nunheadmum

I did threaten to put her in her cot last night - rather half-heartedly though as I thought she may climb out / enjoy the opportunity to bounce. I have thought of reward charts as she did respond the other day when big sis got a sticker for tidying up and she didn't. But not sure she'd remember enough to relate what she did last night to getting a star etc the following morning. I can see her making the early morning link more clearly. Has anyone done it that young for night time stuff?

How much are the classes these days? Can't see that on the website.

I suspect she'd climb out now! But I have considered trying it.

Yes, we get the wee-wee trick too. She's potty trained and went almost straight to being dry at night too so with no nappies, we're scared a bit of ignoring it too. But that said, she has a potty in her room and can use it herself so we may need to ignore it once we know she's done a decent one before bed. We also get not letting me put her blanket on then as soon as I'm out the door shouting 'Blaaannnkkeeetttt' and then not able to settle without it on! 20 mins of shouting - I think I could cope with that! Although I do wonder just how much she can understand and reason at 26months i.e. that it's bedtime and we're not coming back because of that, not because we've abandonded you totally. She can understand plenty definitely in some circumstances - during the day I'd have no worries. But I sort of feel that at bedtimes she just can't switch off and almost can't control herself. But crying does seem to be the switch for her so maybe driving her to have a cry will actually help her switch off sooner. Re the curved balls - I think my parenting is about as good as my baseball on those ones!

Just realising what a good child DD no1 was. We moved DD no2 to a bed and to start with she was great. Then she started playing up with no1 so we split bedtimes. Now she's discovered the new game of getting out of bed at bedtime. I've been doing a sort of rapid return approach - and we're averaging about 15-20 returns and 60-90mins a night before she finally goes to sleep. It's not improving at all, over 5 nights now. She's not crying and fighting it until the very end - mostly she thinks it's a great game. She's a fairly savvy 26months. If she does complain she's saying 'That's not very nice Mummy!' and similarly constructive criticisms! Thinking that it was maybe a separation anxiety thing I tried staying with her last night but that was just as bad, if not worse.....mummy has stayed to play, great! I'm sure it's just an attention thing / not wanting to switch off from the fun of the day. But the lack of sleep is affecting her behaviour and of course, resulting in early mornings at the other end. (Not to mention waking in the night, shouting 'No, Mummy...not nice' and other such throw-backs). I'm trying to get a kidsleep Bunny clock in the hope that it may help - I remember it had a good effect with my 1st but that clock has died. But if that doesn't help, the only other option I can think of is putting her to bed, shutting the stairgate at the top of the stairs and leaving her to shout when she gets up. Not my preferred route - not that I struggle with tough love but it seems a little rough and I'm sure I'll end up having to go up to her which seems to defeat the purpose. Has anyone tried this? The other option I thought of was maybe a story tape but I'm not sure if she's not too young to really listen to something like this. If anyone has done it, can you recommend good ones for that age? I'm just getting really wound up over this which isn't good for me or my little tyke!

We've been doing kids gymnastics at Beckenham Spa on a Monday (3-5yrs class at 1pm and 2pm) and I think it may be on a Thursday too. My 4 yr old loves it. The teachers seem quite strict (gets them lining up and waiting their turn etc) but kindly too. Not sure if you have to book or can drop in - I think the earlier class at least gets fully booked. Would be good to hear if the Harris one takes younger kids.

This sounds a little over the top but I guess it's all part of nurseries having to be overcautious in case something happens and the finger gets pointed. Can you ask them to give out un-named invites and put your number in them (explaining the issue) for parents to contact you? Or perhaps put a note on the notice board with your number? Perhaps if you named the nursery on here and the age of your child, others from the forum with kids there could PM you?

Saw this one yesterday. I wasn't sure if I thought it funny or gross - teaching your kids to let their dogs wee everywhere. So who can work out how to make a toy dog poo....well, if folk will buy doll sized nappies at the price they go for, think of the fortune to be made in toy-doggy-poo bags!

We got this one for going on hols this year. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Swing-Tray-Booster-Seat-Blue/dp/B001TH8GW2/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&s=baby&qid=1282501544&sr=8-29 It's not as light as the blow up ones but we found them a little scary as our LO gets bigger and more mobile - the sides seemed a little insecure. We liked this one as it was stronger and hence we felt better for a full 2 weeks of constant use but still portable. A little fiddly to clean if food gets in the seams but easy enough to take apart to clean.

Just a thought as I have a vaguely similar situation where 4 year old is getting ever fussier (at home, not nursery! Only toddler I know who doesn't 'like' pasta) but 2 year old eats anything. I work on the basis that she can always have bread and butter - that way she can decide if she wants something more interesting but not her favourite (roast dinner) or if she really doesn't like it, she won't go hungry. You could maybe vary the standard - e.g. cook large batch of basic pasta or meat & rice etc and freeze. That way, you know there's something nutritious but if they are just being fickle, they'll get bored and start trying the more interesting option. And of course, sometimes their option will be the main attraction so they don't feel totally sidelined and it's easy then for you to cook larger amounts and freeze. Also I always ask the older one (who can understand the concept) to try anything new. I'll give her a tiny bit and ask her to try it. Even if she only puts it to her lips, I give her praise. That way (I think anyway) she has the chance to discover that it's not that bad. It's up to her then whether she keeps the power and refuses it or gives herself the chance to try something nice. Asking her what it is that she doesn't like is also helpful for me sometimes - if I get anything more than just 'it's yukky'. I think it's really difficult trying to work out whether it is just a power/control issue or is there a real basis to it.

Could recommend Louise Robinson on Kelvington Road. Used her for my youngest and she loved her - still ignores me and runs to her for hugs when we bump into her. PM me if you want contact details.

Thanks everyone. Felt much more sane today reading the replies after a reasonable night - we did separate bed-times last night and hand held her a bit to get her off to sleep and were rewarded with her sleeping through till 6am last night without a peep. Decided - following Hanstands comments - to keep to the separate bedtimes for her and big sis and it seems to have helped tonight - she took a while to go off but I didn't have to go into her. We'll see what the night holds. HAnstands - I think you're so right about not getting wound up as she'll read it. Edanna - I think you're right about her playing me and when I get wound up, she just laughs so cheekily and does it more. Interesting point too randomv about the separation anxiety - it could be that too, I'll keep an eye on it. I'm 100% sure it's not too much sleep - after nursery days her behaviour is so much more frantic (as it is when she wakes extra early or doesn't sleep a full lunch sleep at home) but she calms totally when she's back on a full 2-hour lunch at home. When we've both had a good night's sleep, the following day is always so much nicer together. I just wish we could get more of them. Fingers crossed for tonight!

My 26mth old is driving me mad with bedtimes - she just can't seem to let herself drop off to sleep at night. At lunchtime she usually goes off fine. But at bedtime she starts to go off but then stirs and starts shouting for mummy / daddy and a variety of wee-wees, drink, tissue or just nothing. Sometimes I do think she's playing me a bit but other times like tonight she really was exhausted (5am start and only 1 hr lunchtime nap) and asked to go to bed but whenever she stirred a little, she'd start shouting for me and just couldn't seem to get back off without a cuddle. At night she stirs several times a night and shouts - it's about 50 / 50 whether she gets herself back off or needs us to go in. She's in a bed but doesn't often get out - only if I really ignore her. If I felt she was really just trying it on, I'd leave her to cry with no concerns. But it feels almost like she can't help herself - her little brain kicks in and she can't turn it off. SHe shares a room with 4yr old big sister who's getting a bit fed up of the constant disturbances - but because of her, I'm not too keen to leave the little one to shout it out. But I'm starting to think I won't have any choice. Last time I tried to be tough though, the little madam made herself sick from crying so hard. I suspect the answer is that she's playing me like a professional and I should let her yell one night but thought I'd see if anyone has any other thinking first? If she was actually getting out of bed and being cheeky I'd have no reservations at all but it feels more like she can't help herself. To date she's usually been worse after her days at nursery and better after her days at home - I've always put it down to better lunchtime sleeps at home, avoiding her being overtired. But this weeks it's just stayed bad and seems to be getting worse. And the bad nights / early starts are wearing my patience thin! Any thoughts?

I thought the point was that the couple required don't rely on outside help - so they work AND look after the kids themselves. Not sure that many would chose to do this - it's probably more common where no one parent can command a big enough salary to afford either a stay at home parent or childcare so both are forced to juggle work and childcare. I'm not sure such parents would see themselves as 'power' couples, more as surviving...just! Perhaps there are some who chose to do it out of choice, rather than necessity? I don't think I would.

Sorry I've got girls so can't comment so much on the boy bits but I would say, go with it if he seems up for it - which it sounds like from your post. It sounds as if he's half-way there already. Both my girls led the way on potty training at around 2 and - with input from nursery - had it within a few days, for wees at least. (Some take longer with poos - my first did - and I'd say, just go with what works for them on it, even if it means a nappy. They'll get it when they're ready.) My youngest did it right before no2 was born - which ALL the books say is a no-no - and was fine. If you've got the time now with the school holidays and will be outside a lot (new garden or by the sea, just as good!), it's the best time I think. (Unless you think that moving house / holiday and thinking about this will be too stressful for you.) I'd say try it, be relaxed and follow his lead - if it doesn't work, it's no real problem. He's still young and there's plenty of time. Having just done it with no2, following her lead, I can say it's sooooo nice not having to deal with nappies all the time. Only problem now is that all her trousers / skirts keep falling down, with no bulk to hold them up!

We've used the Jo-Jo storage cubes in mixed combination of open / shelves / doors http://www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/sp+Practical-Standard-Storage-Cube+B6047 along with a couple of those bright plastic trugs from Farmers for the odd shaped things. Still got bits that don't fit anywhere but it's enough to keep the main play area free while kids can get at things themselves easily.

I think the first is at 9.30 and then on the hour from 11am onwards (i.e. first session of the day is longer). But it's been a while since we went there. The last time I went I thought the younger kids bit was rather poor - it used to be better. But my little one liked it - just being around other kids is enough in itself.

From what I remember of HF&M, it was more on the hands and feet and - in our cases - the mouth, so affected eating. I don't remember it affecting other parts of the body. Could the spots you mention be some kind of excema? My youngest is always getting little rash-type outbreaks in different places, particularly bits that tend to get hot. If you've any concerns though, I'd recommend getting your GP to check it out - it's worth knowing if something is up, just for peace of mind (and knowing how much leeway to give that grumpiness!!).

I found info online a while back about a set of exercises called Tupler technique - aimed at improving core muscles and flattening mummy tummy. They're meant to be easy to do at home - done sitting or standing, if I remember right and more about small movements than major aerobic stuff. Probably great if you can make yourself do things without the incentive of a class - useless for me in that respect! This is one link but there's lots more info out there. http://www.fitpregnancy.com/fitness/postnatal_workout/40871562.html?page=2

How about the Tumble Tots DVD's - action songs for little ones (and you) to learn and encourages them to move around rather than just sit watching. My eldest has been addicted for over a year (now 4) and the youngest (just turned 2) is really getting into them too.

I've got exactly the same - have had it now for around 5 weeks. Hubby has it now too and think youngest may have it too. (The eldest had it first and seems almost over it although still gets a cough at times.) My GP reluctantly gave me antibiotics at the end of last week as one lung was sounding a little rattly and it was in my sinuses.....but I felt he'd just as happily not have. The green tinge to things has gone but the smokers cough is still there - despite never having smoked in my life. I think it is just a bug that's going round, that takes a while to clear. Try to take it easy if you can - all that coughing when pregnant isn't easy, I remember. If you don't feel it's getting better, don't be afraid to go back to your GP and get checked again. It may just take time but you need reassurance if nothing else that it isn't developing into something more serious - particularly if you're pregnant. Maybe reflexology would help it work through your system quicker. I used to have a treatment when pregnant if something like this hit me and it did seem to help - maybe it was just the 'me-time', it's hard to say. But worth a try.

Every single day - particularly if I'm on my own. When I'm with my hubby I feel like I'm killing my marriage too at the same time. I've got 2 lovely girls - 2 and 4 - but feel it's more down to them than me and worry what problems I'm storing up for later in life. I hope that in the balance I'm getting more right than wrong but I'm not sure!

I was in your position with my first - elective c-section for breech. And the delivery itself was a lovely experience. We went to the pub the day before and chose our list of potential names (didn't know the sex), met with our NCT group the evening before. Going in was very calm and organised - luckily we didn't have to wait long. The 'preparation' was a little clinical - getting changed and being shaved in a little side room but not so bad really. My only point to watch out for was if the midwife tells you that you can't do anything you really want to. We wanted the baby delivered onto me but were told by the midwife that the surgeons didn't like doing it. When the aneasthetist came, we asked him and he said, should be okay with the doctors but the midwifes don't like it. In the end we checked with the consultant doing the delivery and, as we expected, she was fine with it and our daughter was delivered straight onto me and was breastfeeding in minutes. Other than a quick check by the midwives, she stayed with us with no more than a towel thrown over us until well into the recovery room - indeed it was only when she wee-ed on me that I reluctantly let them put a nappy on her. I found the theatre staff lovely - the aneasthetists were great at putting you at ease, chatting away in a really relaxed manner. I had music to put on but in the end didn't really feel it necessary - the atmosphere was so positive. Compared to my second 'natural' delivery, it was ten times better. The ward is the worst bit of the experience - may be better if you get better room-mates - I've had horrors both times. Don't be afraid to call for help and keep calling till you get it. Whatever they say, you're bed-bound and can't do things for yourself or your baby. In the end I had my baby sleep with me in the bed as I couldn't get her back into the cot. Also whatever food you order, it's for the next day so the first day you'll get the last occupants choice. Probably better to send someone out for Nando's or whatever your preference! And if you feel fit to leave sooner than they are saying, do fight your corner. I was off painkillers within 1 day and left after 2 days. But equally if you feel you need longer, fight for that too - or ask someone else to, if you don't feel up to it. If you aren't getting the answers you need from the folk you are talking too, ask to see someone more senior or your consultant. I've found consultant much easier to have a reasoned discussion with and get real answers. Hopefully your little one will turn last minute and you'll be able to get your homebirth. But if they don't, an elective c-section can be a good experience. Given the choice again, I'd chose a c-section over a natural birth. Good luck, whatever happens! N.B. Should there be another bump later on, having had a c-section doesn't rule out a natural birth with all the bells on - you may just have to fight a little harder, if you chose to go that route.

Alternative use - my 2 year old LOVES jumping up and down on bubble wrap and making it pop. Probably not the best use though!

Hi Millsa. I know how you're feeling. My eldest was great with wees but took months to do poos. She used to hold it in all day at nursery (or home) and then go into the bin store of the corner house on the way home and do it in her pants. It went on for months! We tried everything but she just wasn't ready. Then one day she just did it and gradually she was fine. (Though she still prefers us to leave the bathroom while she poos.) Sorry not meaning to depress you that it can go on for months but more to assure you that it's about them, not what you are or aren't doing. Try not to stress about it - hard I know when you've got poo on the floor but probably easier to clean than poo-ey pants!!