tiddles

what about confining the cat to the kitchen only? I assume you have a cat flap? that way you could minimise the fur/dust in most parts of the house (soft furnishings) and keep a box/basket for the cat in the kitchen which you can then change regularly. I appreciate a right pain with keeping door shut, but it is just a thought.

yes it was not always clear, but it seems that if you get a scholarship, and you are placed there by the local education authority, then you will have the chance to have those additional music/sports or maths sessions once you are there.

I have a daughter in year eight - and having nothing but good things to say about it. Extremely happy and no complaints. We too wondered whether they could live up to the 'hard sell' we were all getting, but hats off, they are doing the job. The school seem very ready to communicate with parents and they have always responded quickly to any queries I have had. Re behaviour, they seem pretty tough as far as I can see. My daughter and her friends (of both sexes) are extremely happy and feel safe. I think there is more of a choice now - Charter, Kingsdale, Sydenham Girls and Harris Boys (which so far seems good tho early days I know) are all sound choices. Yes we will all hear of some incident or other which doesn't sound quite right but on the whole I think these are all good schools with a chance of getting some decent qualifications.

oh what flippin nonsense, let them learn at their own pace = top things up if absolutely necessary around 9 or 10 but before that - pleeeeeeeease!!! Children learn and develope at different stages and readiness to learn is absolutely key. Rather like trying to get a toddler to ride a two wheeler before they are ready = yes some can, but it often comes naturally a little later on!! gosh this makes me so cross.

the latter I think!! to be honest you really need some decent honest friends to share your equally "god I am hopeless at this" stories with mirth and a complete lack of judgement. I have had some of the best times with my friends, weeping with laughter as we out do each other in the bad mother stakes - I should hasten to add we all love our children dearly!! I rather suspect your marvellous friend is actually just as crap as the rest of us but cannot admit it. Let's face it - I think most of us find having a child a complete shock - sleep deprivation, chaos, lack of control, mess along with the "I had NO idea it would be like this!" feeling. I do not know of anyone who genuinely feels they are doing it right - just finding their way as they go! Do not worry, you are normal, your mate is not.

yes for number two = sanity saver! why not put a call out on freecycle?

yes very!!

the best milkman I ever had delivered in SE15!! Dave's Dairy??

I think last year's newbies either got the p13 or took the kingsdale school bus which tootles around east dulwich picking up at primary schools which were the designated stops. One of the stops is DKH school which is not far from Lyndhurst. Mind you, with the dreaded cuts it will be interesting to see if it is still operating come september. good luck

thanks sounds good will check out

no!! I believe the two secondary schools do not actually want to become academies but are having to seek further clarification as to what is being proposed. where is the public meeting?

I went to a mixed primary which I loved, and a single sex girls school and hated it. Therefore I have sent my two to mixed primary and just finishing first year of mixed secondary. There seems to be such a level of acceptance by the sexes, lots of nice platonic friendships and no nonsense about friends of the opposite sex. It so depends upon the child tho - when they get to the right age, see what they would prefer.

thx will check it out!

it's that time of year again when my old-enough-to-know-better children run from the sunscreen before school - they don't like the feel. Can anyone recommend a high factor but 'light' feeling sunscreen - not too greasy or chalky when applied? Should I be checking out the posh make up counters? thanks

all I know is the houses in the development at the back have unbelievably steep roofs - well above what they asthetically should be - didn't get the planning permission that they thought they could push thro for loft rooms I believe (could be wrong so apologies if so) I really wonder if planners can actually read drawings sometimes - there are so many cases of bizarre permissions and equally bizarre refusals.

just seen a woodpecker on one of the trees by the road on peckham rye. Quite a different colour to the reddish ones I have seen before = more of golden/green and black. Very excited (am I VERY sad???)

Check out the funky mamma bags here - wish they had been around when my two were small!! all there was around was the revolting mothercare navy with a frill option - yeach http://www.alfonsodenicola.com

hmm I am really not sure how I would feel about my child's "memorial" being removed because it was unsightly. Yes the flowers are dead and it looks sad - rather fitting I think. Every time I see it I so feel for that family, and for the girl killed at the bus stop just across the way. I understand the council's reluctance to brush it all away and for once agree with their tardiness in doing so.

the asbestos was still there this morning!

to get around premium rate numbers, go to this website and tap in the number or company name- it will search and come up with a normal number for you to ring - I use it all the time http://www.saynoto0870.com

Two planned C-sections at kings - both procedures absolutely fine and actually enjoyable. I breast fed both mine with no problems at all - only problem was getting them to stop after a year or so. Big pants - top tip. I found the food awful so went for the curries etc - they tended to have pulses and rices and be a more satisfying and less glutinous option. very best of luck you will be in good hands.

even worse if you know its the best option and you just cannot afford it!!! (no big house or fancy holidays thank you just flipping utilty bills to pay) that is why it is so contentious - some are lucky enough to afford it and some are not. That's life. Those of us who can't feel cheesed off as we are letting our children down and are powerless to do anything about it especially at secondary level. If you have a superstar bright kid then they may get a scholarship and jolly well done. If you have a normal bright bookish child then not much you can do except know that they would have done better in the private sector. I am not blaming anyone or taking sides, but please remember there are alot of us out there who know what we would like but just cannot do it.

I was caught like this years ago (my child not me!!) - with teenies i think it is ok. Where are you supposed to find a public loo in lordship lane?? My children were always mortified but had little choice if really desparate.

had them last night = they were utterly charming when I said I don't buy at the door - this is the first time ever they have not been aggressive!!!!

gosh I would leave a decent gap between them - def more than one month