LVWT

Kate Atkinsons two most recent have been good...life after life and a God in ruins. The minaturist by Jesse Burton (maybe) has gone down well with lots of people.

I second Camden. It's pretty cool for first timers. Any idea what they're into??

Nothing will give confidence more than empty plates and kids who've enjoyed their meal. Can you not start by writing down the recipes you cook for them that you know they love and go from there??

Whippersnappers every time, it's in the lodge at Dulwich park and lido at brockwell park. The teachers are great and make sure they include kids of ALL ages. There will still be the problem of taking turns, but that's just how it is with two children and one set of hands!!! I THINK they offer a free trial class, so worth giving them a go.

I look forward to the 1st December so I can force the children to listen to me read the grinch who stole Christmas on a daily basis. :)

Really randomly, do you think it could be connected to new baby? Has there been a lot of talk about becoming a big brother??

Along the same lines as st Paul's, you can do monument quite cheaply and get a certificate. Have you asked what sort of thing she's into, and work around that? Chislehurst caves are another good one!

Is chislehurst caves open? Great fun! Climb monument? Nice certificate at the end

I think the ritzy in brixton currently have a lego corner to create in when you go to film. Good is pretty decent, prices usually good, and booster seats too.

And when you do find someone you like, don't be afraid to ask them to come back for second or third interview..... anyone who's got a good idea of what is like for a parent to leave a child is going to understand that.

I know quite a few families who have been to the isle of Wight and the kids have come back raving about it.

Has nobody mentioned Roahl Dahl?? Kids of all ages love him. I hear David Walliams is worth a go too...and the wimpy kid books.

Do you know the ritzy do a big scream for parents on Fri morn?

Can't go wrong at tales on moon lane in herne hill, and they could do with a boost after being closed due to flooding.

Skagboys is so much better than porno (and you don't get to say that too often!!)

Can't beat whippersnappers I always say.......

Modern family (short episodes but good fun) House (oldie but goodie) Fringe (sci-fi, but in a good way)

That's really nice..... I send thank you notes for everything!!! Not just because I am thankful, but because I know how cheering it is to get post through the door that isn't bills!!!!

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I agree re the ladykillers...never seen the film (but do have soft spot for Con O' Neil). Great fun,good cast, many laughs.

I agree, get the person over to meet you and your child first,a few times even, at informal interview and when you go out locally... It can be pretty daunting for both child and grown up if child wakes up to complete stranger and gets upset.... Can you get someone in to babysit and then member of family to stop over when all the celebrations are done??? Hope you sort something out, and try not to stress too much, site you have enough to be doing with a wedding. :)

Yes any brand of gingernuts did the trick...not sure if it was the actual ginger that is supposed to be good for nausea, or the fact child was told (and still is five years on) to nibble it very slowly. The concentration for a three year old nibbling biscuit slowly can be very distracting.

For shorter journeys try ginger nuts. Works for me.

Have you thought of a music class? Whippersnappers is the best!!! They have classes in dulwich park and brockwell....will keep your eldest one amused for an hour (you too prob)

My suggestion (I don't have kids or camp so you may want to ignore) is borrow all the basics from a friend if you can, and try the camp site up by dulwich wood (sorry can't be more specific than that). Would give you a bit of adventure without the hassle of travel and coming home too far off someone hates it!