elderflower

I think we live in quite a socially diverse area and some people who are not equipped to deal with that. honaloochie, do you think the world would be a better place if everyone had big dogs and put cones out? No, some men are girls and that does make the world a better place. That said, I would stick with my rugby playing alpha male over a girl any day. Otto, pm me your address and I will be your stranger on a train and complain about it for you.

That sounds like fun and a good idea. I wonder what other groups exist? I think abandoning particularities probably aids growth as a person and any organisation probably aims to reflect the collective wants of individuals so there is going to be an air of elusiveness in chasing a fixed ideal. I'm in Dulwich now so time to explore the joys of bunting.

Hello Tropica, I was at shoreditch and then islington. Thanks for your response, it was the answer I was looking for. Sorry, I could have put my initial enquiry better. I am a mum, I make jam, cakes and knit. I guess, the "new" ethos of Women's institute seems to aim to have a broader appeal and be reflective of modern life. It was more lets listen to hip hop and rock, knit dolls based on computer games discuss constructive ways to deal with knife crime in the area. It comes down to what you find relevant I guess. Dulwich from what I can make out it lets make bunting which fun as it does sound traditional. Maybe the oldies are the best. I will attend a meeting, I am aware I'm knocking it before trying it and thats not the spirit. Wickedstepmother what alternative type ideas do you have?

Hello, I was wondering if anyone has any experience of east dulwich women's institute? I have moved from central london where the ethos was more young, fun and inclusive. EDWI seems more traditional middle class and mum based?

We've had some biting problems recently with our 15 month old. He started just after he turned one and it was during teething episodes. My partner and I have both disciplined him by a firm no, crying in pain response etc My son still does it to his dad but not with me. He behaves much better with me one the whole and is quicker to respond to my commands. His dad is still struggling. I think all these different techniques can make it a muddle and inconsistent which then cancels out the actions. If you twig on to which thing your child dislikes the most and then just do it again and again it sinks in eventually. I also found I reassessed what level of attention i gave him in regards to all his actions good and bad, significant to mild and mundane and encouraged the good and distracted from the bad. So, sometimes I think children act up or repeat negative actions as they get the most attention whereas they can get a mild well done for good deeds and what they love is attention from mum. Its working out well for now at least.

Hello Lou, This sounds like a brilliant idea and I hope to make it along one day. Can I ask though, is it possible to perhaps have a set spot where you plan to hang out as I wouldn't want to miss out because of lateness and then people can join in if the baby decides to poo everywhere/throw up/fall asleep (circle appropriate) just before you leave the house and miss the gate meeting? Just a suggestion?

Its a valid point new mother, no worries. I like discussion! I'd thought of it but I think its worth assessing on the individual basis. On a positive I think there was generally be more love in the care as the mother would hopefully be caring for their child and friend. Pros and cons I think. I think it's fair to say there was a correlation between the woman who wanted me to provide everything, pay her ?10 after tax and then ignored my child at the interview whilst fussing over her who own child. Thanks for the advice ladies. Heidi, I think you'd be well to charge more than ?6 an hour, I think nannies are worth more than the minimum age.

I'm currently on the look out for a nanny and as my child is an only child I'm concerned about him having some company and learning to socialise. I have the room to have more than one child so I have been looking into a nanny share. Whilst on the look out I've noticed a few nannies with their own children who are around the same age as my child. I've had nannies before and paid them a full hourly/daily rate. I was getting full one on one attention for my son. Nanny shares seem to split the cost of childcare between the families involved per child, so less attention but you get company and share the brunt of cost. Now, I've spoken to a few nannies with their own child. In this situation apparently I buy the double buggy, the second high chair and whatever else the nannies child needs, I host the nanny and her child thus paying utilities and rent for the situation. I also still pay the nanny full hourly rate same as I would for sole charge. I don't think this seems right? I don't mind providing the extras but it seems to me it is sharing a nanny and the rate should reflect that? I'm interested to hear from anyone who may have hired a nanny who brought their child to work or any advice regarding rates. Some people seem quite demanding on the money front without really explaining what I'm paying extra for?

They "recommend" the bcg in boroughs where there are high cases of tb. Prevention is better than a cure for something and BCG is one of them. A friend of mine contracted it before she went to uni (she lived in hampstead) and the whole uni had to be vaccinated and checked. She was not popular for it and on the other hand she hand to take lots of medication for over a year.