sillywoman

The Vulva is the external genital organs, so yes you're right dulwichgirl2. I thought the same thing when I read Saffron's post - to me it's not really correctly naming the important bit. It's a vagina in our house (well it would be wouldn't it - seeing as it's a word I have to be able to use frequently without fear or embarrassment!) but, when my 'babies' were younger it was a Fanny-ann, or Fanny. I know some people find that 'common', but - well - I am. So there. :)) Besides, it was either that or 'tuppence', both options courtesy of my Nanna. Lesser of two evils I think.

parkview Wrote: . . . Otherwise I agree with the > sentiment here - I saw this photo recently in a > newspaper and it just makes me feel sad: > > http://www.castlefortjmischool.co.uk/2011/07/prom/ > prom-2011-020-copy/ OMG, boak!!! Wrong, wrong, wrong, all wrong. Right, that's it - we're off to the outer hebrides and we're not coming back until common sense prevails . . . .

Oh yes, I do agree civilservant. I said several times in my post - it should be driven by the child. If they're asking to do it & showing they're ready then - with appropriate security measures set in place (stranger danger talk/rules, specific road crossing rules etc.etc.) - I believe it's to be encouraged & facilitated.

My eldest was ready to walk to school with her friends in the summer term of year 5. She was 10. They were perfectly happy, as was I - mainly because I was still doing the school run so knew I was around to keep an eye. As is the way of things, I've become more relaxed as a parent in the intervening years. My next child cycled, mostly alone, at the beginning of year 5 when he was just 9, and so did his younger brother. Baby of the family is now making noises about walking to school on his own. he's too young at 8, but I'll consider it for the end of year 4 when he'll be 9. I feel the opposite to civilservant; I have observed over the years that children who are too pampered and protected don't learn their 'patch', and often find it much more scary when they are expected to do the - usually longer journey- to secondary school on their own, they don't have the confidence of their more self sufficient peers. I think 11/12 is too late, if they've expressed a wish to walk themselves before then. I'm a fan of building their confidence gradually and appropriately & feel that primary school is a good place to start when they show they're ready for it. At primary school - even if you yourself aren't around - often there are lots of other parents that they know walking younger siblings the same route. You can ask them to keep an eye if you feel they need it, & the children themselves know there are people around that know them if something happens they need help with. Often this isn't the case with the Secondary school journey. A lot depends on the child of course, a more nervous child may not be ready until 11 or 12 (though it could perhaps be a bigger leap if they haven't done it before year 7)? But I think walking in the last 2 years of primary, providing the school is local, can only be a good thing. particularly if they can do it with their friends. Watching your child take these steps toward independence is one of the deep joys of Motherhood, no? a bit like letting go of the saddle when they learn to ride on 2 wheels. Your heart is in your mouth the first few times they do it, but you'll be brimming with pride.

sillywoman Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > > I've been sitting on the fence for a while now but > I think, prompted by your friends review and the > posts from the lovely women of ED on here, that I > will bite the bullet and get one. Thanks for > thetop tip about avoiding alcohol though VanessPMR > - will take that firmly on board (more sniggering > into my cup of tea over that one). > > :)) Update: . . . aaaaand - I'm a convert. OMG this little contraption has really changed my life. I love it. No more horrible pads, risks of night time leaks, tampons-that-I-can't-tolerate-for-long, or concerns that my handbag will fall open & an emergency pad will fall out. Mooncups are brilliant!!

Years ago I did some GCSE's & A levels at night school whilst working full time - no need to 'just become a student'. I found the courses I wanted at a college near me (I was in North London then) in 'Floodlight'. It's a really useful publication which lists further education courses offered in London. I think that a new one must be in the offing for the next academic year? I seem to remember they're in the shops from around August time - it might be worth checking them out.

Mine had/have croup from time to time Strawbs. My youngest in particular tends to get it if he's a bit run down. He coughs like a Seal (barking), usually at night, and is generally a bit under the weather in the day. Sleep seems to exacerbate the cough a bit. In the past I've found that a wet towel placed over an radiator that's on in his room helps enormously. The steam soothes the Croup. Occasionally, in extremis, I've resorted to some time in the bathroom on a camping mattress with a bath & sink full of hot water. Steroids never occurred to me & it's not a path I'd personally choose to go down unless I was left with no other options.

Oh, and I can't see that there's any decision to be made really? You'd surely have to be barking, stark raving bonkers-mad to turn down a highly sought after place with Oakwood Midwives? Just a personal view though.

Bosom down, but don't call me 'dear' ;)

Bessemer does have a good reputation, but it's kind of tucked away on the Bessemer estate so I think a lot of people don't know about it. Possibly why it's undersubscribed (just guessing)? Lots of my daughter's friends went there & they're all lovely, very bright & well mannered young people. As ratty so eloquently put it - it is a long way for you & your boy to travel each day. Isn't Elliot Bank closer to you? Edited to add; You may get more response to this in the family room, just ask admin to move you - they're very helpful!

This thread would probably be better off in the family room, no?

Claire29 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > We moved in the last 6 weeks to Sidcup, in a > rented house buying a house in Bexley. . . . It's > surbubia but I'm really enjoying it, it's > peaceful, I'm only 15 min drive to Bluweater, > train into charing cross takes 25 minutes. For us > the main reason was bigger house, bigger garden, > and decent secondary schools, for in the future. > It's surprising how quickly you adapt. I would just like to say that whilst I completely understand about how expensive & small property is in ED & how small our gardens are comparative to places further afield, we do actually have excellent primary schools here in ED & we have very good - better than decent - secondary schools 'for in the future' too. Hoists bosom protectively & dons hard hat.

It's the end of the school year; summer's finally in the air; I find mine are always more irritable & tired toward the end of term, and they take it out on each other for sure. Which means we (adults) end up with all the stress. I've found with my teens that as they get older & have more separate lives they fight a lot less, but when they do fight it's more serious & affects us all more strongly- essentially they're adults shouting at each other - it can be quite scary. I like the Waltons/Shameless analogy :) that's definitely us, though we could do with a lot more Walton days in our house!

Hmmmm, maybeeee . . . . :))

Teenage daughter charges ?6 per hour (I think). Increased her rates once she hit 16, cos she's "more mature" ;)

here; http://www.thebirthiwant.org.uk/government

>:D

I would love to read a book like this. The impact of a Caesarean birth, in particular unplanned (emergency) is often underestimated I think. To be able to help women in advance with a few, well researched, tips on best diet, pain management, scar healing, exercises and how best to manage feeding and coping with a newborn in combination with all the above would be just great. I'll be watching with interest.

"elderly multigravida"?

Miriam Stoppard Everywoman's Life Guide 2nd Ed 1983 "Very often, children and motherhood bring isolation, confusion and insecurity to many young women. many women feel they are not particularly good at motherhood, and feel failures as mothers. they don't know when the baby has been fed enough, or why it is crying, or =whether it is warm enough. This undermines their self confidence and they often wonder if they will ever do anything properly again. If a woman feels that she is a failure as a mother, she may begin to feel that she is a failure as a person too, and from this time onward she may begin to feel lonely and isolated. Undoubtedly one of the loneliest people in the world can be the mothers of children under school age. For many mothers, lack of help with the children, and reservations about leaving the children in the care of anyone but a relative, mean that they spend their leisure time at home, very often with little more than television to divert them. One of the most important aspects of motherhood, and one which is rarely discussed is that every individual varies in her attitude towards it, and her capacity to handle it. This is nothing to do with being a good mother, or a bad mother. There is no such thing. A mother is what you are if you choose motherhood - you will them have your own style of doing it. Many of the different approaches of women to motherhood depend a great deal more on stamina and temperament that whether they feed the baby on time & change the nappy as soon as it is soiled. Some women will feel instant mother love for their child at birth. Others may be quite frightened by the absence of this bonding, though there is no reason to be so. Some women feel that being a mother is one of the most thrilling experiences and greatest privileges that they will ever enjoy, but it is easier to find others who will only be able to describe the exhaustion and boredom they experienced in bringing up small children."

Otta MrS gulped & paled a bit at number 4 but is now lobbying for number 5. I've put my foot down - I know my/our limits!

Each to their own of course but I would say it's more than doable. We've never had any help at all - no parents/grandparents, aunts or uncles who could 'take my kids', no cleaner, no nothing - so it was never part of our equations. My lovely Mr S has been as 'hands on' as he can be but in the early years he often worked 9am-11pm Mon-Sat so wasn't always around much. I really am not a 'Mother Earth' type as my kids would be only too quick to tell you, but we both (MrS & I) were clear that we wanted a 'larger' family so we did it. I loved having 3 and found it much easier than 2. They were close-ish together - about 4 years between 1st & 3rd - so I don't know if that made any difference. I found people were more inclined to be helpful & considerate of me when I was out & about with 3, than with 2. ANd the interaction between the siblings was, and continues to be a source of endless joy & fascination. As I say, each to their own, but there's a lot of doom mongering about having 3 on this thread and I thought I'd just let you know that it isn't always "too much hard work". Maybe it depends on your attitude. Personally, for me, three was a joy. But I agree about the swimming lessons Mrs TP - interestingly number 4 hasn't had any!!

3 was soooo much easier and better than 2. Fun and lovely. 3 every time. 4 was hell. But that's just my take on it. money? pah, who needs it?! ;)

Yes - they all went. I occasionally see one around ED & it always makes me smile :) For those who don't know what I'mon about & can't be arsed to read the whole thread (& who can blame you ;) ), in brief it's this: I ordered a whole load of badges that said "I like biscuits", they were bright orange. The wearing of said badges out & about was intended to be a signal to those who read this thread, or indeed anyone, that here was a Mum who was willing & ready to chat & who completely understands how hard, & lonely it can be to have a new baby - particularly with your first, and didn't hold any truck with cliques. So if you saw one at toddler group or whatever & were feeling a bit tired/lonely/sad you would know that you could sit next to 'biscuit' woman & she would be happy to chat to you. Should I get more?

'Eeee, theres nowt so queer as folk' as my old Nana used to say. :))