nunheadmum

There is also a bad cold going around. My youngest - 5 - has had a cold and the snot has continued for weeks.

When I went to Little Climbers (over 6 years ago now, it must be said) I was a little put off as the staff seemed to have quite a religious approach - I think she said they read a bible story each day. (Couldn't decide if I liked that or not but think it could put some off.) But I was more put off by the notices by the front door about charges for late pick-ups. I know all nurseries have the right to charge but putting the notice outside the front door just seemed a little heavy handed. Strangely in the 7 years I've had kids in the area and lived 100 yards away, I've never known anyone whose kids have gone there. Could just be a strange coincidence.

Decathlon balance bikes are cheap and lighter than many of the big brands. Can take them down to the shop at Surrey Keys and try some out.

I think Women Like Us do guidance for start-ups, especially aimed at women going back to work. Take a look at www.womenlikeus.org.uk.

Keep an eye open for the English National Ballet ones (we saw Sleeping Beauty but they also did Cinderella recently - and they bring them out to Bromley as well as the Peacock Theatre). I thought it was nicely done as it's a cut down version and they explain the story and how it's told through the dance. There's a narrator on stage to guide you through. Also the South London Dance School have their BIG performance on this week 30th May to 1st June at the Micheal Croft Theatre (Alleyns) - they only do it every few years and it costs a small fortune to take part, so I can only deduce that it's decent to watch! It sounds like it's a lot more professional than your average ballet school show but possibly less formal and showing some kids the same age as your daughter dancing.

Yes, time clearing is well spent. We almost managed to clear the floor in our back living room the other week - it felt sooooooo good to have some space!!!

I've only ever gone to the normal showings of kids films. No problems with kids in tow.

If you go on the Girl Guiding website you can register and according to your address, they'll give you details of troups around about you. I actually did this earlier after reading this post (thanks for reminding me!) and got an email back from one within an few hours (although I'm probably looking at slightly different areas from pure East Dulwich).

Yes, I find that sometimes the big blockbuster cartoon ones are just too smart for the kids when they're young. They seem to prefer things with people in them and not too much crazy action. But then sometimes it's as much about the event of going to the cinema (and the popcorn/sweets unfortunately!) than the film itself...that will come with age. So pick something you won't hate but aren't desperate to see every minute of.

I find Peckham Plex good for the kids. I generally stick with the 2d versions, rather than 3d. If you pick one of the films that's not newly out, generally the screen isn't that busy therefore you don't feel bad if you need to run in and out a bit. If you can go during the week, often the older films can be quite cheap. Were I going myself, I'd go elsewhere but it works for the kids.

Super Kids classes are brilliant - great teachers who really engage with the kids.

Bouncy castle party at JAGS or Harris Girls. Kids run themselves out for an hour, half hour for party tea then home. Just booked one for my 5 year old and really hoping it's as easy as it sounds!

Great idea - thanks for posting!

If you do need to take thyroxine long term, you then qualify for free prescriptions. It seems overly generous to me (thyroxine yes, but everything??) but it's what the system says, apparently.

Bread pizza's - toasted bread, tin of tomato cooked for 5 mins with a little garlic (& herbs if it works) and mashed to get rid of bits, cheese - under the grill to melt the cheese. Can put extras on if your kids are into it. For puddings, tinned fruit and custard is always a winner. Little jelly pots or custard pots work too. Make cake (brownies are great) and put extra in the freezer in small portions - heat up to defrost and serve with ice cream.

Thanks for the suggestions. In the end we had a sick dad and only went as far as the park! But look forward to trying some of the suggestions in future - so do feel free to add any more you think of!

Anyone got good suggestions for a day out by train for a 4 & 7 year old? Monday sounds like being perfect day out weather but don't want to be stuck in a car. Not looking for anything too complicated - somewhere nice, outside London, near the station at the other end and suitable for a bit of a run around and a picnic. I'm sure there must be tons of options but my brain just isn't working.

Clarkes factory shop in Peckham had loads going cheap.

Ananstasia - What do you normally need to pay for an overnight in an auberge? Hubby has convinced me to go Dover to Calais rather than St Malo but now we're thinking of an overnight to stop a grumpy daddy driving but wondering if it's a false economy. We're 2 adults/2kids.....do the French do family rooms?

I think Ivydale school hires out the Old School Keepers House when not in use for school events - nice if you don't need a massive space. Also in Nunhead, the Tenants Hall by Peckham Rye and the Old Nun's Head upstairs room.

Ivydale bulged this year because there were so many siblings - more than the 2 classes they would normally take. So in a way, it may actually mean that a lot of the siblings hit this year and hence there aren't subsequent siblings (in many cases) to hit future years. Last year's bulge was more of a classic increase to cope with demand, so it may have more effect through siblings in the next year or two. So hard to say exactly but I suspect the effect won't be as much as if there were bulges in two years simply to mop up general demand. That said, there are lots of kids in the area and Ivydale is an improving school, so even without bulge effects, I suspect the distance will get ever smaller.

Sometimes classes are as much about parents getting out and meeting other parents while the kids are doing something fun. I met some good friends through classes we did. Those where you sign up tend to mean you meet the same parents each week. It's not the only way to meet folk but it's one aspect of the classes.

A pint in the pub with kids isn't the same as one with adult friends, that's clear....would prefer with friends any day. But if you have kids with a disposition which lets you have a chat with them, play some simple games etc, a pint with kids can be a nice interlude at the weekend (and introduces pubs as somewhere other than where you get sozzled). Sometimes as parents you just need a different environment and kids need to learn how to behave in your environments just as you need to learn how to go with the flow in theirs (e.g softplay, playground, pool etc). But if the kids aren't happy in the environment, it's no fun for anyone and my kids or not, I'd want to get out!

Horniman Museum http://www.horniman.ac.uk/visit/events/event/horniman-easter-fair

We're off to France in the summer and last year my daughter was enjoying trying little bits of French. Does anyone know of good resources for teaching kids (age 5 & 7) basic French that would work as a bit of fun at home? I can speak a little but not sure I'm good at making it fun for kids or knowing the bounds of how much they can take on. Online stuff would work well to save her from my bad pronunciation - but not got an i-pad (which I suspect would make it easy) and don't want to pay a fortune for a major course like Muzzy.