womanofdulwich

Certainly it is seen as a rites of passage thing in year 6. Especially if it is an activities holiday at say Arathusa. When children are at senior school it is often trips to France, and a trip that is uk based is much better as an introduction. Children that want to go really blossom. I wonder if its a bit of a strange message to give your child- if they are the only one held back for this reason. All the ones I know that don't go are either because they have been naughty or too homesick/clingy. But then it happened at my school 30 years ago too- we went to L0ndon from South Wales for 4 days- wow- we got to watch plnaes landing at Heathrow for a morning - wow!! We got lost on Hampton Court maze- wow- met a real French person- wow! ( it was mind blowing to us).

I think a lot of schools do it in year 6. Some children don't like it- but I think you usually know about it years in advance and can build up to it with sleepovers etc. A very small number of children don't want to go, but as a parent I can't think of a single reason to say no! ?

Of course you should not take secondary school children out of school but age 5 is fine IMO as a one off-especially if for one week. This assumes you will read to them / make them read to you etc.

If she lived at home her parents would be paying for her food.She is your god daughter. I think you have to give her at least ?50 a week. Students are always poor at the end of term.:'( I would ask her to help herself to whats in the cupboards but make sure there is bread/ milk/loo roll/ soap powder for when you get back. It depends on how you percieve her needs/ how generous you are- you could always ask her Mum? My son has done this for ?75 a week but had to water the plants/ cut the grass.

Welcome to parent hood of school aged children. Bettter to self cater-stay in the uk and rent a cottage. Or take them out of school in term time.If you team up with family / friends you can get a place with a pool. ps I hope that is for 2 weeks?

Mr Ben- this only applies to 10% of DVillage. Its far more prevelant out of London.

I would miss the variety of people. I get a bit unsettled when everyone has a fleece and wears beige. Together with cotton traders clothes. When they say "OOOH London that nasty violent city where the riots were"... plus other non pc comments.

There is little you would hang up for a toddler though? shelves would be good.- can you put a few up to begin ?

Exactly what tree huggger said.Its once they are at secondary school that they really need their parents around. Not 24/7 but available. No one else will do this stint. Its the hardest part in some ways! But we would not be without them. I think some work is important as a role model. Children need to know that women work and are not at their beck and call all day. You just get used to it in time.:-S

mmm not sure about that ratty- if it is a flat then you probably have a lease-so you are technically a tenant.

who are the new owners? when did it change?

Not in this case Voyageur-spellings are countable nouns- but you are correct it could be the verb "spelling".

Don't get me going Maxxi. Poor spellings hurt!

Is it just me - or are more and more people posting with atrocious spellings? is it mistyping/ laziness/ poor English? Discuss.

togas ( sheets) or ghosts- more sheets.

I know foxes like eggs. But so do rats!

You need to ask to see a copy of the consent- it is dated and usually says - work must commence by a certain time,

I have never read any of her books, but there are a very small number of woman who aren't interested in sex and use a baby to make an excuse to avoid it. Separate bedrooms etc. They let the baby run the house. Of course some fathers do too!!

Always tricky age. Arts and craft things good- John Lewis do some nice little kits. Brooches etc

Fuschia- you are ex - army- right?? ;-)

Check out what Caitlin Moran's paretns did ;-)

The trick with teenagers is only to buy 24 hours worth of food-plus an extra loaf of bread- if you buy a weeks' worth they eat it in 2 days. Only buy what alcohol you are going to drink in the next 24 hours too.......but I have never thrown anything other than peelings away. :)

As long as you make it yourself it will be far healthier than any of that other rubbish with additives in. Can't beat the old 444 2 victoria sponge really - or 666 3 if there are 8 of you.Use Tip Tree "sweet tip " raspberry jam. ALways a winner. or try this:orange and almond cake

wow ?60 A WEEK- wait till you have teenagers- ...............

They used to sell Saffron bread in the somerfield on Lordship Lane which is now a co-op but I dont they do anymore :(