Short videos on the Importance of Play have recently launched which was a collaboration between North Central CFSN and Lifestart Services.
Volume 1
https://youtu.be/xl2F2vZXhbgVolume 2
https://youtu.be/OOy4lmWggtMVolume 3
https://youtu.be/tmv40–l7fAVolume 4
https://youtu.be/Wr9bfTWddtsVolume 5
https://youtu.be/7HLkBXvVTFEVolume 6
https://youtu.be/NuUXb51qZY0
The North Central Donegal Directory of Services is now available to download.
Click here to download your copy.
A new parenting programme for families in Donegal.
Are you keen to learn more about family connections, healthy food routines, healthy mealtimes and managing technology among more? 
This programme is suitable for parents of children aged 0-12.
Starting 23rd February
10am-12pm
Online via Zoom
Call Chloe on 0860675186 or 
email chloe.mcginty@dpfss.ie to book a place
Click here to register. Workshop with Jude Morrow February 2nd from 1-4pm. The workshop has been set up to respond to the needs of families in Donegal, particularly when they are given a diagnosis and often do not know where to turn.
About this event
We all feel anger sometimes but what is actually going on in our brain and body? Here are some great infographics from the National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine which explain what is happening.
Here is an interesting piece from the Independent on boosting our children’s immune systems before they go back to school. It is written by Brian Higgins who is a GP at Galway Primary Care. The original article can be downloaded here https://www.independent.ie/life/family/parenting/how-to-boost-your-kids-immune-system-39432060.html
Given that there has been a significant increase in the number of Covid-19 infections around the country the Government has reintroduced restrictions – outlined below. We each have a role to play in reducing the chances of this virus spreading.
The Donegal Dyspraxia Support Group is doing great work raising awareness of dyspraxia and you can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Donegal-Dyspraxia-Support-Group Here is some information taken from the dyspraxia.ie website which explains what dyspraxia is and how it may impact on your child. You can find more information at http://dyspraxia.ie/
Sometimes we can be frustrated with our child’s behaviour, wondering why they can’t do what we expect them to do. Here in this extract from the Parents Plus Early Years Parenting Programme the authors John Sharry, Grainne Hampson and Mary Fanning help us to see that maybe our children aren’t actually misbehaving, they just haven’t learned the skills they need to behave the way we would like.
You can also find more resources from Parents Plus on https://www.parentsplus.ie/parents/
The biggest problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply.
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges when parenting teenagers is taking the time to listen properly. It is easy to jump in with our opinions, our solutions. That often just escalates an already difficult situation. Here are some ideas from John Sharry and Carol Fitzpatrick at Parents Plus from their Adolescent Parenting programme.
Parenting can be challenging and this article from the Toddlers Den website looks at what some of those challenges are in the 21st century. Find the link to the original article below
You may have heard of Executive Functioning Skills. Well here is a piece that explains what they are, why they matter and how you can support your child’s development of these important skills. The original article can be downloaded here https://iraparenting.com/school-ready/executive-functioning-skills-child-development/