GinaG3

My daughter is 5 and has always been a bad sleeper. From newborn she would have only 5 minute naps, waking 7-8 times a night until around 16 months old. From then she woke 2-3 times and went to bed at any time she felt tired, usually between 10-12 then sleeping in till 9/10am. At 2 years old this carried on, I'd known bedtimes as late as 1am, even with 6am wakes and one 1 hour nap at lunchtime. When she started preschool at 3 her bedtimes went from 10-11pm waking up at 8.45am. When she started school last September I made a very big push to get her in bed as early as possible. We now go and get in at 9pm and she generally is asleep by 10pm, she then sleeps until between 12 and 3am before coming to get in our bed, then woken up for school at 7.20 to everyone I know this seems really late and people have berated me for not getting in to a bedtime routine with her but routine is not the issue, she just doesn't sleep or get tired! She's always running around, bags of energy but can be pretty grumpy. The only time I've ever known her to go to bed before 7-8 is when she is really ill, and I mean REALLY ill.

Dulwich park, I'll be pitching my tent soon as landlord is selling imminently.

Theres one on the grass verge on Dulwich Common if you want it, no-one else seems to. I cant think why.

Could well be housing association. I remember seeing the tenants moving out years ago. It wasn't board up at the beginning if I recall but must of had issues with security as they installed all the grilling and the high security door. I think there are a few housing association and hostels around that area. Shame they aren't doing anything with it, especially given so many people are desperate for housing locally.

Its been about 3 years. Its owned privately I believe, purchased in 2001. I imagine the owners have just let it fall in to disrepair for one reason or another. Its really annoying walking past it, as I would love to live in one of those house, perfect location for us. For one to just sit empty like that is really sad. Shame really, last known selling price for it was ?118,00 would be worth over triple that now!

Very strange to see this happening especially in London. I'm used to living rurally where sometimes no street lights exist. Generators always kick in quick though. It's happened 3 times in last year on Dulwich Common, we are also having trouble with Estate lighting for months, although that now seems to be resolved. Lots if UK power network action around here in last few weeks. Maybe they are finally sorting it?

My daughter is 5 and still hasn't had Chickenpox. Could she of had it without me noticing? She's been around outbreaks but never caught it. She's a severe eczema sufferer so I think at some point we may not of noticed she had it. Last year she had what was diagnosed finally as scalded staph but looked like measles, but not chicken pox. At what point does it become more risky for your child to catch it? 5, 10, 15?

SEnewbie I was in exactly the same position as you with my first. She was breastfed exclusively and was not gaining weight at all her clinic appointments. I was hounded by midwives and health visitors for choosing to breastfeed over formula feed in my situation but I knew she was fine just not hitting NHS targets. I struggled for 8 long weeks before I found out about Peckham breastfeeding cafe, what an absolute god send. Without them I would of given up. Within 2 weeks I was feeding confidently, my daughter was happy, I was reassured about the lower range weight gain being normal. I ended up breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months and then continued for 2 years. I highly recommend you see the midwives, HV and support workers at Peckham cafe. It runs 10-12 (turn up before 11.30am) on a Thursday mornings. 5th floor of the library. Out the lift and to your right, along the corridor in to a suspended pod. I assure you, whatever your issues they will support you with all their dedication and passion. Best to arrive early as it is hugely popular, not just with Southwark residents! Best of luck and stay positive. xxxxx

Our daughter got in last year through a last minute application, we had failed to achieve a place at any of our 6 preferences. I couldn't be happier that she is there now. We've had some difficulty with her settling and the teachers have been brilliant with helping her and me feel comfortable. I cant fault it, only wish it was closer to our house. Our daughter has calmed down a lot after having difficulties with her behaviour at preschool and is doing really well at Bessemer, loving the work and has made a million and one friends. Its a lovely community. Best of luck with your decision.

Hi all, Just wanted to post to say try not to worry if you didn't get one of your preferences. Last year we were one of 139 families in Southwark to not get offered one of our preferences. I found the whole process grim and had no hope being between 39-60th on wait lists for schools within walking distance of us. I pestered and pestered Southwark, calling every week for our positions, this only made me more and more anxious about it all. We late applied to another school, further away but an excellent school. 1 week before my daughter broke up for summer holidays we were offered a place at the school and she started with everyone else in September. I couldn't be happier with the decision to reject the school place offered originally and opt to homeschool until another place came up. We didn't need to do this but I would of given the circumstances. My daughter has flourished, she loves her school and I love that she loves it. I just wish I hadn't worried so much and stressed myself out. I know its difficult but hold out and wait and see what happens. The lists move a lot, especially in June/July I found. Good luck to you all. xxx

We didn't get in to Horniman last year at 399m and didn't get in to Fairlawn at 700m odd. After all this, we ended up at a school that wasn't originally on our list and are really happy about it. Its much further for us to travel but the school outweighs the travel distance over and over.

I had them on LL estate this morning too. I just told him I put money in the pot when I see it. I don't give money to anyone at the door, real or fake.

sand12, please let me know how you find it please? I've got a huge marshmallowy kingsize all seasons duvet but feel really worried about it getting ruined as it cost a absolute fortune. I'm yet to have it washed but it needs it at some point.

My mother in law lives in one of these properties and has done for more than 20 years. Nothing significant ever happens around there, you will get your usual drunks shouting in the night etc but no real criminal activity. Sometimes the flight path becomes annoying when its in use over that end of East Dulwich Grove but none of this is out of ordinary for London. The neighbours on each row tend to know each other and are welcoming and friendly. I think its a really good location, and prices are good for the space also. I wouldn't hesitate to buy there and I've known the area for 7 years.

We take the bus every morning for school 176/185. We leave at 8.15am but have still had many occasions where the buses are so busy they just drive past 4 at a time. Few times we've managed to arrive at school 1 1/2 hours after leaving to catch a bus. Tuesdays and Thursdays seem to be worst.

In my experience, I would say its your usual separation anxiety too. Your child knows how you feel, smell and look and its a big security to some babies and children to have this consistently. My daughter was immensely attached to me, I absolutely loved it but it was very tiring not being able to do anything without feeling like I was upsetting her. She constantly wanted skin to skin, breastfeeding and comforting at the breast as if in newborn stage for 2 years, bath times together, being able to see me all the time, sleeping with me. It was very draining but progressively things got much better. She is now 5 and attends school full time. She loves chatting to people on the bus etc but can be a bit shy sometimes too. She is happy with her teachers (calls them best friends) but getting her in to the classroom in the morning can be a bit tricky. We've done great for the last 2 weeks with no tears or guilt of leaving her. She still has to get to sleep with me next to her in her own bed, and will then come in to our bedroom at around 1-2am (I've never done anything about this as such, it doesn't bother me much and I actually love the security too). She wont stay out overnight with grandparents but will do day time visits so I can go to appointments etc and does a day out with them on her own every weekend. We have always been extremely close and I've always practiced attachment with her, whilst also trying to show her how to be independent. Gradually moving away from her during play times, distracting her, helping her to do things by herself ie eating with cutlery. This all really changed from about 12-18 months old, when she really discovered that she could be near me but not dependant on me. When she started talking it was also a massive change as she began to understand and compromise on things. It will get better. Good luck xxxx

We wondered on the way to school this morning about this. Car washes are packed today!! Its because of this, for anyone interested.. http://www.itv.com/news/london/update/2014-03-31/sahara-desert-dust-rain-in-london/

My consultant Lawrence Mascarenhas works for Guys & St Thomas' but I think he also works privately with London Bridge Hospital. He is a world renowned obs and gynae specialist. I had difficulty getting answers to my issues with Kings and was subsequently referred for a second opinion at St Thomas' under his care I was diagnosed properly and had all the tests and scans I needed within a quick time frame. I highly recommend him as do a lot of others.

My daughter has had several blood tests between the ages of 3-5. We've never seemed to wait long with Kings, a week tops. Maybe if you call them up and explain how worried you are they might be able to offer you a cancellation at last minute. I would also try PALs if you are concerned about the long wait.

Thank you all and for all the PMs, I'm going to get a few samples and patch test.

Most will remember my posts about severe eczema eruption last year with my daughter. I DO NOT want to get to the point where we are sedating her and using daily steroids. Its miserable to say the least. During the autumn we have battled hard to control with high strength topical steroids as soon as flares come and natural goat soap products. Her skin has been amazing and she has been much happier, less itchy, less irritable and has been sleeping well. We have not seen anythign like we saw last year. I found photos last night and was almost in hysterical tears at the extent of it. Enter sun. A rash consistent with last year has started to appear up her neck and around her mouth. I emotionally and physically cant bear to deal with this again, it breaks my heart. We are currently in a very stressful situation where by we are soon to have no home, we are trying to keep this stress away from her but she does know we will be moving house. She seems excited about it all, 'its an adventure'. I don't think this is causing the eruption. I do believe it to be the sun. Does anyone have any advice/experience with photosensitive skin? Last year we used no sunscreen but kept her covered in loose cotton/linen. Im thinking this year I will cover her in the highest strength UV & SPF sunscreen I can find. What is suitable for extremely sensitive skin, but effective? What do you use on your children with skin complaints? Preferably something natural with no harmful chemicals but I'm open to all suggestions. Anyone aware of prescription sun products? This week I am going to beg GP for referral back to dermatology before this gets unbearable. Any help GREATLY appreciated. Thanks for reading xxxxx

"Hyoscine hydrobromide tablets (Kwells) are used in mental health to treat clozapine induced hypersalivation. This is an unlicensed use of this medicine but is reasonably successful at ameliorating such symptoms. Recently, the manufacturer has reported problems with raw materials and this product is now out of stock at all suppliers and will remain so until early 2014. The Trust?s Pharmacological Therapies Committee considered the issue and published the following advice, most of which involves either the use of medicines off label or treatment with an unlicensed medicine." I believe the supply issues are still correct as of now. This announcement was valid as of September 2013. Might be worth ringing around a few places to check stock or asking your GP for advice on what else to consider.

My daughter isn't a fan of pink. She is cool pirate bedding from John Lewis instead! Definitely look at John Lewis and H&M they are worth a browse especially in the sale sections. Both of these are really cute but not too girly and pink. http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/80194872/ http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40234530/

If you would prefer to go the natural root.. My sister had really bad acne for a long time. She keeps it under control by avoiding what she found to be a trigger, milk/white chocolate. She also spent a lot of money on treatment options that didn't involve medication, dermatology or GPs. She invested in one of these https://www.google.co.uk/shopping/product/13507208416458947004?q=clarisonic&client=safari&rls=en&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.62788935,d.ZGU,pv.xjs.s.en_US.UTNq5j5_43M.O&biw=1097&bih=674&tch=1&ech=1&psi=CfseU7SOKPDd7QbOiIHYCw.1394539274254.3&ei=EvseU-fpEqmw7Aaws4BY&ved=0CKkBEKYrMAc as soon as they were available, shipping straight from america and its been a savour to her skin. You may be able to pick up a Clarisonic on eBay for much less than you pay new. My sister is now 22 and the difference in her skin is remarkable considering no medical intervention. She also gets natural papaya 'paw paw' ointment, this is big in australia and can be shipped for around ?9.95 a tube. Green tea is good for drawing out toxins and I know a lot of people with acne drink it daily. He will grow out of it, most people do. The key is to find out what is triggering it, in teenagers its generally hormone changes but it can be a 'sensitivity' as well and that should always be considered.

Thanks for that Mellors! Might have to check it out. She hates not being able to swim on holiday and such. Supposedly makes me the most horrible mummy ever..