SE22mum

this thread is also useful for me, so thanks! can anyone recommend an agency? do they charge a lot? it seems like lots of people don't use them, so I'm interested to know how you make it work without one?

Hi We're thinking of having our bathroom redone. Never done it since we moved in. Just wondering if any forumites had any tips/must-haves for a bathroom that can cope with family life as well as being stylish??? Also, is it just my imagination or do all baths come with plastic taps these days? I had lovely visions of an old bath with old fashioned metal taps...am I dreaming and being unpractical?

We may have to look for a short term rental in order to keep a house sale. Does anyone have any ideas of which are the best sites to look at? About how much is normal to pay?

oops, seems like a bad choice of words on my part?. yes, she has kids, and yes we do usually give each other more fun presents. personally i would like to give her something she would never treat herself to, like perfume or such, but when I turned 40 - she's my younger sister - she gave me a really nice home-made "survival kit" with bits and pieces, a bit tongue-in-cheek, but in no way it made me want to smack her! made me laugh and i appreciated the thought. she's having a huge party and in no danger of becoming graceful, but i know she would like something special that she can keep. she still has a book of photos i made her when she turned 21. i just want to get her something special and thought there might be a few book suggestions out there. sorry, "graceful" probably the wrong choice of word?

My sister is turning 40 at the weekend and I'd like to get her something really special (but not too expensive!). Was thinking of a nice book with some kind of wise words/advice/photos/celebration of life etc. the kind of book you can come back to again and again. I've already given her the ones I've read, so am looking for more ideas. any recommendations? what has been a book that has helped to keep you sane?

i would be interested in classes that are not too long also. lots of the theatre ones are several hours, which i think is too much.

my midwife said only sex would really help.

This year is ?20 per child. Previously has been ?5 each, or even 0. Everyone just spends to their budget I think. If ours was higher no doubt we would spend more.

what age is it for?

Brrr - an "accident" has left our front door with a broken glass panel. Is cold! Does anyone know anybody who can fix that kind of thing?

good idea....was thinking skateboard or roller skates - any idea which is easier?

yes, he just wants an x-box. I have nothing against them except the price! oh, and the toy soldiers...

what do people feel about toy soldiers for battles?

I need to upgrade my 8 year old boy's toys to the next level and realise I don't have much of a clue what is out there - except for the obvious minecraft, x-box, lego etc. with christmas coming up, i could really do with a few ideas. Also for books, apart from the obvious Harry Potter. he loves animals and music. any ideas much appreciated!

you need to double up on the party circuit - if you have a partner or are friends with another parent at the school take it in turns to go to the party, and the other one gets a few hours off! this stage doesn't last long as pretty soon you'll only be doing drop off and pick up. or, wierdly, as you get to know the other parents more you find that kids parties actually become your social life too! i think an afternoon party for reception is pushing it a bit, unless on a friday night. the kids will be knackered and all the parents just thinking about the next morning.

after trying lots of different options for our 8 year old, who also repeatedly said he was scared to go to sleep and who would come into our bed every night afraid, in the end we asked him to come up with a solution. it was basically to have a light on in his bedroom - not just a night light but a lamp - and the door open. job done. he was just really scared of the dark. lots of children have worries about going to sleep. before we found the solution, tbh I would take my laptop into his room and do my emails/watch some TV or something whilst he fell asleep.

GoldieBlocks - just google it. An engineering set designed for girls. not all pink and fluffy but includes things that apparently girls respond to, the main figure is a girl not a boy and there are some story prompts to follow.

Heber is also very close to the polling station at the top of Barry Road - which also seems very empty when I go. could it not be merged with that one?

Agree with all of the above. At only 7 months she is just experimenting, and milk will still be her main food until she is 12 months. I would try and avoid just giving her pouches - keep for special occasions or difficult moments like travelling. I know you are keen to do the right thing, but if she feels you getting stressed around food it will only make it difficult. Try not to hurry her along with just going at her own pace. Kids get into solid food at different times and in different ways. I agree a good way is to just have an open plate policy and let her try bits of yours. You will know she is really ready for weaning when she starts stealing food from you!

We are organising a Christmas party a few weeks before the day itself to bring together family and friends. We're too big a group for our house - 20 adults and 14 children last count! Looking for a venue where we can stay a few hours, have a meal etc. The ideal would be a function room somewhere - not too pricey. Anyone have any ideas?

We moved to ED mid-year and got our first choice. We live close to the school so maybe that helped - but also there are often a few moves mid-year so places do come up. I think is much easier for primary than secondary.

peanut butter

aha!

yes, but now that it is light at about 5:30 then how can you tell him it is dark til 7?

I do Mexican beans with tacos and rice, or a huge paella with some separate as just rice and fish/sausages for the kids. always goes down well.