canela

sanctuary spa in covent garden. a real treat

I don't know the place very well, but I very much doubt they are wearing ?120 trainers?!? Just because people are not in rags does not mean they are not in need.

if you don't already have a tent, then buy one that you can stand up in and that is fairly roomy. This means that if you have one of those sometimes rainy/sometimes fine days you can hang out for short periods in the tent quite comfortably. Means you shouldn't have to pack up and head home unless it is really bad! don't plan loads of things to do. the kids are happy enough with just hanging out round the tent. take some balls and a couple of outdoor toys. the best thing to take really is another family, so the kids can run around and play together and the grown ups get to sit around and drink tea.

you will get an appointment but it might not be in London. get all the docs ready tonight and be ready to get on a train first thing.

Richmond Park to see the deer.

Everybody Poos is another good book.

koala vans

I had laser the trays but you had them at the dentists and stayed there for about 45 mins, about 3 sessions. worked really well, but dentist said it will only go back to your natural colour - not make teeth brilliant white. i would go to a place specialising in cosmetic dentistry.

i'd second Koh Lanta. we had a great time with a 2 year old. also chiang dao just outside chiang mai. would definitely recommend choosing one or two places and doing day trips rather than lots of travelling with a toddler. our toddler got sick but we had travel insurance and it was fine. was only a virus, but obviously we worried and went straight to the hospital! which had a marble staircase and a string quartet.....that's private healthcare for you! have fun!

there must be something that makes you relax and cut off from things....ie exercise, going for a walk, reading, watching comedy etc. make yourself do more of this. you need to be disciplined about it. work out how much you can do and stick to it for a month, i.e. two half-hour exercise sessions a week or a long bath each night. no excuses. worry feeds worry so you need to make sure you feed the other parts of you, i.e. by doing things that take your mind off it. worry is a very mental thing too, so try and do something physical that makes you stop thinking. give yourself a rest from your worry. i write as a natural worrier. these are coping techniques i have developed and they do work. find out what works for you. yes, we should relax and enjoy our kids. when do you do that? whatever it is, do more of it. realise that some of your worry is founded in genuine issue but quite probably some of it is influenced and generated by things we read, see on TV etc, and social pressures about what we should/not be doing. i found meditation really worked, but i would recommend a class rather than having a go alone. i think there are still classes at brockwell lido. meditation made me realise how much of my worry was just a mental habit that i had got into. the other thing that really worked was getting out in proper countryside. i went to live in a rural area for 5 years and my anxiety just disappeared. if your worry is around a particular serious issue, write it out and do something about it. even if it is a small step. one thing is that general nagging anxiety that you know is out of perspective. worry about one particular issue that is central to your life is different and you need to turn that worrying into action. constant worrying is about the need to control. you cannot control your children or your life. sorry about the long post. i just know what it's like - and i also know you can turn this around.

It's for a 7 year old, so booster seat, and a 3 year old. Medusa, yours sound great! I'll PM you. thanks everyone!

Hi Just wondered if any family forumites would be able to lend me a booster seat, and a car seat just for this weekend? For a lovely bottle of wine/chocolates etc. The story being that we have bought a second-hand car and want to go to my friend's 40th birthday this weekend - but our car seats are in my mum's garage and we can't get them until next week! Just asking on the off-chance! canela

Are there woods in Chislehurst too?

can anyone clarify if ED is a smoke-free zone?

I think it depends a lot on the child. I kept my son out of school until the term he turned five, and I'm very glad I did. So he got just one term of reception, and then straight into year one. I'm sure he was a bit behind but he's caught up, and he's very happy at school now. He just wasn't ready. But my niece who is also one of the youngest was just fine starting at 4. maybe there is a bit of a boy/girl thing too? does your LO go to pre-school or anything?

Anyone recommend a good spot to go see bluebells? Not too far away by public transport.

without kids it used to take 10 minutes, can't really remember. there might be a bus from the station - let me know as I fancy the trip myself. I used to go years ago. or would be worth a taxi ride as it absolutely wonderful. would also recommend Richmond Park. you feel outside of London, and is easy to get to. there's a thread about it in the last few days.

thanks!

Virginia Water. About 45 mins from Waterloo, then walk/taxi from station to big park and lake. Absolutely gorgeous.

Does anyone know if there is a bus that goes to richmond park? i seem to remember it is a long walk from the train station to the park?

to go the night before an early morning flight....

I've heard that it is easier to potty train as well as kids with reusables feel wet and start to recognise it - whereas with disposable they still feel dry. not sure if true or not, but an added advantage if so! as you can see from this thread, if you have used them and they worked for you, you can get quite evangelical...

also used them with both and really recommend them. i used a disposable at night with my second, as otherwise you have to change nappies several times a night. used disposables if i was going to be out and about all day. it's really worth getting a good brand. you can probably try some out from some eco-nappy organisation or maybe old ones from forumites? also worth getting enough so you don't have to wash every day. give yourself the first month off, then go for it. you'll save loads and feel good too.

you can ask private landlords what their situation is, how long they have been renting the property and why etc. they often want their house well looked after so will be keen for you to do small repairs etc. most will also probably not put rent up often if it means you will stay. you can also ask for a 2 year contract with a one year get-out clause for both sides. or to be put on a rolling contract after 1 year. most landlords like to have the same people for a long time!

I have, and thanks for all feedback! In a perfect world and a perfect life it could be organised differently - but then in a perfect world I would not be running around after a family reunion that only happens every 10 years! Lives are messy sometimes and you have to make the best of it. I couldn't forgive myself if I didn't give my kids a chance of seeing long-lost family.