Bonfire2010

Hi Jessica I went to Kiddicare in Croydon when looking for a buggy/pushchair. They had loads of models on display to try out. I called ahead to make sure they definitely had the model I wanted to look at so as not to have a wasted journey.

We go to Cod Fellas on Bellenden Road (takeaway only though).

Thanks all. Looks like we are doing the right things (we have lots of flash cards, sound out the words, track with fingers etc.) He is read to on a very regular basis so we'll just keep going with that. I've downloaded one of the Reading Eggs apps (thanks etta166 and mariamadeit) and will try the books suggested.

A third for the guy in the jewellers on Rye Lane - he is really good and a nice chap (and reasonably priced).

I think Pickle is spot on. One thing I did realise after the party was that the kids didn't really care about much apart from charging about and having a good time together - which is what it's all about really!

My 3 1/2 year old has told us that he wants to learn to read, but I am afraid I am going to drain all the fun out of it and put him off for life if I am not careful. Can anyone recommend any good books to start us off, and techniques I can use?

Just William's sells them (at least the number ones anyway, can't say for sure re. just decorated ones). They also blow them up for you. Alternatively, you could buy them from the internet (I got some from eBay for my son's last birthday) and take them along to Just Williams to fill them with the helium. Re. food..I shared this with another mum (we had a joint party) and she ordered a few platters of basic sandwiches from Ocado/M&S and we got individual boxes of juice, crisps, party sausages, bread-sticks, dips, raisins, etc. in our regular shopping orders. We could really have done the sandwiches ourselves, but with 3 kids between us, full-time jobs and me being 8 months pregnant at the time we went for the easy option! We got a few bottles of wine and some dips in for the parents and that seemed to go down OK. I've been to a few parties where the kids have been given individual lunch-boxes with a sandwich, packet of crips, juice, and a treat and they went down well. They also stopped it turning into a bit of a free-for-all food wise! Hope that helps a bit!

Another vote for the Maxi Cosi Axiss. The swivel seat is fantastic. We recently hired a car with a regular car seat and really noticed the difference.

Not quite ED, but I always go to the dry cleaners on Bellenden Road for alterations and have always been happy with the results (I am 5'1 so nearly every pair of trousers I buy needs altering). The only thing is that you will need to give them the measurements as I don't think they do that part.

Third vote for the Crooked Well.

That looks lovely MrsMcC - I will be buying!

And have now signed up for this: http://thehopscotchnewsletter.com/

Cross posted - by the time I pressed 'post message' more of you had replied! Thanks all - keep them coming, hopefully the list will be handy for lots of us as the hols are coming up!

Thanks Pickle - had forgotten about Leeds Castle, it's now on the list! I've just found this website which may be of use with the summer holidays approaching: http://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/search.php?county=Greater-London

It's our last summer in London before we move overseas and I want to make it a great one! My boys are 3 1/2 and 6 months, so they won't remember it but I'd still like to give them some fun experiences in our home town, and some nice photos to look back on when they get older. I am from London so we'll do things like going to see where I grew up etc. So far we have thought of: Corams Fields Museum of London London Zoo Southbank London Eye Science Museum Natural History Museum (the 3 year old LOVES dinosaurs) London Transport Museum I am wondering if there are too many museums on the list for a 3 year old... My experience of London from a child's perspective is a bit limited to our area, so I'd love some ideas of other stuff to do. I do want to keep it London-focussed as we already have trips to Bournemouth, Cambridge and Norfolk organised. Thanks x

Hi ACBP If he's showing a bit of an interest you could start by leaving the potty out so he can see it and get used to the idea of it. He'll lead the way and the most important thing is not to push it or he may be put off. My son didn't show any interest at all until at least 2 1/2, then we had a few regressions (most notably when I became visibly pregnant with my second son) but it all finally clicked with him at about 3 years old. He still has the odd accident but I think that's to be expected.

Ps, we used combination of potty and seat until my son was confident enough, and had enough bladder control, to make it upstairs to use the loo. We then stopped using the potty. The potty was useful when we started as we could keep it in whatever room we were in, so we could usually make it before any accidents happened.

I bought three potties when potty training my son - a Peppa Pig one from Mothercare (his choice), a swish one which was about ?20 and a ?2 basic red number from IKEA. No prizes for guessing that the only one he ever ended up using was the IKEA one. So, don't spend too much as your son will probably want to use the most basic one (the IKEA one also has a nice high front - important with boys). We have also got the Baby Bjorn toilet insert seat and it is really good. It adjusts to fit on any size seat. We have it on a hook next to the loo and my son puts it on himself when he wants to go. I got it on Amazon. The Pottete has also been very useful for using the loo when out. It folds down and fits in your nappy bag or under the buggy. I could never really get on with the bags you are supposed to use with it, but haven't actually really needed to use them anyway. We recently took it on a 3 week holiday and my son used it all the time without any problems. Hope that helps. x

Yes! Just back from a trip to Australia where Utility rooms seem to be the norm. My (Aussie) husband still can't quite believe we have the washing machine etc in the kitchen. We are planning to relocate there early next year and if we do, a Utility room is on my 'deal-breaker' list!

Great, thanks to you both x

I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on good, basic baby monitors. I need to buy a new one as my son will be moving out of our room soon, but do not really want one of the fancier ones which have video, play lullabies, have light shows etc. I just want one that, most importantly has good, clear audio. Thanks

Hi - does anyone know of/recommend any self catering accommodation in Bournemouth? Would need to be child and baby friendly. Thanks x

So, after a recent trip back to Melbourne we have decided to take the plunge and probably move back early next year (pending a few things we have to sort out here). We spent some time in Geelong whilst there and think that might be where we settle, so I am wondering if anyone in the FR has any experience of the area, nurseries, schools, areas to live/avoid etc....

I would also agree with having them taken out - I suffered terribly with mine for years and it didn't take much for me to go down with a bout. Sressful times such as GCSEs and A'Levels were particularly bad. Like treehugger's daughter, even just a late night would result in the first twinges and I would know it was on the way. The only thing that got rid of the tonsillitis was having my tonsils removed at the age of 19. It was very painful for exactly 2 weeks but then the pain literally stopped overnight and I have never looked back! I still get the (very) occasional sore throat when run down or overdoing things, but absolutely nothing like during my teenage years. If you can get them removed (although I appreciate you won't be able to do anything imminently if she is about to start exams) then I would really recommend it, but in the meantime trying to ensure she gets enough sleep should help. If she starts to feel that she is coming down with a bout get her to the doctor asap whilst gargling with warm salted water and drinking warm lemon and honey in the meantime (these helped me so hopefully will also help your daughter). Tonsillitis can really make you feel dreadful, so best of luck to you and your daughter during the GCSE season.

This is just awful - what a nightmare situation. Makes a mockery of the OFSTED report which states that 'the nursery Staff show high regard to promoting children's safety while at the setting and during outings.'...