JS33

Question for dog owners, and apologies if this has already been discussed on the thread, but how useful are designated dog area in parks? There is a fairly large fenced area at Myatt's Field specifically for dogs to run off lead and socialise with one another, and I often see people and their animals there. I know they're popular elsewhere, but don't know if people here would go for them. Would such areas reduce the need to walk dogs around the rest of the park?

Two in the under-5s playground at Chumleigh Gardens (part of Burgess Park), and there is also a lovely, partly-covered one called "Bananas at the Beach" inside the Sure Start centre there. Not sure what hours the Sure Start one is available -- I used to be able to get in most weekday mornings a couple years ago -- it's a bit of a hidden gem, because no one knows it there, so it tends to be empty even when the under-5s area is heaving.

I'm also allergic to a lot of suncreams, including some of those for sensitive skin (get a bad, oozy rash) and now only use non-chemical sunblocks where the only active ingredient is titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. It is easy to find formulations up to SPF 20/30, although I've also been able to find ones going up to 50 and 60 with some effort. One thing I've learned is that I need to make sure everyone I'm likely to come into contact with also uses that suncream, because I've gotten a rash even after touching someone else who was wearing normal suncream, so both my husband and daughter use it as well, even though they aren't themselves allergic. Good luck!

I had this problem recently and discovered that part of the problem was that the bleach was running off before it could do its work. I ended up soaking bits of cut up cotton pads (we had loads of left over from baby days), in bleach and put it down over the stains for a few hours, which cleared it up. I think it would also work with toilet roll, if you don't have any cotton wool handy. Good luck!

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Sorry, not directly responsive to pilsbury's question, but I wanted to post information about a new football class starting in the area, which is a 10 am Saturday class for 3.5-5 year olds at the East Dulwich Community Centre on Darrell Road. We did a course with Coach Denzil at his previous location in Catford and thought it was terrific -- he's very engaging and easily kept the children's attention, the exercises are more challenging than the ones at several younger toddler football classes we'd tried, he plans to keep the classes fairly small, and now there's the bonus that he's shifted the class into this area. He was very well-regarded as a coach when he taught at Little Kickers a couple of years ago (we learned of him through a rec from a friend with a child in that class), but has now branched out to teach on his own. You can reach him at soccerstarsfa@yahoo.com. He is currently evaluating the level of interest in classes for both younger (2.5-3 y.o.) and older (5-7 y.o.) children, and may be starting those classes in the next few weeks if there is enough interest, so please get in touch with him if you would be interested in either of those.

Bought ours at the shop in Push Studios, behind the butchers'.

Thanks very much for the responses! I've now heard the same thing about the seat making it more difficult to cycle from a few people. Does anyone know if there's anywhere around where I'd be able to test out a few different seats? I've now been to several of the closer by shope (BC Bikes, Brixton Cycles, Evans in Clapham and the shop a few doors down), but each seems to carry just one or two types of seat, and there didn't seem to be any way of trying them out.

My nearly four-year-old daughter will be attending a school a ways away from us and I am considering taking her to/from with a bicycle, since our public transport options aren't very good and we don't have a car. Any advice on what sort of kit to use? I'd like to get a fairly simple/lightweight bike but haven't purchased a bicycle in over 20 years so don't know what I might want, and am completely flummoxed as to what to put her in -- front seat, back seat, trailer, front basket-thing. A very short part of the trip will be on a road with heavy traffic, but I should be able to use sidestreets for the rest. One consideration is that, especially if the equipment is expensive, I'd like to be able to use it for the next few years, if possible. Also, I'm curious what people do to keep dry-ish when it rains? Slickers for everyone?

Although this is in the short flight category, I'll put in a plug for the Channel Islands, since I think it may well be only about 4 hours door to door. We've been twice, including Jubilee weekend with a 3 year old, and have loved it both times. We stayed at the Waves on Guernsey this last trip -- they're little flats right on the beach (although it's the windier beach on the west side of the island). We were lucky enough to get good weather, so were able to enjoy the beautiful beaches on Guernsey and Herm, a short ferry ride away, booked a sitter so we could have dinner out two nights, and generally had a lovely time. Someday I'd like to go to Jersey to visit the animal park, although think I'll probably always have a special fondness for Guernsey.

There is a meeting (possibly more than one) over the summer. I'm glad to hear that this sort of thing is discussed then -- I wasn't sure if it would be out of line to use the sessions to attempt to make friends.

Our 3.5 year old daughter will be starting nursery at Rosemead in September -- anyone else going too, and interested in meeting up over the summer? Ours can be a bit shy in larger groups, so we were thinking it would be nice if she could get to know a few of her future classmates in a smaller setting ahead of time. Also, we are trying to sort out afterschool care for her and considering either a nanny-share or childminder based in East Dulwich, if anyone else is in the same situation?

There's also a trampolining class at JAGS on Saturdays (drop-in, but helpful to call ahead and reserve a spot in the week, because it books up). And I understand one of the coaches from one of the other children's football programs is starting a new class at St. Saviour's Church in Brockley on Saturday mornings. We would go if we could get there easily without a car, but unfortunately can't.

Hello, hope things have miraculously turned around, but just wanted to offer sympathy if not. My daughter (now 3) went through quite a similar stage around that age. My discovery -- which unfortunately may be another way for you to waste more time making food destined to be hurled to the ground -- is that almost anything can be made into a pancake, and thus turned into finger food. Some pureed veg, sometimes mixed with some sort of cooked meat, also ground up, some egg, flour and baking powder (sorry, no proportions because I winged it every time), dropped about a tablespoon at a time onto an oiled pan. She ate nothing but these and yogurt for several weeks, then went back to eating normal food. And I also agree that it might have something to do with teething. If you aren't against Calpol/Nurofen, you might try giving her a small amount about a half hour before meals to see if that does any good. Best of luck!

Does anyone know if the football club the OP mentioned is still running? I called Dulwich Leisure Centre and they said it was only a temporary thing running during half term, but what the OP mentioned sounded like a more regular thing.

I was there yesterday and noticed that there was a signing warning of upcoming closures, which don't appear to be posted on their website. If my memory is correct, they'll be closed on Nov. 2, and then for two weeks or so the second half of Nov., re-opening in early Dec. If someone happens to know the exact dates, it would be great if you could augment this post with more accurate information!

I had severe wrist pain after giving birth, as did several of my friends. Apparently, something called De Quervain syndrome is common among new mothers. (I also had some other tendon issues, including a bad problem with one thumb.) I found that wearing a brace that kept my wrist straight helped a lot. Eventually the problem with my thumb got bad enough that I was referred to specialist who recommended either a steroid injection or minor surgery, but luckily it more or less cleared up by itself before the NHS was able to schedule the surgery.

I hadn't even spent a night away from my somewhat needy/very attached two year old before going away for 6 days. She was not entirely herself while I was gone, but also never got tremendously upset, and we all considered that a terrific outcome. We agreed I wasn't going to call/webcam with her while I was away unless she asked, thinking that would just upset her, but I put a small picture of myself in a little keychain and left it in the flat for her to find while I was away. She liked it but didn't seem to need it for emotional reassurance. I didn't tell her I was going away until the morning I left, and everyone consistently told her the same thing while I was gone -- that I was going to California but coming back in a few days -- in hopes that she'll remember the episode later on. Good luck -- I'm sure it will be fine and good for all of you!

Found it, thanks very much! I'm afraid my daughter may be a bit on the young/timid side for it, although I have to admit I've been dying to take a closer look at the adventure playground and will maybe drag her in for a look.

Hello, I'm also desperately searching for half term activities. Is "DKH" open day at the school, and open to everyone? If so, can you please tell me what time it runs? Thanks!

That's great news on the equipment trial. On the original question, I've also gotten to Crystal Palace on the train. There's one that runs from Peckham Rye station to Crystal Palace station, which is around the corner from the Leisure Centre. I think the train ride itself was less than 10 minutes, although of course you need to check times to avoid waiting too long at the station each way.

Thanks very much for the responses -- that's all very helpful!

Sorry to take up a thread on something so personal, but we need to make a quick decision on whether to move to Beauval Road and I'm wondering if anyone out has thoughts as to whether that's a good or bad location with regard to schools? We have a child who would be starting primary school in two years (2013 entry), and wanted to have some sense of how much chance we'd have of getting her into any of the local schools then. I know there are no guarantees in all this, especially as the applicable rules keep changing, but at least wanted to get what information we can before making the decision. Although I've only roughly mapped the distances, I think we'd be in the mid-300 metres from Heber, and under 700 from Goodrich and Dulwich Infants. (I'd also be interested in any thoughts people might have on the location with regard to secondary schools, so at least I know how worried I'll need to be in a few years!) Thanks very much!

According to their website, Currys accepts items for recycling. I've been meaning to take things to their shop in Peckham Rye, but haven't yet tried it.

From what I've heard, they're a bit inconsistent in what equipment they put out. The collection that was there the day I went would have been a little young for a 4 year old (although there were several space hoppers, which none of the children there were large enough to use), but friends of mine went a different day when there was more actual gymnastic equipment available and fewer soft toys. That day sounded a little advanced for our 2 year olds, but probably perfect for a 4 year old. In any case, it's a big space with room to run around and crash mats to jump on, so there should be something for everyone. I also recommend swimming at the Peckham Pulse. We went today and were almost the only people there as well. The hydropool was very warm and toasty, and I booked in at the soft play session afterwards to make sure my daughter was warm and dry by the time we left (although soft play at the Pulse was absolutely rammed, unlike CP). Warning that when we got there for the 10 am session, the pool was still covered and none of the lifeguards knew the session was happening, but after 5 minutes they had everything set up. Here's the hydropool schedule for the rest of this week: For tomorrow the 23rd: 9 am Jelly Babies; 10 Rafts & Rascals, 1 pm Jelly Babies, 2 pm R&R, 3 JB, 4 R&R, 5 Family Swim. On Friday the 24th there's a family swim session at 9 and Jelly Babies at 11.