rebeccaben

Okay, I have been now and all I can say is that I wish I hadn't bothered. This is so completely disorganised and not worth the money. I went on the basis that it is my toddler's first visit with Santa and I know she is very impatient (as most 2.5 yo's are) so I figured if I paid for it, it would be a smooth and entertaining experience. You start out being ushered into the back garden of the house to look at two reindeer in what is basically a cage (poor reindeer). There is no one with you to explain what is going on or to try and get the children engaged with the experience. We stood around in the cold with the children getting impatient for about 15 minutes. We were then ushered inside for gingerbread man decorating. This was sweet and well-organised and the kids all seemed to like it. Next we went upstairs to "wait" for our turn with Santa. I was shocked to see a room literally FULL of children and parents/carers with about 5 toys strewn around a playmat (where there was barely room to sit down). I asked an 'elf' if they were all waiting and she said that some were and some weren't but then couldn't give me any idea of how many were still waiting and how long it might be until our turn. Our booking was at 11.45 and it was now 12.15 (the website says the experience should be 30 minutes). Then another elf came out and called a child to see Santa and I could see on the slip that this child was in the 11am group! So basically, we had at least another 45 minutes to wait which is outrageous. I asked to speak to the manager who said that the website said that there could be delays and that a nursery group had booked in before us which is was why is was taking longer (then why did they take more bookings??). In any case, she ended up letting us queue jump to see Santa which made me feel terrible for the other children but I couldn't walk away with my little girl without having seen Santa (which in fact only took 30 seconds as she was terrified of him and we had to leave right away). Total nightmare and waste of money, but now I know! I'm sure some other people have had better experiences if it was less busy and if they had more patient children but I still would not recommend it.

Our toddler is desperate to go and see some animals. The only places I know of are quite a long drive (Godstone Farm, British Wildlife Centre). Does anyone know of anything closer that is open on Sundays? It could be anything as long as it has a wider range of animals than ducks and pigeons (in that case we can go to Dulwich Park!). Thanks!

Thanks so much, that's really helpful.

Yes, I know it is overpriced and there is a whole other thread dedicated to questioning that. However, that thread has veered off into a million other tangents and I'd just like to know if anyone has been to this and is it any good? And what is the actual (additional!) cost of the photo with Santa? I have to say that I found the elf on stilts (um, antithesis of elf?) outside hawking for business a bit off-putting, but I do like the idea of reindeer and not queueing for hours!

I went to the opening last night and it was great. It's big and bright and airy. Food was scrummy and the bar staff were really nice. Shame about the hangover though...

We live in North Dulwich, Fuschia so I'll start my enquiries with the ones around here. The confusing thing is that when you go to the Early Learning section of the Southwark website, there is a bit that says "Where can my child get a free early education place?". Then it lists nurseries, schools, etc and you can click through and download a list of Southwark nurseries. However that list is pretty comprehensive and includes nurseries that I'm pretty sure don't participate in this scheme (e.g. DUCKS). So it's pretty useless as a source of info and it seems like you need to approach each nursery individually. Very dull!

So I understand that every child from 3 years is entitled to 15 hours of free nursery care a week for 38 weeks a year. But how does it work in practice? Does every nursery have to accept this? My daughter is just over 2 and although we have a full-time nanny share I thought it would be good for her to experience a few mornings a week of nursery (but we can't afford both nanny and nursery). So this would seem ideal. I just can't get my head around it! If we got a place now that we paid for, then when she turns 3 does it become free? Can anyone shed any light on this? The Southwark Family Life website is a bit generalised about how it works and I don't really want to call nurseries asking for a free place! Thanks

Hiya, Another one here! I have been here 12 years and have a 2 year old girl and a 4 month old boy. Just moved from East Dulwich to North Dulwich. Am back at work now but I have Fridays off so would love to meet up on a Friday or weekend. Rebecca x

we have toyed with the idea of leaving dulwich for greener pastures (and bigger houses) but never got past the increased commute. the in-laws are thinking about retiring to Deal and i just looked on rightmove and it makes me slightly sick to see what you can get for your money there (although the commute would rule out working in London). warning: property porn in the link below: http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-33396751.html?premiumA=true

Okay, so this isn't exactly what you are after but we just came back from this place in Mallorca and really enjoyed it and I still cannot get over what good value it was. The house was lovely, pool was lovely and just a 10 minute drive into Puerto Pollensa with nice restaurants right on the beach (we sat and ate tapas one night while our 2 year old frolicked on the beach in front of us with loads of other children). We BBQed at the house most nights. House has 3 bedrooms with one totally set up for kids(bunk beds plus a single bed plus a travel cot). You could always bring another family with you to make it more fun?! http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/balearics/B6812.htm

We did Baby Swimming at Michael Tippett School in Herne Hill with my first baby when she was 6 months. The group is small, the pool is a lovely little heated pool and the instructir was good. Unfortunately our little girl despised swimming and we had to quit after she screamed her way through 3 lessons. Two years on and we have just come back from holiday in Mallorca where she refused to put more than a toe in the pool or ocean...she's obviously just not a water baby! Details of the classes are here: http://www.babyswimming.co.uk/pools/hernehill.html x

Drinks at the Great Exhibition sounds like a lovely idea...have a mental picture of us all having relaxed glass of wine in the sunshine. In reality we will probably be huddled inside out of the rain and cold. Can do either the 4th or 11th, although prefer the 4th as it's sooner! Rebecca x

Horniman doesn't open until 10.30. So Friday at 10.30 in the foyer area! Perhaps a wander through the weird animals and then to the conservatory/orangerie thing-y (it is outside next to the museum's cafe). As Jane says, you can park easily behind the gardens or opposite the museum (Wood Vale or Sydenham Rise are the closest streets). xx

Yes please to the Friday meet-up with toddlers!!! The crappy weather makes it even more important to have something to do. The only decent soft play I know is Gambados in Beckenham which is great but does require driving. My only recommendation would be the Horniman as it's always our rainy day go-to place. Mimi never gets tired of looking at the dusty old animals or playing with the instruments in the music room. And then we can gather in the orangerie for coffees and the toddlers can run around together in there? Open to any other suggestions though. Sadly Cheeky Cs is on half-term break until next Friday. xx

4 days at home with a 2-year old. Any great suggestions for toddler-friendly activities somehow linked to the Jubilee or otherwise this weekend?! Would love to try to get to some vantage point for the flotilla on Sunday but pretty afraid of the crowds and traffic.

Hi Jayne, My first baby was very clingy and went through lots of phases (sometimes would only sleep in a moving pram, sometimes only on me, etc). Firstly, I would say that it is almost surely a phase that will end in a couple of weeks or less just on its own. In the meantime you might also try squishing him into a slightly propped up nursing cushion on the sofa. Both of my babies loved that and Sam has currently been snoozing away next to me like this for 2 hours quite happily. Best of luck, Rebecca x

Great idea Jane. The weather is meant to turn again by the end of the week so it'll be good to make the most of this lovely sun! See you guys tomorrow. R xx

We have been in a nanny share for almost 2 years and it's been great. We found a nanny who already had been working for a family for years so we sort of 'joined in' (i.e. we didn't start with two families looking to find a nanny together). From my experience, the answers I can give are: 1. Generally agree which days you will be at which house - it seems to make sense to keep this consistent. 2. When you register with a nanny tax company, they will give you a template contract that you can tailor to your needs. 3. I strongly recommend that both families use a nanny tax company - it doens't cost much and takes so much headache away and personally my nanny appreciates that she gets proper paperwork from us every month and at year end. Plus they are always available to answer questions about tax codes, etc. I have been using PAYE for Nannies and they have been brilliant. 4. Absolutely. This is a real job for your nanny and it is illegal not to be registered as an employer with HMRC and pay over the tax, so both families must do this. The one thing to be careful about is that you ensure that you share the tax code, otherwise one family will pay an unfair share of tax (this presumes you agree a net wage with your nanny and are grossing up - if not, then it doesn't matter). 5. Not that I can think of. 6. Not that I know of. I have never heard of any other families getting this either, but again I'm sure the nanny tax company could advise. Feel free to PM me with any other questions!

Goose Green Centre - http://www.stjohnseastdulwich.org/

Yes, I think the sling is the way to go for The Gardens (or anywhere really that 20+ mums and babies turn up together!). Look forward to catching up again next week and seeing some more new arrivals! R x

what a strange post! how were you 'stung'? obviously you saw the item you wanted and noted the price before making your purchase. if you thought it was extortionate, then you shouldn't have bought it. personally, i think it's a nice shop. yes, it's expensive but it has some lovely things and i think makes a nice addition to LL. if i was a suspicious type of person i would suspect you might be the proprietor of a competing shop...

Jenny and Rosie - I think our three must have had a word with each other yesterday morning when our backs were turned. Sam screamed from yesterday afternoon through until 11.30pm when we both passed out (him on my boob). My charming husband managed to pick that day to have a "working lunch" turn into an all afternoon/evening session at the pub. The joys of parenthood!

What about 2pm at The Plough for a late lunch/nibble/coffee (or all 3 for me!)? xx

I just heard about the Kids Club that The Ritzy does on Sat mornings (Lion King this weekend!). I would love to take my little girl for something different to do but not sure if she is too young. She is almost 2 and does love her TV and DVDs (bad mother, yes). Has anyone else been with a child so small and would you recommend?

Great news Laura! Looks like the Spring Babies Club is doing its part to raise the name Sam through the ranks of the popularity charts. And you're not alone with finding the breastfeeding tricky. Have a look at the breastfeeding homepage on Mumsnet for some advice and tips, I found it really helpful and reassuring. http://www.mumsnet.com/babies/breastfeeding Caroline - you are totally normal! My little guy has generally been a dream compared to my first one, but this weekend he seems to have turned the tables on me and is playing the "crying all the time, feeding non-stop, never happy" game. Charming. I'm ready to play the "throw the baby out the window" game! ;-) Seriously though, just muddle through as best as you can and remember that it will settle down and become more manageable - there is light at the end of the tunnel!! I'll try and make it to Dulwich Park tomorrow depending on the mood of the little monster. x