INMCD

Now I know why I never comment on this forum! DaveR - no-one's paying me to stay at home. I work and contribute to the family finances but when we lose the child benefit it'll make a big different to us. Most working parents spend a large proportion of their salaries on childcare and the child benefit definitely helps with that.

I totally agree. I'll have to go back to work an extra day from January to make up the shortfall. We've got 3 children (our choice I know) and that money makes so much difference to our household. I get the feeling it's just going to happen and there's nothing we can do about it. It feels very unfair. Sorry I don't know how to start a petition but I'll definitely sign it!

We went to New England in the Summer and stayed at the Howard Johnson in Boston I think (it was 9 years ago now!). We really enjoyed going out to Harvard - good bars and great people watching! Maine and Vermont are beautiful - very American and great people. We've got some friends who live near Portland (house next to the ocean!)- really lovely place. If you're bringing children then a day at the Ben & Jerry's factory will keep them happy. Enjoy x

Hi Anna. I don't know if you remember Casper & Dorothy who used to come on Fridays mornings. Casper starts reception in 3 weeks so I'd be keen to come with Dorothy. She's 2 in October. What days are you doing the age 2 classes? Thanks. Niamh xx

I would recommend the Phil & Teds. My son was 2 1/2 when my daughter was born and it was brilliant. She slept in the carrycot at the bottom for hours at a time and he loved being up high. I still use it now nearly a year later - he sits in the bottom and pops in and out when he feels like it. He uses his scooter a lot but on long walks he does like to sit down. I've just got a Bugaboo Cameleon as he's starting nursery in September so thought I needed a single buggy. The P&T is very heavy though - now that they're both bigger its getting harder to push around. Great exercise though!