Sa16

Just been with all my family. Kids 5, 2.5, 1.5 . We had a great time. It depends what you're after but I wouldn't say you need to go mad booking activities as there is so much to do for free. My 2.5 year old niece loved paddling in the lake, the outdoor playgrounds, being on the back of the bike and swimming. My sister took her to the Messy play session which was actually a nice quiet hour for her after all the running about. There are a couple of nice options for activities too - soft tennis and mini bowling could be good. There was also a magic show I think which we missed. Have fun!

Hi, sorry for the late reply. It would be just those occasions, which adds to the difficulty I imagine as we wouldn't be able to offer any regularity.

Hi, I wondered if anyone had any experience with a childminder/ nanny who worked very irregular hours and/ or travelled with you for work (or other reasons). My freelance work is very irregular and involves occasional travelling (mostly within Britain and Ireland) - maybe once every month or two. I would quite like to start doing a bit more now my son is 16 months but I'd really like to avoid leaving him at home if I have to spend time away. I'm probably trying to (impossibly) have the best of both worlds but it would be great to hear if anyone has managed to work out unusual arrangements with a childminder. We've been very lucky to have family help so far but looking at further options now! By irregular hours I mean for example 1pm until 11.30pm. any suggestions very welcome! Thanks!

Was on yesterday!

Thank you both for your replies. Good to know. Bluedark I will be in touch!

Hi, Wondered if anyone has experience of Istanbul with a little one. Our son will be 18 months when we go (Dec). We would love to find accommodation that allows us to put him to bed and sit and chat for a bit without waking him! Especially in the old town as we're going to a wedding there. I'm trawling air bnb etc but it would be fab if anyone had suggestions...could just be a hotel room with an extra door! Has anyone found any other solutions? Also any other advice or recommendations v much appreciated. Thanks!

Hi, My son had a severe tongue tie (we were told 100%) but managed to feed well. We deliberated over whether to get it cut or not for nearly 6 weeks and then decided to get it done privately at home (because we thought they wouldn't do it at King's, which in fact was wrong). We haven't looked back since. Very hard to know how/if it will affect things later, but as it was severe, we felt in the end that it could end up causing problems that could be avoided by a quick procedure.

Ooh looks good...

Sounds like you're a little ahead of us progress-wise Ramble. Fingers crossed! The Phoenix cafe is roughly near Rathfern primary, just on the South circular opposite a montessori nursery...will look it up again when I have a moment. V down to earth place it seemed with a small kids/baby corner! looking forward to frequenting Blythe hill tavern and CCC. Hope we can organise a meet up at some point! x

A meet-up sounds good! We are currently in the waiting and wondering-if-it's-all-going-to -go-wrong stage of house buying but if it all goes well I'd love to meet up. :) will keep you posted. X

Thank you all so much. This is all really helpful stuff - just what we needed. It sounds like there is plenty going on! Can't wait to get to some of these parks and explore and start to meet people. X

Thank you all very much! Good to hear lots of positive things. I've yet to check out the parks but they sound promising. Nice that is feels like a family friendly area. Does anyone know the Blythe Hill tavern? Or the Phoenix cafe? It's a shame that the different bits are separated by very busy roads but I'm sure we'll get used to that. Very pleased to hear of good eateries...

Hi all, We're in East Dulwich at the moment but have had an offer accepted on a place in Catford. I just wondered if anyone on here lives there/ knows the area? If it all goes through we'll be the Forest Hill side. Feeling a little nervous as we don't know anyone there. Does anyone have any tips or know any mums and baby groups? I heard the library is quite good...what about parks/ playgrounds etc? Many thanks in advance!

Hello! Steff and I are hoping to make it to the red hut. We have to leave around 1.45 unfortunately but may see some of you to say hi! Sara and Steff xx

Hi, I'm a freelance musician and had MA last year. It is hard to define and I would think very hard for anyone to prove when you worked. I haven't counted days just practising on my own at home but have of course counted paid concert days. Sorry that may not be very helpful... Good luck!