Monkey

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.

Yes, I noticed things have changed. Not going back either after bad haircut. Thought perhaps it was just me but obviously not!

My French mother was appalled to hear of my daughter's uniform. "What? Even in a state school?" :-) She will be wearing her pink coat to go to school. I checked with the school. Will be brightening up the navy blue tights and grey dress combo! Seconding Vert Baudet. would also recommend Moonsoon, which has some great coats in dark colours. They have a fab navy blue one at the moment. http://uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_3,mon_3.3,mon_3.3.5/4701200623#gallery

Thanks JS33. I had missed this. Very interested. I have emailed the teacher.

Please do not accuse a nursery you don't know of not being managed well. We were there for two years and couLd not have been happier.

Ours is next week.

A colleague had a similar problem - it was pretty bad especially given the fact that she had dark hair. But the highlights faded very quickly after a few washes and started looking very nice after a few days. Don't despair!

I think they said at the information meeting that they were introducing a new PE kit this year and to await more information... I have not bought anything. I can't imagine it matters for the first couple of weeks.

Just wondering if navy blue shoes are okay or whether they have to be black. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you!

Swiss farm in Henley. Glorious field camping, some electric pitches, good shower blocks... A good intro to camping!

That's very interesting, alieh. She turns four on Monday! She's actually been at nursery full time since she was four months and most recently pre-school all day. This is the longest she's spent in a home environment since she was a baby. I am thinking the change in routine might have done it.

Thank you, Pugwash. I had heard of the terrible twos but was not ready for the terrible fours! Thank you for the advice - I will try not to rise to it (which I must admit I have not been very good at!)

My darling daughter has changed completely over the summer. She went from being a well-behaved little girl to a child who won't listen, shouts, won't go to sleep, tells me to "shut up"... I have tried to talk to her but to no avail. She does not seem sad or anxious. Her bad behaviour seems to be directed at me and to a lesser extent her father. She's ok with our childminders... Anyone experienced this at that age? (she's turning 4 next week) Any advice welcome.

I went through something similar as a child (not quite as bad though). Trigger was an extremly bad experience at a summer club when I ws six. I really wished my parents had got me some help...

The Monkeys will support you. Really sorry you're going through this and hope you get things sorted quickly.

Given the heat, I would call in the police.

Hever Castle?

Thank you.

When do reception children start full time at Goodrich? Is it the 16th or 23rd of September? I managed to get myself confused. Thank you!