Monkey

My daughter told me tonight that she wants longer books "such as The Lorax" to be read to her. The type of books I have been reading to her are "too easy" apparently. Any ideas as to what I could now read to her? Thank you.

Whistles and reiss (sales only!) for dressy stuff. For casual, it's good old Gap.

I have indeed been in there more than once to find the place completely deserted. I have raised the issue so many times. Nothing ever seems to get done. This is outrageous.

No. August 28 2009, when very ill after daughter's birth, no answer for 4 hours. You have another 3 and a half hours to go before you beat my record.

From Southwark Coucnil's website: How to report a dangerous structure Please call 020 7525 5397/5582/5596 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm or 0845 600 1285 outside normal working hours.

We're taking our 4yo there this weekend. Will let you know.

What sunbob says. Good luck!

Well said, CK, HP and Jeremy.

Fascinating indeed. But why are we so obsessed with the "milestones"? Why do we want them to grow up so quickly? It's really getting on my nerves. Mother in law at the weekend: "If she had not gone to nursery, she would have spoken earlier." Why the hell does it matter?

A good school and lovely neighbours. Feels very rooted.

I agree Cora. They served me the same excuse last year.

They always have staff issues. When I complained to them last year they blamed the poor service on having a number of employees on maternity leave, which I thought was a lame excuse indicating lack of planning. I am now at the gardens surgery. My calls are always answered promptly, getting appointments is not a problem and I get to see the same gp without a problem. Goes to show that it's not so difficult!!!

My daughter, 4, wants an alarm clock from Santa so she "knows when it's morning". She can't tell the time yet though. Is there a cool clock for this age group? Any ideas welcome. Thanks!

You could go for the small Corolle dolls, which Jojo has in stock at the moment. http://www.corolle.com/poupees-141/les-mini-poupees-142.html

Just a quick post to let everyone know that the lovely Tales on Moon Lane has reopened. It is even lovelier than before and the Christmas window is magical. They've been closed since Herne Hill flooded back in August. Let's show them some love!

Yes, we are going on Thursday. Can't wait. We also very much enjoyed Dora at The Unicorn today. It's in London Bridge, so easy to get to.

Thanks everyone. All great ideas!

No mail for us either for a few days now. Been waiting for theatre tickets for a week now.

I have a precious week off with my darling daughter, 4, next week. It's been a really stressful time at work so was looking forward to it. However, we are in the middle of a really messy loft conversion (with major leaks all over last night) and being home even for part of the day is not going to be nice. Any ideas where we could "hang around"? I am thinking coffee shops with play areas for example? Libraries are already on my list of course. We don't necessarily want to do lots of visiting or activities, just need ideas of nice spaces were we can chill, a bit like we'd do at home. Hope I am making sense! Any ideas welcome!

Another recommendation for mili. https://www.facebook.com/miliandme Comes HIGHLY recommended. Her cakes are amazing: they look amazing; they taste amazing.

Four years on and we still talk about Vanessa, Mary, Erica ... on a weekly basis. We love you, ladies! Writing to the head of midwifery tomorrow.

What is your closest school and how far away are you from it? Sending your child to the school's nursery does not influence whether you get a place at reception so please don't worry. All the ED schools are pretty good anyway (says mum who was stressing madly about this on this very forum earlier on this year!). A lot of schools have breakfast clubs and after school clubs, I should think. Otherwise there are plenty of childminders and they'll probably cost you less than nursery. Hope this helps a bit.

DUCKS - which is part of Dulwich College.

I think it's hard for little ones that age. My four year old has not mastered it yet so don't beat yourself up. Not looking forward to the next upset tummy! Dunno what to suggest apart from practising, which we will be doing ths weekend!

pepper spray would be a bad idea as, as well as being illegal, it could affect you and you would not be able to protect your child. Best thing, I think, would be to familiarise yourself with how to deal with an aggressive dog. There's plenty on the subject on the Internet. I have never been the slightest bit worried about any dogs in Dulwich park or Peckham rye,though I know there are some scary ones around.