Trish

BBC used to but closed it down around 8 years ago because it couldn't benefit the number of people who wanted to use it so they felt it was an unfair advantage for a privileged few. They switched to childcare vouchers instead justifying the closure by the fact the vouchers could benefit everyone. Returning to work with onsite childcare was wonderful though - I could feed my baby at lunchtimes and the return to work overall was much easier and more practical.

Have you tried using an aesthetic cream for your daughter ahead of getting a vaccination/blood test done? Your GP can prescribe it and you put it on an hour or so before the vaccination and it numbs the area where the needle goes in. From a young age I developed a phobia of needles and could faint at the prospect of having an injection. I'm pleased to say I eventually got over the phobia but it took until I was about 30. The cream really helped me though so I hope it might help your daughter. Good luck!

I've dropped the lady who runs iokidsdesign an email so hopefully she'll come on here and let you know how much the bunk pods are and provide any other info you might need like measurements etc.

A lovely lady from Nunhead does these: http://iokidsdesign.co.uk/the-bunk-pod

LovelyRita - in response to your query I think everyone is different. For me, I will need to take a day of leave to cover for going in late each morning when my daughter attends Nimble Arts. I can drop my daughter off with you at 8.30 but that's what time I should be starting work, which is an hours commute. I then leave work at 4pm and pray there are no delays in getting back to East Dulwich by 5pm to pick her up. I do consider myself fortunate that my employer allows me to,work 8.30-4pm though. It's stressful!

Laura Mercier primer. Clinique tinted moisturizer Bobbi brown long wear eye liner - the one in the pot doesn't smudge and stays on all day Bobbi brown long wear mascara Mac has discontinued the lip conditioner i was going to recommend. Totally agree with the comment about getting your eyebrows done properly. Good luck!

Thanks so much - will look into both of these.

I'm beginning to panic - I can't find any holiday clubs for my 8 year old daughter this Easter. Does anyone know of any running this Easter? The 10-4 times don't really work for us so we need 9-5 at least. Thanks

My daughter announced she wanted to go as Jesus one year!

I'm another full time working mum and feel your pain! I had to work away from home this week so didn't see my 8 year old daughter and 3 year old son for 3 days. The joy of being bundled by them and smothered in kisses and cuddles is beyond explanation. Their happiness at seeing me almost made up for the time I was away. I agree with everyone else's advice - firstly it will get better and easier. And don't whatever you do beat yourself up. I think, when you work, you value your time with your children so much you put extra effort into making that time incredibly special. I couldn't function without a cleaner and online shopping. But the most important thing in the day is a cuddle with them. When your sleep routine is all over the place then you're far more emotional anyway - it will all calm down eventually. Just hang on in there and enjoy the cuddles when you can get them!

I'd second this recommendation. Niko came over at the weekend to fix a tap for us. Speedy work and as other people have said, he doesn't charge the earth.

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Our fence has come off quite badly following the storms last night. With more on the way at the end of the week, and it being Christmas Eve, we're trying to find someone who might be able to repair it/ensure it at least stays standing until we can get the job done properly. Please do PM me if you are able to help or know someone who can. Many thanks Patricia

Hmmmm Dopamine1979 - looks amazing but probably a little (read a lot!) out of our price range. Nice to look at the photos and dream though!

Most schools run a breakfast club and after school club for wraparound care to help working parents. As a guide I can drop my daughter off at breakfast club from 8am and she is provided with a hot breakfast. Breakfast club is ?2.50 per day. After school club provides tea and is open until 6pm and costs ?9 per day.