MrsSW

Hi - had a 16 month gap between numbers 1 and 2. We (eventually) got an "out n about double nipper". I loved it. It is side by side but narrow enough to get through all doorways I tried. And both seats go flat so it's cosy enough for sleeps and can handle large toddlers. Plus it's amazingly light to push - so much easier than the Phil and Ted's which I really didn't like. (We also had a double Maclaren for a previous nanny share and I found that really awkward/heavy.) But it's horses for courses really! Slings are great but I found them tricky when trying to play with/pick up a toddler too. Toddler was only small himself so needed a lot of attention when the other one was a little baby. And my youngest one slept a lot and was happy lying down!

I don't think things will even up particulary at 7. i.e. when a lot move on to the Hamlet (year 3), as just as many of my friends'/neighbours daughters have gone to (or will take entrance exams to) private schools (JAPS, Sydeneham or Alleyns) as sons (Dulwich College Prep, Dulwich Prep or Alleyns). Although people move in and out of the area so I suppose it should tend back to the norm. It's definitely too small to be statistically significant but might be worth comparing with other areas with similar parent demographics. Shettles... Hmm. Had friends try this when going for baby number 3 and wanting the opposite gender. It worked about 50% of the time. But the OS theory suggested certainly fits with it! And it would probably be unconcious gender selection IF it is right and does skew things a bit...

Interested too... I have an old Bugaboo chameleon that I need for baby number 3. It's not in too bad shape but the seat/cot bits don't clip on to the frame anymore on one side. Thanks!

Yes - fantastic response! Also, we've been living here for 3 years now and going to the gallery every now and then since my youngest was just 2 (eldest 3) and they have always been very friendly and welcoming to our children. Obviously just my experience!

But there's JAGS and mixed schools too... Hasn't been like that in previous years at DVI! Most odd...

Great - thank you!

Hi - I've heard it mentioned that Nelly's are thinking of/are opening a 4th site. Can anybody let me know if this is confirmed and, if so, where it is going to be? Thank you.

Hello - sorry you're feeling like this. I'd make an appointment with your GP and ask for a referral if I were you - maybe for cognitive behavioural therapy but see what they suggest. They can't change your job, pressures of young children etc but could help you change how you view things and cope with things. I'm not a huge believer in "therapy" but I do know CBT has worked very well for some people and there is a lot of scientific evidence to support how effective it is. Also, stress can come with other issues (maybe some sort of depression or anxiety) that might be usefully treated with fairly mild drugs. I don't think there's a medical diagnosis of "stress". I expect you may have explored medication already if you had PND but it is definitely worth talking to the GP again now your child is 3ish. (And if you are on some already, it might be that they need adjusting.) I think the key first step is talking to a good GP - make an appointment with your favourite one at your practice! I don't think diet and supplements/alternative therapies will do much - on their own anyway. However, eating healthily and not drinking too much alcohol would be useful. (Not that I'm suggesting you do!! It's just how some people react to stress.) Good luck!

Hi - I'll PM you!

Hi - can anybody recommend somebody who can repair our freezer? The seal seems to have gone so the door won't close properly (which means the temperature keeps shooting up unless we keep it jammed shut). The ice-making machine also doesn't work. Thank you.

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Hello - I'm a couple of years out of date... Can people let me know the going rate for nannies in Dulwich at the moment? I realise it will be a range depending on experience. Our situation will be one nanny for our 3 children - although 2 will be at school so it's just a baby during school hours and then school drop-offs/pick-up/after school care (and we'll do quite a few holiday clubs etc for the older 2). Thank you!

Brilliant. Thank you - sounds really good. I have two older children but we had a nanny for them in a different area of London. They are now (just) at school so we have an after school nanny who is brilliant and I'd like to keep, so am costing up nursery for the baby (when it arrives) and keeping our current arrangements for the older 2 (after school nanny/breakfast club/holiday clubs/grandparents) vs nanny. Nanny obviously a lot easier... But Mother Goose Greendale is very close to us so it's great to hear good feedback. Thanks again! It's looking like a good option...

Thank you KatDew

Hello - while we're on the Mothergoose feedback theme, can anybody let me know what they think of Mother Goose Greendale? Is it much the same as the other branches? Thank you!