Due to demand http://www.dulwichmontessori.co.uk/ have just opened a sister school http://www.dulwichoaks.co.uk/ The open day is 7th July and they open in September
My son has been in an amazing nanny share since June 2010 and would agree with all of Bumpkin's thoughts. We were fortunate that the boys we shared with are at school so in the early days our boy got lots of one on one attention during term time but was also very socialised through the use of groups and our nanny meeting up with other nannies or SAHM friends. I know of a couple of people currently looking so will PM you the details.
Audio books, especially if read by David Tennant. :) http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hairy-Maclary-Story-Collection-Friends/dp/014132905X/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332155915&sr=8-1-fkmr0 Also intersperse the kiddy songs with 'normal' music Yes tends to have to be pop songs or high energy but beats listening to nursery rhymes the whole time. Current favourites of our 2 year old include... I like to Move it by Will.i.am Candy Man by Sammy Davis Jnr It's Tricky - Run DMC Jolene - Dolly Parton Move it & Summer Holiday - Cliff Richard Yellow Submarine - The Beatles Electric Avenue & Gimme Hope Joanna - Eddy Grant Mamma Mia - Abba We Will Rock You - Queen I Love To Boogie - T-Rex Your Song - Elton John Candyman - Christina Aguilera
Nicky Wesson http://www.amazon.co.uk/Home-Birth-Practical-Nicky-Wesson/dp/1905177062 Ina May Gaskin http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0091924154/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331204973&sr=1-1
I'd love for my son to have a grasp of languages so would love to get involved if anyone's organising anything. I speak basic French but with an appalling accent! :)
Currently on week 4 and my boy prefers the potty to the toilet, think he feels more secure and in control. I think it all depends on the child as have a friend whose child loves the toilet rather than the potty.
I'm with Molly, stair gates at the top for us - to make our life upstairs easier! Showers, staying in bed on a weekend morning while he runs up and down the landing and/or plays with toys etc! Also for us he is determined to be independent and will no longer come down on his bum or backwards instead wanting to walk down and hold the bannister. In itself not a bad thing but he does slip sometimes so would prefer him not to do it unless we're near by.
Let her play with a book, set of keys, anything that she's interested in as it'll divert her attention. Could also trying singing songs, pulling faces, blowing raspberries - again anything that could be used as a distraction. Good luck..!
Not strictly what you asked about but my boy loves having these read to him while sitting on the potty, also helps with getting him to love underpants too...! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zoo-Poo-Training-Barrons-Educational/dp/0764127675/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327318542&sr=1-1 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pants-Giles-Andreae/dp/0552548332/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327318506&sr=1-1 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aliens-Underpants-World-Claire-Freedman/dp/1847383025
I did evening in bath from beginning and still do - yep got to break that habit soon as still having milk before bed! And then started morning as well once he was eating 3 proper meals a day. For me the early days were about getting him used to teeth brushing and trying to establish a habit rather than actually 'cleaning' his teeth.