Belle

I really like the look of Sydenham and would like that to be our next move when we outgrow current place in ED. Crossing fingers we won't be priced out, but it's a long way down the road for us anyway. We've been over it and over it - and have plumped on staying for reasons others have outlined here. It depends what's important to you really - I love being able to jump in a cab home after a night out and that the logistics aren't too complicated. I like that I'm handy to get to for friends/family wherever they live - London is always accessible. And that I can walk to Barrys at 9.30pm if I've forgotten something for my son's packed lunch the next day! I like that on a short walk from my son's school to my younger son's childminder I can bump into and chat to three or four friends on the way. I absolutely love this area - not just ED, which I agree isn't the be all and end all by any means - but the wider surrounds too. The parks are amazing. So many good, free things to do. We are so lucky. But like I say, it's what's important to YOU - I can completely see the attraction of a fab big house and garden and I do on occasion feel v envious of those. I think in the end you go with your gut - you can read all the arguments both ways but you'll probably have a gut instinct one way or the other. Edited to add: I think the only way we'd move to e.g. Oxford/Cambridge/Brighton/Bristol type places (taking your point that outside London doesn't have to = countryside) would be if we moved jobs - and in those circumstances I could totally imagine doing it. But no to the commute, for us.

Was just going to ask where the libary is. Thanks all and for PMs too, amazingly helpful and kind as ever!

Would that still be supportive with a 2 year old? I always found wrap slings fiddly but willing to give them a go if practical for this stage! I possibly could get to a sling library, yes - will look into that, thankyou. have also remembered that Patapum do a toddler version of th eir sling , as do a couple of other makes, so will do a bit of research.

Anyone have any ideas? I sold my beko gemini as never got the hang of back carrying and also thought my son was past this stage...but now doing 2 X school runs a day with him literally climbing out of the buggy and screaming blue murder quite a lot, I'm looking for options! Can't have him running free in the school playground - the gate is open and I need to focus on my older son at that point/speak to teachers etc. Any ideas for this difficult stage before he learns to stay put/hold my hand?!

I've been to good parties around that time of year at both Jags sports club (room with bouncy castle and other toys, separate room for food I think?) and soft play in Peckham Pulse (the latter isn't sole hire).

Watched Weds night's one on catch up and loved it - those 2 boys could be mine! I felt for the mum (shed a tear actually as totally empathised) and felt both inspired by new tricks but also encouraged that some methods are ones we already employ (albeit inconsistently).

Ultimately they may have to do nothing - but you don't know that for sure. The child could wake up or get ill, or (less likely I know) there could be a fire for example. I see it as paying for the responsibility rather than the task as such. I think I've always paid ?7 p/h and have no problem with that, not least because I have two kids (but have paid ?7 when I just had the one too). I'd usually round it up rather than down.

Yes, I'd welcome a specialised group/class - I need some motivation! Plus never sure am doing exercises like this right, and think it must be pretty key to do them correctly in this case. I know ESPH, particularly the studio classes, are good on this so thinking might try them. And Anya Joeli runs weekly classes but think the current term is coming to an end. Goodliz, there's definitely a demand here if you wanted to do a few sessions!

I visited my favourite nursery looking for this option but think they said they'd upped it to a minimum of 4 half days?

I have a beko one and do sometimes use it when I'm out I think... BST don't worry re the Beko models though - I think they contacted everyone who was likely to be affected by the particular batch (by post, plus someone from British Gas or something came round to my house to check mine) and if in doubt you can check on their website I think, and compare the model number against the ones affected. There were some stories about this so def worth checking for peace of mind. And just if you've noticed it getting hot etc (which mine hadn't and it checked out fine).

Guess it's like heated towel racks? just circulates hot air and it all dries eventually. I have one and can recommend - until we got our tumble drier we used it constantly, was great. And even now with a tumble drier we use it for stuff you can't tumble or to finish off line dried stuff. Also good for drying delicates flat. Really recommend but they're quite a big footprint so you do need space.

Oak Tree nursery on Tell Grove does half days (does also have a day care function now but offers half days too) - I sent my son there from 2-3.5 and we were very happy. BUDS is the nursery mentioned above in Goose Green community Centre, worth doing a search but have read some nice things on here. And there's the new Montessori on Barry Road which again is technically day care but offers half days so worth contacting (Little Fingers - worth doing another search). They weren't full recently so worth a try. If only doing half days it's definitely a good plan to get somewhere fairly easy to get to - you'd be suprised how fast those mornings go, esp with a baby at home!

I was worried about this at school nursery stage, but actually the teachers told me not to worry - never got to the bottom (sorry!) of whether they'd do it or not (I think what they meant was they would give help where it was needed but not exactly offer it), but as it happened I think in the whole year he was there he probably never even needed it! It was only 3 hours and he just seemed to not go while he was there (other than for wees obviously). In fact it's only this summer we've sorted it in anticipation of school. Last year I was definitely in the 'it's just easier if I do it' camp so I feel for you.

Last year goodrich announced they'd only be doing one intake for nursery (i.e. in Sept) but worth checking - and in any case there were definitely kids who turned up part way through the year (and are still there now - i.e. they were young for their year like your little ones) - so it seemed to me like they were still doing more than one intake despite the official line. Def worth just ringing and doing a tour. I don't think we applied till the Jan before my son started, when he turned 3, and we got a place no problem - and there were definitely spaces throughout the year. As Mellors says, it's not for everyone given the timings, which can work in your favour in terms of getting a place.

I got stickers I think from labels4kids - found that the corners peel up a bit after a wash but do actually then stick back down. Bit worried about all the tumble drying but so far they're surviving. Dead handy for shoes/wellies too.

Ps agree Pickle re tummy - not that i have a brilliant exercise regime but I do a bit, plus eat reasonably healthily, couldn't understand why this one area is such a particular problem!

Cool - might speak to my GP about it. I'd heard GPs can be a bit clueless about this issue but given the high density of babies in this area, maybe they're more up to speed here?! Really encouraging to hear there's something that can be done. Pickle - let us know if Goodliz has any advice! I've also messaged Anya so maybe we could have forum outing to some of her classes (wine after of course :)

any physios on here??

ARgh! just to clarify for anyone who knows me in real life this is to do with the TUMMY not the rectum! Embarassed face.... Pickle there are lots of things online but I'm bewildered as to where to start. I have some pilates studio sessions left over from when I last did it so may start going back, but also found someone on the forum (Anya Joeli?) who specialises in this, going to find out if she is still doing classes - would love company, would be motivating!! My pilates instructor from last year stressed to avoid oblique/twisty type exercises and also the classic stomach crunch. She got me doing these things which are kind of like glorified pelvic floor exercises only you work on bringing your tummy in at the same time, in fact you actually hold your sides while you do it (a bit like the bit in auld lang syne w here you cross your arms).

Just found this thread doing a search on the same topic, am self diagnosed too ...pretty sure that's what it is though. finding it really depressing and not sure what to do about it - did you find anything to help a.smith? Or anyone else out there with tips/experience of this? I'm pretty sure mine is getting worse.I did some pilates a year or so back (actually the instructor diagnosed me then too) and started to work on it but then life took over so I let it slide.

I visited the Peak district last year (totally different area but bear with me!) and had a nice chat to a lady working on the till at a shop near Chatsworth. She said that she'd moved from Lewisham to give her kids (also mixed race) a better quality of life. She'd been really worried about racism too given it's not that diverse an area but her experience had been wholly positive, she said they had encountered less than in London and that it was the best decision she ever made. Just thought it's a useful perspective to throw into the mix. Wonder if there are more general forums (so not necessarily about people with experiences in that specific area) for people who've made a similar move?

oh no!! th is is really bad news. It was so good having a place like this on that stretch, they are lovely.

Big recommendation for Pippa from me, we've had various things over the years for both my own children and as presents for friends' kids, all have gone down well and been well used! Her things are lovely.

I find we dont' need curtains but I imagine it's down to personal choice - don't mind it not being pitch dark (the kids get me up long before it gets light in winter anyway!)

I didn't go to a showroom - they brought samples and talked me t hrough the different styles, there are quite a few. I don't regret not having solid shutters for the house/room if you see what I mean, but I do still long to have them in another house or context some time, my mum has them and I love them - but yes, there is no halfway house with them, and they would not have been right for our bedroom. we have it so that the top section can move independently though we don't use that option much. But it's nice to have it if you need it... The slats are good not just for light/privacy reasons but also for hot nights when you can have the window open and tilt the slats just v slightly to let some air in. There is a longish lead time because they ship them in (or Shutters Up do anyway) but once they are in they're very quick and efficient about fitting. I think we were lucky and got them quicker than usual too - can check details but from memory was more like 6-8 weeks. I'm not sure re frame options - think our's are around but not sure what the options are if you see what I mean, but I know that they will offer you loads of choices and talk you through what tends to work in which setting etc. I got the impression they're a family business and I just found them so nice to deal with, whereas I've heard some bad stories about some of the bigger companies out there. They will be able to advise you on all the variations you're asking about, I'm sure.