
nunheadmum
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Everything posted by nunheadmum
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If it's a problem then definitely talk to the teacher and find out what their feelings are about it. We've only had weekly homework and even with that there were bad weeks. When I finally spoke to the teacher, they were really relaxed about it and said essentially that they give it as some parents really want it but if it's causing more grief than help, then don't stress about it and leave it. So now we give it a go but if it really isn't working, we let it go. Being more relaxed often helps to get more done. I do gently remind my daughters as they get older (now yr 2 & 4) that if they haven't done it, the teacher (or TA in reality!) will notice - their wish to curry favour with the teacher often helps to get something completed!!
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Family kitchen /living rooms dos and don'ts
nunheadmum replied to supergolden88's topic in The Family Room Discussion
Yes, our little steps get plenty of use in our house! Useful to have the higher space though for those things that don't come out so often. -
Family kitchen /living rooms dos and don'ts
nunheadmum replied to supergolden88's topic in The Family Room Discussion
On the actual kitchen, the best thing I did was not to go with standard heights - we made the work surfaces a little lower seeing as I'm a bit of a titch. Also the wall cupboards and oven were brought a few inches lower so that I wasn't constantly having to stretch up / could see things at eye level. Got to be careful it doesn't look like a dwarf's kitchen but a few inches makes a difference. We also used IKEA's taller wall cupboards - lots of storage space! -
If it's things to do with him, the Imperial War Museum reopened recently and has a good WW1 exhibition.
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Corduroy acceptable for school trousers ?
nunheadmum replied to Dulwich Born And Bred's topic in The Family Room Discussion
I guess it depends which school. I wouldn't have thought that any of the state schools around here would mind. But maybe Nunhead is a little more laid back on these matters than Dulwich. -
Private swimming lessons for toddlers
nunheadmum replied to izzybob's topic in The Family Room Discussion
You could try contacting Superkids Swimming and asking if any of their instructors do private lessons. Their instructors are great with kids. They also have a lovely toddler class over in Beckenham some days which are really sweet as parents are right next to the pool. -
For info - townley road dentist shut
nunheadmum replied to tiddles's topic in The Family Room Discussion
I was told they'd be closed for a couple of weeks - timing wasn't definite when I was told but was given an appointment for early Sep when they said the work would be finished. Think it's just a refurb. -
My experience is to think how likely in reality you're going to have time for the faff of making fresh pasta. The idea is great but the reality can be a box that sits in the cupboard making you feel guilty. Oh and don't let your other half decide to make fresh pasta for your anniversary meal unless he's an expert. Unless split ravioli at 11pm does it for you!! Hope others have more positive experiences to report on!
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We did toddler beds but looking back, we could easily have gone for singles. Now we've got them I find it so helpful that when the youngest is sick, I can just hop in and sleep beside her and catch her being sick so it all ends up in the bucket and not over the bedclothes. So much easier than multiple changing of sheets and half sleep while listening out. And bedding is so much cheaper for singles than toddler beds!
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Yes, getting mixed up between Wales and Devon Thankfully hubby driving! Thanks for all the suggestions. We're usually with you Oimissus, trying to get as far as possible before we stop. Got Disney blasting out so hoping to get a good few miles done. Fingers crossed!
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Activities to do with 2 children with a large age gap
nunheadmum replied to Dohchos's topic in The Family Room Discussion
Hanging out around the Southbank? There's the fountains and the beach is right by the skateboard area so the older one can watch that while the younger pootles in the sand. Often lots on and it's not too kiddy for the 8 year old. Just wandering down along the river and seeing what's going on usually keeps my 8 year old happy. Lots of coffee options etc for parents too. -
We'll be heading down the M4 / M5 to South Wales. Does anyone know of good stopping places which are virtually as convenient as a service station? I'd love to go more off the beaten track but hubby on a journey is a man with a mission. Although he also detests service stations - which makes for a rather fractious journey. (Kids are great - it's just us!) Can be picnic area or nice pub etc. Just needs loos and a chance to stretch our legs. Kids are 6 & 8 so no need for baby facilities. Thanks!
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I think that lots of kids are really knackered by the end of the summer term. It really takes it's toll on my two. Essentially totally knackered and all that goes with that. My 6 year old had a major melt-down the other day - she hasn't done that for a good while but real just not able to control herself. My 8 year old is in major grump mode. I think there's also an issue of uncertainty too - what exactly this 'summer holiday' that everyone is telling them to be excited about really means, the change in routine, maybe new summer clubs too, not to mention unsure about what will happen next term back at school with a new teacher. For my eldest I think this is the biggest element as she's quite shy and doesn't like change. I find that just giving them time to chill at the start of the holidays can help. Low key activities with some level of normality work for us to bring them down. But you'll know your own child better in terms of what works for them. I've found that going on holiday at the start of the break is a real no-no for us - too much new stuff to cope with. Hopefully a week or so in and you'll have your lovely daughter back!
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Any ideas for 1 parent / 2 kid summer hols?
nunheadmum replied to nunheadmum's topic in The Family Room Discussion
Esme - Court Farm is good, we went there a few years ago. But from what I remember, there wasn't much local - you had to jump in the car most days. Did the local newsagent/grocers shut - I think it was meant to the summer we went, which would have changed things for us. Scotch - yes, worried Butlins may be overkill for a week. The kids like having other kids around but not too frantic. I'm thinking maybe a good static caravan park on the coast/near a village might work. Camping may be too much like hard work on my own. -
I'm facing having to take the kids on holiday on my own for 1 or 2 weeks at the end of August as hubby has other commitments. Anyone got any good ideas where to go with 2 girls age 6 and 8? I did think of Butlins for the convenience of everything to hand but not sure if I'd regret it once the kids are in bed and not feel like I've had a break. I don't want to spend a fortune somewhere like Centre Parcs or go somewhere that I have to drive out to activities every day. I kind of have a concept of me and the kids just hanging out together, having some quality mum and girls time. But I'm also aware of the reality of 2 kids on holiday! Also aware that it's late in the day and lots of stuff will be booked up for the hols. Anyone got inspiration for me?
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I heard the news today, oh boy...
nunheadmum replied to ladywotlunches's topic in The Family Room Discussion
I have to agree that I find the level of coverage totally needless and almost to the level of glamourising the pursuit of the perpetrators. But it seems to be the way of news these days - any big story is done to death. Afraid I tend to vote with the off button - which sadly means I miss out on lots of news I would be interested in. But likewise, I don't want to have to start explaining it to the kids - not in the level of detail it's discussed on screen. -
A big vote for Redshoots. A great site with a good shop on site and - best of all - a pub right outside the site with a couple of tree swings to keep the kids happy while you sup a pint. Our kids keep asking to go back.
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Easing back into fine dining - any ideas?
nunheadmum replied to nunheadmum's topic in The Family Room Discussion
Sad to say, we're at least 3 years out of the nappy changing bag stage!! Disgraceful really. Like the Oxo tower idea. Most of those above that we've tried are all booked out. Need to plan ahead more next time! -
Present for a 5 year old girl
nunheadmum replied to missyelliott's topic in The Family Room Discussion
I second Smiler's comments. Especially with craft stuff, just because it says 3+ or 5+ on the pack, doesn't always mean a child of that age can do it - it usually just means it's safe for them. There may be kids somewhere of that age who cope but not mine! -
Easing back into fine dining - any ideas?
nunheadmum replied to nunheadmum's topic in The Family Room Discussion
Thanks for all the great ideas - I'll need to sit down and go through them properly. We're going to be up town anyway for a show with the kids beforehand so will probably stay up for dinner. (NOT with kids though - got my sister taking care of them!) -
We used to love going out for the occasional treat (top end restaurant style) but we haven't done it since the kids came along and now we're so out of touch. We've got a chance to go out next weekend and I'd love to treat ourselves but haven't a clue what's good. Any recommendations for somewhere that does brilliant food but isn't so trendy / poncy that we'd feel out of place? It's been so long that I don't mind if the credit card takes a bit of a hit, just this once.
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School drop off and pick up advice
nunheadmum replied to Didster's topic in The Family Room Discussion
Some childminders do school pick up / drop offs. Perhaps ask around if you have any contacts at the school. Not sure how you find out otherwise. -
Any drama holiday courses w/c 11th Aug?
nunheadmum replied to nunheadmum's topic in The Family Room Discussion
It looks like the Perform one is only 10-12 each day. I'm ideally needing something that covers a little longer each day - dad works from home so needs to get at least a few hours done each day. Does anyone know if Peckham Theatre do anything in the summer? I can't see anything on their website. -
I'm struggling for something to tantalise my 2 daughters for w/c 11 Aug (age 6 & 8). We're doing the school holiday club the previous week but would like to mix things up a bit. My eldest is a bit shy and doesn't like full on sporty/lots of kids thrown together kind of things. She really likes drama stuff - Nimble Arts has gone down well previously but they aren't on that week. Anyone got any good ideas? Freedom are on for the youngest but not got an older scheme running that week.
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Is there anywhere local that does instrument rental?
nunheadmum replied to sb's topic in The Family Room Discussion
I think South London Music on Grove Vale have a rental scheme. Normally not keen on rental but having seen how my daughters have gone through different sizes on the violin, I'm glad we've got school instruments now. Not sure if they change as often on the cello.
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