidence
• Boost your child’s language and overall development
• Reduce your own stress as a parent and feel more at ease
• Support your child’s concentration and learning abilities
• Boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence
• Establish positive and comforting daily routines for your little one

The PCFs run this course in various settings in the Dublin 24 area.  If you would like more information or would like to sign up to one of our upcoming courses, please contact bookings@cdi.ie your interest here.

What parents say about the Programme

“I found all of the course very helpful, every week there was something that touched home with me.”

“Group discussions on our daily parenting practices- It was helpful to come away each week thinking I am not the only one”

At CDI, we understand the crucial role parents play in their children’s lives and development. We are dedicated to promoting parental engagement and providing support to parents during the early years. Through our Parent/Carer Facilitators (PCFs) in Tallaght, we strive to empower parents and create a nurturing environment for children’s growth.

Our Support Services

CDI supports seven early learning and care (ELC) services in Tallaght by providing dedicated Parent/Carer Facilitators along with a dedicated PCF working across IPAS (international protection accommodation services) Services in Dublin 24 and surrounding areas. These facilitators work closely with parents, addressing their needs, and offering support to ensure the well-being and development of their children. Our PCFs are committed to promoting children’s achievement of developmental milestones. 

Community Support

In addition to assisting parents within ELC services, our PCFs extend their support to the wider community. We offer various parent education programmes designed to empower parents with knowledge and skills. Through parent and toddler groups, we create spaces for parents to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. We also organise Infant Massage groups, providing a nurturing environment for parents and babies to bond and promote their well-being.

Our Goal

Our ultimate goal is to equip parents with the necessary tools and resources to navigate the early years successfully. We believe that by empowering parents, we positively impact children’s lives and contribute to their holistic development.

Our PCFs

Jessica Tomney – Naíonra Chaítlin Maude

Natalie Dunne – Barnardos Millbrook Lawns

Bernie Coleman – An Cosán Early Years – Kiltipper

Leanne Collins – Startbright Greenhills

Audrey Mc Mahon – Startbright Brookview

Vacant Role –  Tallaght

Vacant Role – An Cosán Early Years –  St Annes

If your child attends any of the seven ELC services where there is a PCF, they can help you with

• Referrals to services that you or your child might need
• One to one support to work on any difficulties you may be experiencing as a parent
• Meeting and socialising with other parents
• Learning additional skills that will support you in your role as a parent

If your child does not attend one of these services but you live in the Tallaght community, our PCFs may also work with you. Our PCFs are trained to deliver a variety of parent education programmes, including but not limited to:

• Parents Plus – The Early Years Programme
• Circle of Security
• The Peep Learning Together Programme
• Infant Massage
• 4 the family

If you live in the Tallaght area and are interested in attending any of the above parenting courses, please contact bookings@cdi.ie.

They also welcome families to their parent and toddler groups that are run in various locations in the community.

Enjoy the Magic of Reading with Your Toddler

It is never too early to begin reading with your child. Reading is an opportunity for bonding, connection, and sharing time together. Spending time with your child and a book has many potential benefits including enhanced parent-child relations, reduced parental stress, and long-term impacts on children’s language, cognitive and socio-emotional development. A positive early home learning environment, such as a home with lots of books, can have a positive impact on children’s later reading skills. Furthermore, when parents engage in reading with their child at a young age, children are more likely to become good readers, enhancing their engagement with education and learning.

Why Read with Your Child

Bonding and Connection

Reading provides an opportunity for you to spend quality time with your child, fostering a strong parent-child relationship. It’s a chance to snuggle up, explore stories, and share magical moments together.

Language and Cognitive Development

Regular reading exposes your child to a rich vocabulary and helps them develop language skills. They learn new words, sentence structures, and the joy of storytelling. Reading also enhances their cognitive abilities, stimulating their imagination and critical thinking.

Socio-Emotional Development

Books offer valuable life lessons, emotions, and characters that children can relate to. It helps them understand feelings, empathy, and different perspectives. This emotional connection through stories promotes their socio-emotional development.

Tips for Reading with Your Toddler

Join Your Local Library

Become a member of your local library—it’s free! You can borrow books without any fines. Libraries often organise fun events for children and families, creating a vibrant reading community. Check out their website to find more information and become a member.

Book Recommendations

Children’s Books Ireland provides a variety of recommendations for children’s books, suitable for different ages. Explore their suggestions to find exciting and engaging books for your little one.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

If your child is under the age of 5 and lives in Dublin 24, register them for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. They will receive a specially selected age-appropriate book delivered to your doorstep every month until they turn 5!

Bedtime Reading Routine

Incorporate reading into your child’s bedtime routine. It not only helps establish a consistent and calming routine but also promotes better sleep duration. It’s a wonderful time to cuddle up, share stories, and create cherished memories.

Reading is a gift you can give your child that will last a lifetime. Enjoy the magic of books together and watch your child’s love for reading grow.

As a Parent/Carer, you can actively contribute to your child’s speech and language development at any age. Explore the typical stages of speech and language development to gain insight into your child’s current stage and access activities that encourage their continued growth. Our goal is to help you understand your child’s current stage and provide activities that stimulate and encourage further development.

If you have any questions or concerns, we recommend speaking to your child’s Public Health Nurse or a local Speech and Language Therapist for professional guidance.

The Second Year

During the second year of your child’s life, they will go through several stages as they develop their speech and language skills. Please note that the ages given below are meant only as a rough guide, every child is different.

12 months onwards

What to expect from your child from 12 months and onwards

Understanding

Your child will soon be able to understand single words, respond to simple questions accompanied by gestures, and follow short one-step instructions, – for example, ‘where is daddy?’ and follow short one step instructions – for example, ‘bring me your teddy’.

They will also develop an understanding of daily routines and anticipate common everyday activities based on familiar words and objects. For example, words like “dinner” or “food”, and the sight of a spoon or plate may signal dinnertime. They will associate names of objects with the objects themselves and may bring you a familiar object from another room when asked.

At this stage, your child will begin to be interested in listening to you naming body parts – for example, eyes or tummy, and will start to point to them when named. He or she will probably learn some new words each week. Your child will enjoy bouncing, laughing, kicking, throwing, tugging, pushing away and pointing to communicate his needs. He or she will now be able to sustain interest in a book or pictures for two or more minutes, if helped by an adult.

Talking

Your child may now have an average of three clear words; for example, ‘mama’, ‘dada’ and usually some familiar object name – for example, ‘car’ or ‘drink’. It helps to repeat the words back to provide a clear model and shape to these early words. He or she will use babble and a combination of words. Together with the use of intonation, this all helps to convey meaning.

Your child will also start to imitate familiar words on a more regular basis. Children love to copy! He or she will laugh and shout a great deal and make lots of noises and grunts. They enjoy imitating sounds of animals and objects.

When to be concerned:

• If he/she does not look around to see who is speaking
• Does not produce a lot of babble
• Does not follow your direction when you point
• If your child is not interested in toys 
• Does not understand simple everyday vocabulary 
• He/she does not use any meaningful words. 
• Does not show shared attention (looking between you and an object) 

The Second Year: Activities to Support Communication Development

Listening to Sounds

Continue to introduce your child to new sounds and take the time to explain and show them what makes each sound. For example, you can say, “That’s the doorbell ringing.” You can also introduce symbolic sounds that have meaning, like saying “uh-oh” when something is dropped or imitating animal noises like “miaow” when your child sees a real cat or a picture of one.

Taking turns

Make a game of giving and receiving as your child begins to understand your requests and follow instructions – for example, ‘give me the car’. Play games that will allow for turn-taking – for example, rolling a ball to each other.

Learning New Words

Help your child learn descriptive words by incorporating them into your conversations. For example, say, “Isn’t your ice cream cold?” or ask, “Do you want more spaghetti?” Use new experiences as opportunities to introduce new words. For instance, during a visit to the playground, you can talk about flowers, sand, swings, and even words like “up” and “down” when your child is using the slide.

During playtime, name and show your child familiar toys, like cars, balls, or teddies, and mention that they are all “toys.” Mealtimes can also be an excellent opportunity to introduce the category of “food” to your child.

Learning to categorise words that go together

Give your child as many opportunities to use the words he or she has learnt. For example, keep his or her favourite toy out of reach but where he or she can see it and encourage him or her to ‘ask’ for teddy before you fetch it. Respond and reward your child’s effort at speaking even when his or her speech is not clear or if he or she does not say the word correctly.

If your child looks at his or her plate and say ‘getty’, you can say ‘would you like more spaghetti?’ In year two children often do not speak words clearly. However, a persistent problem might require the intervention of a speech and language therapist.

Play

Give your child things to feel and look at – for example, baby mirror or soft cuddly toys – and things to hold, shake and bang – for example, bells and bricks.

Encourage him or her to follow toys with his eyes – for example, blow bubbles/balloons in front of him or use finger puppets. You can also play hiding games with your child: let a piece of tissue or scarf fall over your head or cover a toy and encourage your child to pull it off. Play ‘pretend’ games with your child – for example, have pretend cups of tea. You could also have fun feeding teddies or dolls and putting them to bed.

Looking at books

Continue to encourage your child to look at books. As you look through the book, name and point to a familiar picture of an object in the book and then ask your child to point to it or say ‘where is the teddy?’

Nursery rhymes and songs

Listen to nursery rhymes or songs with your child or watch his or her favourite videos with him or her. You could also sing your child’s favourite nursery rhymes to him or her. Carry out the actions as you sing the words – for example, The wheels on the bus go round and round. When the songs and the words become familiar to your child, encourage him or her to fill in the sounds, actions or words which come at the end of the line – for example, ‘Heads and shoulders, knees and ____’

Most importantly, have fun with your child!

Supporting Your Child’s Speech and Language Development: Ages 12 to 24 Months

As a Parent/Carer, you can actively contribute to your child’s speech and language development. Explore the typical stages of speech and language development between 12 and 24 months outlined below to gain insight into your child’s current stage and access activities that encourage their continued growth.

If you have any questions or concerns, we recommend speaking to your child’s Public Health Nurse or a local Speech and Language Therapist for professional guidance.

Communication Development at Age 2

Understanding

At this stage, children begin to understand longer sentences, such as “Your shoes are upstairs.” They are developing the ability to comprehend and follow more complex instructions.

Speaking

Children start using many single words, with a vocabulary of up to 200 words. They gradually build sentences consisting of 2 to 4 words. Their ability to express themselves and understand new words continues to grow each day.

Speech Clarity

By the age of 24 months, a child’s speech is typically 50-75% intelligible, meaning it can be easily understood by familiar listeners. They are making progress in forming clearer sounds and words.

When to Be Concerned

Vocabulary Size

If your child has a vocabulary of less than 50 single words by the age of 2, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Word Combination

If your child is not joining words together to form short sentences, it could be a sign of potential concern.

Understanding Instructions

If your child struggles to understand simple requests like “give the doll to mammy,” it may be beneficial to seek advice.

Responsiveness

If your child does not consistently respond when their name is called, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Remember, every child develops at their own pace, but these signs can help identify potential areas of concern. Seeking professional support and advice can provide valuable guidance for your child’s speech and language development.

As a Parent/Carer, you can actively contribute to your child’s speech and language development at any age. Explore the typical stages of speech and language development to gain insight into your child’s current stage and access activities that encourage their continued growth. Our goal is to help you understand your child’s current stage and provide activities that stimulate and encourage further development.

If you have any questions or concerns, we recommend speaking to your child’s Public Health Nurse or a local Speech and Language Therapist for professional guidance.

Communication Development at Age 3

Speaking

At the age of 3, children may still have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, such as ‘r’, ‘w’, ‘l’, ‘y’, ‘f’, ‘th’, ‘s’, ‘sh’, ‘ch’, and ‘j’. Their sentences become more complex, like saying, “I’m going to Nana’s and getting a new toy car.”

Speech Clarity

It’s normal for children at this age to sometimes stumble over their words and sentences. By 36 months, their speech should be 75—100% intelligible, meaning it can be easily understood by familiar listeners.

When to be concerned:

If your child doesn’t understand what you’re saying.

If they only use two-word combinations.

If their vocabulary is limited.

If unfamiliar people have trouble understanding their speech.

If you notice any of these concerns, it may be a good idea to seek further guidance or support for your child’s communication development.

At CDI, we understand the significance of early intervention. Research shows that the first five years of your child’s life are crucial for their development. We believe that providing support to families during this early stage can lead to positive outcomes for everyone in the family.

Our Parent Carer/Facilitators (PCFs) are all trained to deliver the Parents Plus Early Years Programme. This fantastic course, ‘Parents Plus in the Early Years,’ is based on Irish evidence and is designed to make a real difference in the well-being of children and families.

The best part is that the course is solution-focused and will build on your existing strengths as a parent. It’s perfect for parents and carers of children aged 1 to 6 years, including young children with additional needs.

By attending this course, you’ll learn how to:

• Nurture strong attachments and relationships with your child
• Handle challenging behaviour with confidence
• Boost your child’s language and overall development
• Reduce your own stress as a parent and feel more at ease
• Support your child’s concentration and learning abilities
• Boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence
• Establish positive and comforting daily routines for your little one

The PCFs run this course in various settings in the Dublin 24 area.  If you would like more information or would like to sign up to one of our upcoming courses, please contact bookings@cdi.ie your interest here.

What parents say about the Programme

“I found all of the course very helpful, every week there was something that touched home with me.”

“Group discussions on our daily parenting practices- It was helpful to come away each week thinking I am not the only one”

Doodle STEAM is a programme designed specifically for parents of children aged 6 to 8 years. Our aim is to equip parents with the confidence and knowledge to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) activities with their children right in the comfort of their own homes. By partnering with the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) teacher at your child’s school, Doodle STEAM offers one-hour weekly sessions over an exciting 8-week period.

During these sessions, our dedicated HSCL teacher will guide parents through a variety of STEAM activities, ensuring that the experience is both enjoyable and hands-on. We want parents to feel empowered and excited about exploring the wonders of STEAM alongside their children. As parents actively participate in these activities, they are encouraged to share their experiences and insights with the group, fostering a sense of community and learning from one another.

Each week, our focus will be on demonstrating how to engage in simple yet captivating activities using easily accessible materials. From creating homemade playdough to constructing a stethoscope using kitchen roll tubes and balloons, there’s a wide range of thrilling projects to explore together. These activities not only stimulate curiosity and imagination but also provide opportunities for children and parents to bond over shared discoveries.

If you’re eager to learn more about Doodle STEAM and whether it’s available in your child’s school, we encourage you to reach out to your Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) teacher. They will be able to provide you with all the necessary information and guide you on how to participate in this programme.

Doodle Den is an after-school literacy programme for children in Senior Infants. It is takes place in schools across Dublin 24, Dublin city, and Limerick. For students at participating schools, 90-minute Doodle Den sessions are held after school, three times each week.

Additionally, there are three family sessions and six parent sessions for parents each year.

If your child is taking part in Doodle Den, here’s some things they will cover:

• Phonics skills
• Writing
• Independent reading
• Reading comprehension
• Drama
• Music

And much more!

Doodle Den is evidence-based, meaning it has known and proven positive outcomes for children in terms of their literacy skills. To find out if Doodle Den is in your school, please contact your local school.

Doodle Den Website

The Doodle Den website has lots of games and activities that any child aged between five and seven can enjoy with the help of a parent or other adult! Visit www.doodleden.ie to discover the Doodle Den Island and track your child’s progress towards their literacy goals! Your child does not need to be engaging with the Doodle Den programme to enjoy the Doodle Den website.

Doodle Families A Family Literacy Programme

Doodle Families is an 8-week family literacy programme for children in first class and their parents. Parents attend sessions for one hour per week, which focus on a range of topics, from library services to oral language. Children attend a one-hour session once per week, which complements the parental sessions. The parents are welcome to join the last ten minutes of the children’s sessions.

The importance of the home environment in literacy development

The programme recognises the importance of the home environment in literacy development, and the need to support parents to increase their literacy awareness and activities. It aims to enhance the home learning environment and enjoyment of reading among parents and children.

Programme Availability

Currently, Doodle Families is implemented in several locations, including Dublin 24, Drogheda, North Dublin, Cork, and Limerick. If you would like to check if Doodle Families is available in your child’s school, we recommend speaking with the Home School Community Liaison teacher. They will be able to provide you with more information and help you get started.

Join Doodle Families and embark on a meaningful literacy journey with your child. Together, we can make a positive impact on their reading skills and create lifelong memories along the way.

Enjoy the Magic of Reading with Your 4—6 year old Child

It’s never too early to start reading with your child! Reading together is not only a special bonding time but also has many benefits for your child’s language, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. It can reduce parental stress. When you engage in reading with your child from an early age, it sets them up for success in education and lifelong learning.

Why Read with Your Child

Bonding and Connection

Reading provides an opportunity for you to spend quality time with your child, fostering a strong parent-child relationship. It’s a chance to snuggle up, explore stories, and share magical moments together.

Language and Cognitive Development

Regular reading exposes your child to a rich vocabulary and helps them develop language skills. They learn new words, sentence structures, and the joy of storytelling. Reading also enhances their cognitive abilities, stimulating their imagination and critical thinking.

Socio-Emotional Development

Books offer valuable life lessons, emotions, and characters that children can relate to. It helps them understand feelings, empathy, and different perspectives. This emotional connection through stories promotes their socio-emotional development.

Tips for Reading with Your Child

Join Your Local Library

Become a member of your local library—it’s free! You can borrow books without any fines. Libraries often organise fun events for children and families, creating a vibrant reading community. Check out their website to find more information and become a member.

Book Recommendations

Children’s Books Ireland

Children’s Books Ireland provides a variety of recommendations for children’s books, suitable for different ages. Explore their suggestions to find exciting and engaging books for your little one.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

If your child is under the age of 5 and lives in Dublin 24, register them for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. They will receive a specially selected age-appropriate book delivered to your doorstep every month until they turn 5!

Bedtime Reading Routine

Incorporate reading into your child’s bedtime routine. It not only helps establish a consistent and calming routine but also promotes better sleep duration. It’s a wonderful time to cuddle up, share stories, and create cherished memories.

Reading is a gift you can give your child that will last a lifetime. Enjoy the magic of books together and watch your child’s love for reading grow.

Moving from pre-school to primary school can be an exciting time, but it can also bring some worries and stress for both parents and children. During this time, children experience many changes such as their environment, the people around them, and their daily routine. It may take some time for them to adjust, so it’s helpful to prepare your child for these changes in advance.

Some things you can do to help your child prepare for ‘big school’:

• Talk about it: Have conversations with your child about their new school and what they can expect. Tell them about their new teacher, mention that their old friends might also be at the new school, and highlight the opportunity to make new friends.
• Ask their thoughts and feelings: Encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings about starting school. Respond to any questions or concerns they may have. Reassure your child and prepare both yourself and your child for this new chapter by engaging in activities together, like shopping for school supplies such as books, pencils, and bags. Reading stories about school can also be beneficial.
• Involve your child: Find ways to include your child in the preparations for their new school journey. Can they help choose a new schoolbag or lunch box? Let them try on their new uniform or pack their schoolbag. You can also try out some healthy lunchbox ideas at home.
• Prepare through play: Role play and socio-dramatic play can be a fun and effective way to help children understand what school life is like. Create a pretend classroom at home and take turns being the “teacher” and “student.” This playtime can also give you insights into any concerns your child may have about starting school.

By implementing these strategies, you can support your child’s smooth transition to primary school.

As a Parent/Carer, you can actively contribute to your child’s speech and language development at any age. Explore the typical stages of speech and language development to gain insight into your child’s current stage and access activities that encourage their continued growth. Our goal is to help you understand your child’s current stage and provide activities that stimulate and encourage further development.

If you have any questions or concerns, we recommend speaking to your child’s Public Health Nurse or a local Speech and Language Therapist for professional guidance.

What to expect at Age 4

At this stage, children’s speech and language skills continue to develop rapidly. Here are some key milestones:

• Clear communication: People who haven’t met the child before will be able to understand what they say.
• Inquisitive minds: Children are asking lots of questions, especially “Why?” questions, as their curiosity grows.
• Reflecting on experiences: They can talk about things they have done in the past and express their thoughts about future events.

When to be concerned

While these milestones are typical for many children at this age, it’s important to be aware of potential concerns. Here are some signs that may indicate a need for further evaluation:

• Unclear speech: If your child’s speech is still difficult to understand, it may be worth seeking professional guidance.
• Grammar difficulties: Poor use of grammar or difficulty forming complete sentences could indicate a need for additional support.
• Limited attention span: If your child has trouble focusing on activities for more than a few minutes, it’s worth discussing with a professional.
• Difficulty understanding: If your child consistently struggles to comprehend instructions or questions, it’s advisable to seek further assessment.

Remember, every child develops at their own pace, but if you have concerns about your child’s communication skills, it’s always a good idea to seek professional advice. Early intervention can make a significant difference in supporting your child’s communication development.

As a Parent/Carer, you can actively contribute to your child’s speech and language development at any age. Explore the typical stages of speech and language development to gain insight into your child’s current stage and access activities that encourage their continued growth. Our goal is to help you understand your child’s current stage and provide activities that stimulate and encourage further development.

If you have any questions or concerns, we recommend speaking to your child’s Public Health Nurse or a local Speech and Language Therapist for professional guidance.

What to Expect at Age 5

At this stage, children demonstrate remarkable progress in their communication skills. They can now effortlessly shift their attention to you, even while engaged in play. Their understanding of language has also expanded, enabling them to comprehend longer and more complex sentences. For example, they can follow instructions like “Find the orange and black pens.”

Furthermore, most speech sounds are now produced correctly, allowing for clearer and more intelligible speech. Your child’s growing vocabulary and grammar skills contribute to their ability to express themselves more effectively.

When to Seek Support

While children develop at their own pace, it’s essential to be aware of potential areas of concern. If your child’s speech remains very unclear or if they struggle with using proper grammar, it may be beneficial to consult with a professional. Additionally, if your child has difficulty concentrating on activities for more than a few minutes or appears to have trouble understanding your instructions, seeking guidance can help address any underlying challenges.

Doodle STEAM is a programme designed specifically for parents of children aged 6 to 8 years. Our aim is to equip parents with the confidence and knowledge to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) activities with their children right in the comfort of their own homes. By partnering with the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) teacher at your child’s school, Doodle STEAM offers one-hour weekly sessions over an exciting 8-week period.

During these sessions, our dedicated HSCL teacher will guide parents through a variety of STEAM activities, ensuring that the experience is both enjoyable and hands-on. We want parents to feel empowered and excited about exploring the wonders of STEAM alongside their children. As parents actively participate in these activities, they are encouraged to share their experiences and insights with the group, fostering a sense of community and learning from one another.

Each week, our focus will be on demonstrating how to engage in simple yet captivating activities using easily accessible materials. From creating homemade playdough to constructing a stethoscope using kitchen roll tubes and balloons, there’s a wide range of thrilling projects to explore together. These activities not only stimulate curiosity and imagination but also provide opportunities for children and parents to bond over shared discoveries.

If you’re eager to learn more about Doodle STEAM and whether it’s available in your child’s school, we encourage you to reach out to your Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) teacher. They will be able to provide you with all the necessary information and guide you on how to participate in this programme.

Join us on this exciting journey where parents and children come together to explore the captivating world of STEAM. Together, we can ignite a passion for learning and create unforgettable moments of discovery in the comfort of your own home.