millie42

ACF is great - both of my children have been there since the Baby Unit and my younger son is still in the nursery. I have also heard very good things about Stillness. I understand that there tend to have a large sibling intake most years so would suggest you check with Lewisham to see distances or the last child accepted to be on the safe side as I know several families very close to the school failed to get places this year. Good luck! HOP is great place for families.

Hi there, I have just received a note from school that all the kids need to dress up as aliens on Wednesday to raise money! So far have thought of green face paint but other than that are really struggling for inspiration! Any suggestions really welcome! M

Blythe Hill Park (Honor Oak - on P4) has great playground with climbing frame and sand. Would 'second' Sydenham Hill - great circuit for scooters. CP park and then small farm (closed Wed)

Felix (2.5) and i are planning to go to Busy Bees at All Fired Up tomorrow (Monday) if anyone fancies it. It starts at 10 as is busy so you need to turn up early to get a seat. Its 3 pounds and a really sweet class! May see some of you tomorrow. Millie

Is anyone intending to go on Monday? We are and it would be good to put faces to some of the names. Michelle and Felix

We are going to check out DKH open day tomorrow if anyone fancies joining us. I will have my 5 and 2 year old with me so if you do decide to go - please say hi.

Sounds good - but I think you have to queue up at 10 for the tickets. I was told this by someone there last week but they may have got it wrong and I have never been before. If the worst comes to the worst, we can simply go to the aquarium and then for some lunch if people are interested. Hopefully I am wrong as have been keen to try out Busy Bees for ages! Millie

Us too! Me and 2 year old. So is the plan to go to Hornimans busy bees? Next week? Which session? Not sure this week will be fun given that its half term! M

It is very tricky. A big get together at somewhere like The Plough is great but invariably takes a while to organise and can only ever be an adhoc event. Sometimes it is nice just to get out with the kids and have another adult to talk to and new children for my two boys to play with. I have friends who I do this with but its always great to meet new poeple and go to new places. Why don't we all simply post details of when we are going out to parks etc and invite others to join in. In time we will get to know each other and the children and play dates naturally result. If there are a core of people who are interested, why don't we simply tell each other the ages of our children and when we don't work . Also rather than having to keep checking emails we can exchange mobile nos and keep in touch that way. Just an idea! BTW I have a 5 year old boy and 2 year old and always out and about with the 2 year old in the morning and with both after the school run so if anyone fancies joining us they are welcome. Millie

Ps there is also section for small children so would be ok for new walkers as well! It is outside (so brass monkeys) but not sure there is really anything suitably child friendly and indoors in ED. Everywhere will usually accept children but not really geared up to contain/keep them out of trouble for any length of time! What about a session at a softplay centre?

Hi, I take my two year old there with his five year old brother and both totally love it! So yes re toddlers! We are always there. Poo incident - very funny! Since my kids arrived - I have no shame! M

What about an outside playdate at Goose Green playground then a coffee and cake in a cafe? I think the playground is fairly secure and then hopefully they will be tired and easily bribed with cake! M

yes to next Thursday's meet up. However any chance we can make it earlier as I have to pick up my older son from school so early afternoons are better for us. M

Me too as I am now off with my 2 year old from Mon to Thurs and it would be great to meet some local mums. I think the book club is still going as I have an email from Nicola about it somewhere. - will try and locate it. M

For Mondays - I would second Tippee toes or Ackroyd Childrens Centre in SE23! Both have a number of dads. Ackroyd also run a baby gym on the first Monday of each month. Ackroyd from 10 to about 2 and ?2.75 Tuesdays - would really recommend St Saviours Group on Brockley Rise. Really friendly group and several regular dads to chat to. 10 to 11.45. ?1. Good luck

Thanks Snowborder - will take a look.

Thanks. Has anyone tried Geffrye Museum as I understand they have some children's activities during half term or am I being far too unrealistic with young boys!?

Does anyone have any good ideas of what to do with two boys during half term (5 and 2.5) if rain precludes the usual trips to the park! The 5 year old is now too big for the usual groups and soft play will be far too manic. All ideas appreciated!

I got mine from Boden. I am sure they still do them.

Ditto nail polish remover!

Many thanks. Very useful.

Does anyone go to this and would it be suitable for a 2 year old? Many thanks in advance Millie

I have been looking into suitable secondary schools and someone has suggested I take a look at Riverston in Lewisham. Does anyone have any information/views on the school? Many thanks in advance. M

Yes - my 5 year old would be interested if you are focusing at that age group after school times. Millie

I would recommend Attractions hair salon on Brockley Rise (Honor Oak). Both of my children have their hair cuts there and they are a really child friendly salon. Both of mine (boys!) totally love having their hair cut so must be good. If you google them you will find their details.