Latest news with #FABULOUS
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
We've spent thousands on ‘Mounjaro makeovers' – it's the king of fat jabs but it left us with shocking side effect
WITH Mounjaro users shedding nearly double the amount of weight compared to its other counterparts, it's no wonder the injection is being dubbed the 'king' of fat jabs. But with such drastic results, it's becoming all too common for users to experience side effects they may never have expected - and when that happens, you get yourself booked in for a £10,000 'Mounjaro makeover'. 8 Abbie Rose, 28, started taking Mounjaro in December but was stunned at the shocking side effect 8 Abbie says the fat jab helped her achieve her dream body - but she still had to go under the knife 8 Claire Wilson, stomach pictured, was left with an abundance of loose skin after losing three stone on Mounjaro After injecting the wonder drug for mere months and watching the weight drop off stone by stone, Brits up and down the country are feeling healthier and sexier. But when the fat is gone and all but stretched skin remains, many will feel disheartened at not having achieved their dream body with a quick fix. Mounjaro users are more likely to experience saggy, excess skin compared to those using other brands of fat jabs because of rapid weight loss, according to cosmetic surgeons. Mum-of-three Claire Wilson was one of them - shedding three stone on Mounjaro, she was left with an abundance of READ MORE IN FABULOUS She told The Sun how the fat jab completely changed her life when she hit 13st after turning 40. But it wasn't the end of her weight loss journey as she'd hoped - and she decided to go under the knife for a £10,000 'Mounjaro makeover' to achieve her dream figure. The makeover is a combination of cosmetic procedures sought by patients to remove excess skin after rapid weight loss. Claire had four pounds of flabby skin removed, finally hit her goal weight of 9st and cried with joy when she looked in the mirror for the first time. Most read in Fabulous The 43-year-old from Swansea told Fabulous: 'I've spent decades hating my body. 'But I burst into tears the second I saw my new, flat stomach. Mounjaro Weight Loss injection from Ozeias Se Silva Known As Ozzy Tudo 'I used to hate my reflection and looking at myself but the second I had the surgery and saw how different I looked, I just couldn't believe it. It's changed my life.' 'King' of fat jabs Mounjaro - dubbed the - helped people shed significantly more weight than it's rival , research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found. Though both drugs were effective for weight loss , Mounjaro not only helped people shed more pounds, but they also lost more inches around their waist. Mounjaro's active ingredient is tirzepatide, while Wegovy's is semaglutide - the same active drug in diabetes jab . One study, by weight loss programme I've had three children so like lots of mums I ended up with loose skin but losing weight on Mounjaro it became even more evident. Claire Wilson Dr Darren Smith, a New York cosmetic surgeon, explained how the rapid weight loss from Mounjaro can contribute to excess skin laxity. Explaining the trend, which is rising in popularity in the US, he told his Instagram followers: 'The term 'Mounjaro Makeover' is increasingly popular, and this is a term I use to describe any combination of operations that we're performing to help you get rid of extra skin that you're seeing after weight loss with Mounjaro. 'In many cases, patients that are using Mounjaro and losing a significant amount of weight over a very short period of time might experience even more significant skin laxity than patients that are doing it with Ozempic. 'Patients on Mounjaro are often achieving nearly bariatric surgical levels of weight loss, and these patients are having operations similar to those patients after 'I hated my excess skin' Claire weighed 13st at her heaviest and while she would have liked to work off her weight gain in the gym, like she had done in the past, she noticed her metabolism slowed down when she hit 40. She says: 'I've gained and lost around three stone three or four times in my life. 'I'd ended up around 13st but I'm only 5ft 2in and when I tried to exercise and diet the weight off this time around, I simply couldn't.' Claire began researching She added: 'I saw so many people on social media losing over 9lbs a week. I was keen to try it for myself.' Claire started using the jabs in May 2024 and the weight began to drop away at a rapid rate. 8 Mum-of-three Claire, stomach pictured, spent thousands on a 'Mounjaro Makeover' and had four pounds of flabby skin chopped off 8 Like Claire, Abbie also had a makeover which consisted of a tummy tuck, muscle repair and liposuction 8 Abbie reveals she was 'over the moon' after seeing the results of her makeover She says: 'It was amazing. It totally changed my appetite. I was on a 2.5mg dose to begin with, which went up to 5mg. That was my maximum dose which I'm still on now. It's a maintenance dose I take every two weeks to keep my appetite low." But by September of that year, she noticed that her excess skin was becoming an issue. 'I've had three children so like lots of mums I ended up with loose skin but losing weight on Mounjaro it became even more evident,' she says. 'I absolutely hated it, which is when I started thinking about a Mounjaro makeover. 'I spent over £1,000 on Mounjaro and then saved £10,000 to have tummy tuck surgery. 'I hated the excess skin and what I looked like, my self-esteem was terrible and it affected every area of my life.' Claire's surgery last month - after she hit her target weight of nine stone - was the culmination of 13 months of weight loss. I'm so happy with the new body I have, getting rid of my flabby tummy has changed my life Claire Wilson Her surgeon, Iain Whitaker; professor of Plastic Surgery, and The Welsh Representative on BAAPS Council, performed a 'fleur de lys' surgery with a horizontal and vertical incision before removing around 4lbs(1.75kg) of Claire's excess skin. She says: 'I couldn't believe the amount of skin they removed, there was so much, the video (taken by the medical team) was incredible when I first saw it, around 1.75kg of skin was removed. 'I've been in a bit of discomfort but the recovery has been incredible. I'm still bound at the moment to help reduce scarring but then the surgery was only recently. 'My recovery is ongoing but I'm so happy with the new body I have, getting rid of my flabby tummy has changed my life.' Claire says she can't wait to get into a bikini this summer. She adds: 'It's incredible how much my confidence has changed. 'Having a Mounjaro makeover has completely changed how I feel about myself. I feel sexier than I have in years and have had loads of compliments from friends.' 'Easy way out' Meanwhile, Abbie Rose, 28, started taking Mounjaro in December and credits it with helping her achieve her dream body. The mum of three from 'I think there can be some negativity around weight loss injections but they're amazing. 'I think if they help people and give them their confidence back, that's amazing.' But, like Claire, she was left with extra skin around her stomach, so she booked in with Professor Whitaker to help her hit her ideal weight of 9st 7lbs. She says: 'My Mounjaro makeover consisted of a tummy tuck, muscle repair and liposuction, it was £9,000. 'It was uncomfortable but manageable when it came to the pain and the recovery. I was over the moon when I first saw my results. The Mounjaro Makeover can remove skin from anywhere with the most common areas being the abdomen, arms, breasts, or thighs – or a combination Professor Whitaker 'I spent £300 on Mounjaro injections and the Mounjaro makeover isn't something I went into with my eyes closed. 'I spoke to lots of friends and family about it and they were supportive of my decision and knew it was something I had wanted for a long time, around seven years.' Claire agrees - despite having received negativity, she says she simply couldn't have achieved the body she has now by exercise and diet alone. She told The Sun: 'It's easy for people to say Mounjaro and Mounjaro makeovers are cheating and are the easy way out. 'But I've battled with my weight for years and, thanks to the injections and Professor Whitaker, I'm at the exact weight I want to be, and I have a body I've always dreamed of having.' Professor Whitaker says a patient should be at or near their target weight, with a BMI around 25 or lower, before considering surgery. He says: 'That ensures the skin is looser and the fat thickness is reduced, which reduces tension on the closure, better blood supply, reduced complications and leads to better results. 8 She took the plunge once she hit her ideal weight of 9st 7lbs 8 Abbie says her friends and family were supportive of her choice to get the makeover 'Surgery is most successful when the weight is stable. Some people may still have a bit to lose post-surgery, but they've already done the hard work.' He adds: 'The hashtag #mounjaromakeover started in the US but like a lot of trends , it's come to the UK. Now dozens of women have shared their Moujaro makeovers online." Mounjaro is approved for weight loss in the UK, while Ozempic is only approved for type 2 diabetes. Gemma Collins and Jeremy Clarkson are two of the Brit stars who have admitted using Mounjaro, while Sharon Osbourne, Amy Schumer and Prof Whitaker adds: 'The Mounjaro Makeover can remove skin from anywhere with the most common areas being the abdomen, arms, breasts, or thighs – or a combination. 'Each has its pros and cons, but the abdomen is by far the most common and the area I'm asked for when it comes to Mounjaro Makeovers the most.' Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Prof Whitaker says surgery after large weight loss on Mounjaro is honestly the only option. 'The reality is, once you've lost that kind of weight, no matter what anyone says, it's unlikely you can bring the abdominal muscles back together through physio or exercise alone. And you certainly can't remove the excess skin without surgery. 'The idea that injections, lasers, suction, or radiofrequency devices can meaningfully tighten that skin after this volume of weight loss is, frankly, complete nonsense. 'None of those approaches are effective for the kind of skin laxity we're talking about here. The only real solution is surgery.' Iain Whitaker is a Professor of Plastic Surgery , and The Welsh Representative on BAAPS Council Instagram @profiainwhitaker
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Nothing will ruin my camping trip… I hate couples having noisy sex & get revenge in a sly way, my grandkids cringe
GOING on holiday with grandparents is a treat many children look forward to, knowing they'll be spoiled rotten with ice creams and round-the-clock attention. But Emma Parsons-Reid isn't your typical sweet granny. Advertisement 5 Emma Parsons-Reid blasts campers for hanging their undies out to dry or having noisy sex when on a camping trip with her grandkids Credit: Supplied 5 Emma reveals her grandkids believe that if they survive a camping with their gran, that they'll survive anything Credit: Supplied 5 She brings M&S food for her family to cook at home most of the time, but they might enjoy one meal out Credit: Supplied 'The children always say going camping with me is a rite of passage,' says 58-year-old Emma, from Cardiff. ''If you survive this, you'll survive anything,' is how they look at it.' Emma has exacting standards and has told off fellow campers for having sex within earshot of her grandkids. She even sees red if people hang their knickers outside to dry. 'I'm a nightmare nan 24/7 and that isn't going to change just because we are on holiday,' she warns. Advertisement READ MORE IN FABULOUS 'I don't like people draping underwear outside their tent or caravan. It's awful, so uncouth. 'Pack enough pants for your trip and wash them when you get home – or go to a launderette. 'You don't need pairs of pants hanging in a line like a ship's sail. No one needs to see that. It ruins the holiday photographs.' Advertisement Most read in Fabulous A whopping 42.2 per cent of Brits go camping at least once a year according to the latest statistics. But for camping fan Emma, standards are slipping – and nothing is guaranteed to rile her more than the sound of couples getting frisky under the stars. 'I'm a broken man, but memories made' says RTE's Donal Skehan after dreamy camping trip to Irish coast with family 'People get randy when they go camping,' she says. 'I'm not sure if it's the hot nights or the light evenings – coupled with a few drinks – but I get annoyed if I hear them. Advertisement 'The girls aren't silly. They know what it sounds like and it's mortifying. I get especially annoyed if the noise is keeping me awake at 2am and they're still going at it.' The next morning, Emma says she takes great pleasure in waking up couples she's heard bonking within earshot of her granddaughters – Elise, 17, Isabella, 15, Scarlett, 13, Lucy, 10, and Ivy, eight – during the night. 'Bang and clatter' 'On my way to the shower block, I'll bang and clatter and make lots of noise so they don't get a lie in. 'On one occasion, when the girls were small, I made them sing a few rounds of Row, Row, Row Your Boat really loudly, just to put a couple off.' Advertisement It's usually only her two youngest grandchildren that holiday with her now. 'The older ones don't come any more and I think that's a huge relief for them,' says retired civil servant Emma, who favours Welsh coastal resorts like Porthcawl. I get especially annoyed if the noise is keeping me awake at 2am and they're still going at it 'When they talk about camping with 'Nooney', which is what they all call me, it is like they are telling a survivor's story. 5 Emma, above with a head torch, has told off fellow campers Credit: Supplied Advertisement 'The two youngest get very embarrassed. You see their faces drop when I march off to tell someone off, or start complaining about the state of the site to the manager.' Emma reads fellow campers the riot act if they make noise after 10pm – and hates fire pits and barbecues. 'I don't care if they get annoyed. Looking after the grandchildren can be tiring and I just need a good night's sleep,' Emma, who holidays with her grandchildren and husband Kev 64, a retired engineer, to give her own daughter Hannah, 35, a break, says. 'And there is nothing worse than sitting downwind from someone's barbecue smoke. I don't want to get a whiff of other people's smelly sausages.' Advertisement Emma packs M&S food for her family, often enjoying French sticks, ham and salad. 'Why can't we go back to how it was in the 1970s, when everyone was polite and followed some camping etiquette?' says Emma, who refuses to spoil the children with ice creams or seaside souvenirs. 'They love going into the shops, but they're full of plastic tat and I won't allow it in my tent. 'Awful' 'If they want to buy something and I think it's decent enough, I'll allow it, but I'll make them do some chores first – maybe the washing up. I'm very tight and I work to a budget. Advertisement 'And they eat enough rubbish without me buying them ice creams every day. We might have one meal out, but I'll cook the rest of the time.' On one occasion, Emma suffered a slipped disc and carried a pink lilo with her everywhere, so she could lie down – much to the embarrassment of the grandkids. 'The pain was awful,' she recalls. 'We'd only just arrived and I didn't want to cut the holiday short, so I carried this everywhere we went so I could lie down on it. I couldn't sit down, I had to lie down – even in restaurants and at the arcades. Advertisement 'Everyone looked at me like I was insane and the kids were embarrassed. 'On one occasion, they made some friends who were asking them why their nan was always lying down on the lilo. They hated having to explain it every time.' Who the kids play with is another bone of contention whenever they're away. 'I don't let them play with just anybody,' Emma says. 'If they meet someone, I'll go round to check out the family's tent and make sure they are appropriate. Advertisement 'If they are in a caravan or a campervan I'm usually OK with that, but I will have to walk past to assess the family. If they are drinking a lot, or if there are cans lying around or knickers hanging out, I'll pull the grandchildren away. You can't be too careful. I have complained a lot, but we've had some fun times 'I certainly wouldn't want them playing with rough kids, or rude children that answer back.' In fact, if Emma's granddaughters fail to find suitable playmates, Emma thinks nothing of recruiting some herself. 'I prefer to choose their friends for them,' she says. "You'll often see me approaching more palatable kids if I see a nice family. Advertisement 'I'll ask them their names and say they can play with my grandchildren if they like.' Emma often calls out slovenly campers and the state of site facilities. 'If I think someone is being too messy or leaving a lot of litter, I complain,' says Emma. 'I'm always on the phone to the owner. 'The shower blocks are often disgusting, so that is a common complaint. People often leave a mess all around the basin, but the worst is when they forget their pants and leave them hanging over a rail. Disgusting. That would definitely have me marching down to the site office. Advertisement 'And I can't stand men that go to the showers with their guts falling over the top of their towels, letting it all hang out. ''Morning love,' they go, but I blank them if they are disgusting.' Despite her never-ending complaining, Emma says she and the granddaughters cherish their shared camping trips. 'The kids have the best memories of those times,' she says. "We are planning to go back to Fontygary in the Vale of Glamorgan for three nights in August." Advertisement 'It's always the nightmares they remember. They'll say: 'Do you remember when Nooney did this or that?' and then fall apart laughing. 'They'll remember me telling someone off for having sex, or when the dog had diarrhoea in the campervan. 'We once parked under an acorn tree and all night the acorns dropped onto the roof keeping us all awake. 'I have complained a lot, but we've had some fun times. The kids ridicule me, but it makes me smile as I know they won't forget me when I'm dead and buried.' Advertisement 5 The gran takes great pleasure in waking up couples she's heard bonking on the site Credit: Supplied
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
I tried a ‘zen' haircut at an iconic Scots salon – it's huge in Japan & a whole new way of looking after your locks
ONE of Scotland's top salon's has kicked out the quick chop in favour of a slower style experience. The award-winning Rainbow Room International is known worldwide for quality and being at the cutting edge of innovation. 2 The Rainbow Room salon has a new treatment on offer 2 Staff from the store headed for Tokyo And after an inspiring educational trip to Japan earlier this year, the brand's Royal Exchange Square stylists are incorporating some of the meticulous techniques and respectful client rituals they picked up there. Now the salon is offering up a totally unique hair experience which includes a shiatsu massage. Clients at Rainbow Room International are already enjoying the benefits of a subtle yet significant change, adopting a slower, more relaxed pace that fosters a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. This experience is a refreshing departure from the often busy and noisy salon environments commonly found in the UK . READ MORE IN FABULOUS Drawing inspiration from Japanese salons and their unique approach to customer care, stylists are embracing the idea that every appointment is designed to feel like a relaxing retreat, thoughtful, unhurried and centred fully on the client in the present moment. As a result, the salon group is now focusing on ensuring that every aspect is intentionally refined and relaxing – nothing should ever feel rushed, it's not just the service itself but also the feeling that it creates. Suzie McGill, director of Rainbow Room International Uddingston, said: "What we saw in Japan was just the most extraordinary commitment to the overall client experience, it was attentiveness right down to the smallest detail. "It was peaceful, tranquil, with details such as reclining backwash chairs designed to help the client fully relax, and no part of the process was rushed. Most read in Fabulous "We want our clients to feel that same sense of care." AND RELAX SALONS are usually full of hustle and bustle. The noise of hairdryers, the snipping of scissors and the chit chat of clients and stylists gabbing fills the air. But, learning from Japan, the Royal Exchange's new Zen Shiatsu treatment mixes a traditional haircut with a spa day. I had a chance to get a sneak peek of the experience and it was blissful. First I was taken up to the tranquil second floor of the salon, usually reserved for beauty treatments and wedding parties. The peace and quiet was the first thing that set this treatment apart. After answering a few questions about my hair type, Salon Director David used a hi-tech x-ray device on my locks, from the roots to the ends. This gave an overview of my hair's health - and a treatment plan for getting it back to full strength. The products suggested to boost my tresses were then used to form a heavenly shiatsu massage. Starting at the scalp - which I'm told was very tense - an expert therapist, Lucy, used pressure and movement to ease all my stress away. The massage moved down my arms, onto my hands leaving me feel lighter than air. The treatment is finished with a cut and blow-dry, again using the products suggested by the hair analysis. It was worlds away from a usual rushed cut and colour and made me feel like I'd had a real experience. While Rainbow Room International was an early adopter of this practice in the UK, introducing it through Glasgow's first day spa in 1983, the team said nothing compares to experiencing the real thing at the source. Muireann O'Connell shares incredible hair hack for greys In Japan, the Shiatsu head massage is not hurried or merely an addition to a hair wash, instead it is a key element of the salon experience. This treatment takes place in a dimly lit room where clients can fully recline, allowing both their bodies and minds to relax. Suzie explained that when performing a shiatsu head massage, the pressure and rhythm of the fingers should be adjusted to target specific pressure points. This approach helps to rebalance the scalp, regulate sebum production, and promote healthy shine. She said: "With this understanding and updated training , we are now incorporating these practices onto the salon floor." And Laura Leigh, Director of Howard Street Academy, added: "In an industry that often prioritises speed and multitasking, Japan served as a powerful reminder that true excellence requires significant time and effort. "Training should not simply be about ticking boxes; it should emphasise building a lasting foundation. This experience has inspired us to rethink the ways in which we can nurture young talent."
The Irish Sun
10-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
I'm a vet, here's the surprising hidden cause of fur shedding – and how to tackle it
HAVING a dog can be the best thing in the world. They are brilliant companions, get us out and about on walks and generally make a house a home. Advertisement 3 Tackling dog hair can be a nightmare 3 Cat the Vet reveals reason behind shedding But they can also make a big mess - especially if they are a hairy breed. Now a vet has revealed the surprising reason behind why mutts can turn into moulting monsters - and it's nothing to do with the weather. Vileda, the experts behind the Pet Pro cleaning range, has teamed up with pet specialist and influencer Cat The Vet to shed some light on the hairy issue. Cat revealed the main trigger isn't what you expect. Advertisement READ MORE IN FABULOUS She says: "Did you know that light, not temperature is actually the major trigger for shedding? "The changing amount of daylight leads to hormonal changes that impact on the growth cycle of hairs, causing them to either thicken up, or gradually fall out". So, as the days get longer or shorter, your pet's body clock tells them it's time for a new 'do'. Our cosy homes can confuse things even more. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Breaking Live Blog Cat says: "Ambient temperatures do have an impact which is why some dogs shed far more in the winter because the shorter days are causing their fur to grow but our heated houses are encouraging it to shed." But despite their hairiness, new research from Vileda shows a whopping 64 per cent of women are more excited to see their pet than their partner after a long day at work . INCREDIBLE moment hero vet staff save dog from choking on favourite toy Meanwhile, 70 per cent of pets have their own dedicated spot on the sofa. With our furry overlords so firmly in charge, keeping on top of the fluff is a national obsession. In fact, Brits spend an average of FOUR HOURS a week, or 208 hours a year, on pet-related housework. Advertisement But there are ways to cut down on the creature clean-up. Clare Bolland from Vileda says: "We created the Vileda Pet Pro range to make tackling the inevitable household havoc easier.' When it comes to tackling the sofa and soft furnishings, Clare said: "We know that cuddles on the sofa with our pet can cause havoc when it comes to cleaning fabric couches, which can often cling on to fine strands of fur causing them to look tatty and unclean. "Having the Vileda Pet Pro Electostatic Brush on hand means a quick brush down of the sofa before bedtime will help you keep on top of this task in a matter of minutes – its clever rubber bristles attract and collect pet hair using electrostatic action – and after using it, you can simply rinse it under the tap and use it again and again.' Advertisement Clare also recommends that when mess occurs, it's best to deal with it as quickly as possible: "It's always quicker to clean up a mess while it's fresh rather than letting it sit." 3 Try out the Vileda Pet Pro Electostatic Brush
The Irish Sun
09-06-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
The age you can leave children at home alone in Ireland as summer holidays near
THE age at which children can be left home alone in Ireland has been revealed as summer holidays draw nearer. The State's leading Irish child protection service 3 Parents must ask if their child is ready to be home alone Credit: Getty 3 There are multiple things to consider before leaving your child or teen at home Credit: Getty It's one that many parents are asking as both primary and secondary Although some children will have a childminder or go to a summer camp, it's not unlikely that they may have to be left home alone. Tusla have said that there is no specific legal age that a child can be left But the child's safety and welfare must still be accounted for. READ MORE IN FABULOUS Tusla said that children under the age of 14 are generally not seen as mature enough to be left home alone. They explained: "There is no set age at which it is legal to leave children home alone, as it depends on whether the child is mature enough to be left alone. "For older teenagers, it is the decision of the The group added that young children should never be left home alone, while children over the age of 14 should only be left home alone for a very short period of time. Most read in The Irish Sun QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER From 16 onwards, it's generally considered that a child is mature enough to be left at home without a parent or guardian. The NSPCC also offer advice on how to asses whether or not your child is mature enough to stay home alone. Head of local campaigns Helen Westerman said that a child who doesn't feel comfortable being left alone should not stay at home without a supervisor. She added that parents must also consider if their child is ready to play outside unsupervised. As children get older and socialising with friends becomes a bigger part of life, many might spend their But Westerman said there are a few things to consider before allowing this. EMERGENCY SCENARIO She told "This is an important part of growing up, but we know there can be a lot to think about for parents. "As every child is different, we recommend building up their independence at their pace and checking in with them to make sure they feel safe." Some tips that parents can consider before deciding to leave their child home alone include asking, 'Are they ready', and considering 'What would they do in an emergency?' A second tip is taking sensible precautions by reducing risk factors and leaving a spare set of keys, A third is to know the facts if your child is going out unsupervised, including where they are going and with who. FINAL TIP A fourth tip is to make sure your children have the correct And a common tip is to go through different scenarios with your child and explain the correct way to approach them. For example, you might want to ask them what they would do if a stranger came to the door or if someone asked them to do something they were uncomfortable with. And a final tip is to establish clear boundaries, so that your child is aware of all the rules when they are unsupervised, in or outside of the house. Westerman said: "said: "It's a good idea to agree on some house or outside rules that suit their maturity before you leave them alone. "Give your child a chance to build their independence by building your trust. "If they adhere to rules and boundaries you set, you'll feel more confident letting them do more on their own." Can your child be left home alone? Here are some things to consider before leaving your child unsupervised: Ask yourself are they comfortable with it? Have you taken sensible measures to prevent risk? Do you know the facts of where your child is going and with who? Does your child have the correct phone number? Do you they know what to do in an emergency scenario? Have you established clear boundaries about being unsupervised with your child? 3 Parents shouldn't leave children below the age of 14 alone for long Credit: Getty
