Pickle

People on long haul flights who think it's ok to watch films on their tablet/iPad without using headphones.

I wonder whether you persist with the pants (or a fabric liner) under a nappy for a few weeks, he may become aware of the wet feeling and it might help you to move forward. All 3 of my kids wore cloth nappies and I do believe it helps, my 1st and 3rd were out of nappies by 2.5 and my 2nd child at just 2. They all reached a point where they would come to me after a wee in a nappy and tell me they were wet and that they wanted changed. That said, it's not something to worry about, they all get there in the end.

We are heading to NZ to spend Xmas, NY and my 40th with my family there. Not easy with 3 kids who all believe in Santa, lots of suitcases involved, but worth the journey as it's the only time I can truly relax when I'm at home. It's always great to catch up with old friends. This time of year is also a sad one for us, as my brother passed away last year and his birthday was Xmas Eve. We try to celebrate by doing something special - last year it was panto at Catford (oh the glamour!), this year we have booked into a kiwi pub for dinner and there's a resident magician :)

I was pleased that Ben won, I like voices with a bit of a rock edge, but usually they don't do well on X Factor. Fleur has a career ahead, no doubt about it. I hope Ben does well, he seems like a pretty genuine bloke.

I come from a country where school dinners don't exist, so it's been a revelation to me to see what schools provide. My kids really enjoy most of the meals they have at school, and on days they're not fussed on the main course they will have a vegetarian pasta dish, jacket potato, or a sandwich with the veges/salad on offer. As far as I'm aware, they are actively encouraged to have vegetables, and the amount they eat is monitored by lunch room staff. On Fridays they get more of a "treat" dinner - fish/sausage/pizza and chips, and I think it's great. When I was at primary school in NZ the local fish and chip shop used to take orders and deliver fish and chips to the school at lunchtime, it was the highlight of my week :) From what my son says, the puddings are small. He generally doesn't have them, but loves the carrot cake they get every now and then. He manages to use charm to get double portions on those days! We are an active family, and eat balanced meals at home. I have absolutely no worries about the fact they get a bit of sugar at lunchtime, it's all about balance.

There should be other options offered too. My (weird) kids don't like puddings with sauce/custard, so always have fruit or occasionally yoghurt. I work on the basis that I was given a packed lunch every day by my Mum, including biscuits as standard, and I've lived to tell the tale :)

The French Cafe on Forest Hill Rd sell nice brownies, very fudgey rather than cakey. I never tried the EDD ones so not sure how they compare, but they're lovely.

Set down the ground rules as soon as the tree goes up, a 2 year old is old enough to understand. I didn't have trouble with any of my kids (the cat is a different story, he enjoys pulling tinsel off and taking it with him into the garden!)

The parents at school Xmas shows who insist on holding their iphone/camera/iPad/laptop (FFS, who takes a bloody laptop to use as a camera anyway?!) above their heads throughout the entire thing meaning everyone sitting behind has to watch the show through that persons screen.

I usually put ?20 in a card, and give some chocolates or similar. I pay holiday pay (a weeks money) every quarter, so don't feel I need to give too much of a bonus.

We managed to fit 3 under 5 in our car (Jaguar XF), but I think from memory my middle child went into a booster seat just before #3 arrived so a different seat configuration. We didn't use isofix bases as they took up too much room, and it's a bit of a squash, but they fit! You may have to get a 7 seater, put your eldest right at the back?

So pleased to hear this, and in awe of the cool headed way you have dealt with the situation. Here's hoping you all get a chance to relax and unwind over the festive season x

Love Semas. They are always happy to accommodate my request for "cooked so much they're basically burnt" chips, with a smile.

We have a Makala Dolphin (in purple, it's all about the purple!). Seems to do the job, stays in tune pretty well.

You could get him a ukelele instead - much easier to master at his age (my 6.5 year old is quite good on hers).

I noticed some in the window of Paperchase on Northcross Road earlier today.

My mother in law sends them every year, they're due to arrive today or tomorrow so I'll have a look to see where they are from (probably M&S or similar). As lovely as they are, my kids are always disappointed that there's no chocolate!

Dreading ringing DMC this morning to get an appointment for my sick 2 year old, surprised to get through after just a few minutes on hold, and to be offered a 10am appointment. If only it were that easy all the time!

We bought in East Dulwich in our late 20s, and like others it was because it was more affordable than other areas at the time. Brockley, Penge, Catford, even parts of Forest Hill are cheaper and bound to be a good investment in the long run.

Yes, we used Science Boffins and it was excellent, the kids had a brilliant time.

Mel has spent the past few weeks criticising Stevie, and decides tonight to back him. Fix indeed. (Jay was rubbish though, his sing off song sounded terrible). I'm happy as long as Ben stays in.

Bloomers, absolutely brilliant. I went a few months ago, ashamed of my ill-fitting collection of bras. The first style she gave me to try was perfect, has completely transformed my shape and confidence. She has a great selection, will order in for you, and is great at getting the right size and style for you. Reasonable prices too.

Bop It was a big hit in our house last year

Anyone that thinks by putting their hazard lights on it's acceptable to block the road while faffing about in/around/beside their car. Especially when there's room to pull in out of the way slightly further ahead.

Some good advice from the most recent contributors to this post. I lost my younger brother to suicide last year, he was 34. It leaves families and friends with a lifetime of "what ifs", I wish I had done more to support him through a tough time in his life, and that he had been more open about his struggles. Sadly too late for our family, but hopefully others will read and take time to think about vulnerable people, be it family, friends or colleagues. My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of this man.