KatsuQueen

Yes, it's scary. I say things like.. "It's cheaper in XXXX" (when MrKatsu wants to buy stuff) "Let's go early and come home early"

Oh how wonderful (and lovely name too)..brought a tear to my eye. Congratulations, happy days!

Wow, that's interesting about The Gardens - such a nice part of ED. Thanks everyone.

Hi, I know there are a few threads about schools on here but thought that this is slightly different. The Katsu family are thinking of moving this year (hooray), still within ED and we are looking around at the moment. Recently, we met another family with slightly older children, and they mentioned that one of the things worth considering for the move is school catchment area. Aaarrggghh, MiniKatsu is not even 6 months yet...I am struggling to sort out his childcare for now! I didn't think about schools, I don't even know when children start at primary school. So what to do but turn to the experienced EDF parents. What do you parents with kids in primary school think? Surely there are no "dead zones" in ED...everywhere is in one school's catchment area, right?

This is a really interesting thread! I'm been reading avidly because I'll be back at work in October and just trying to sort out my childcare now. To be honest, there has never been any question in my mind about whether or not I go back to work - I have always been sure that I would go back to work for personal reasons (but more about that later). The plan is that I work 4 days and MrKatsu works 4 days, so we need to find childcare for 3 days. Although I had prepared myself for the costs, it is depressing to think that we are working to pay for the childcare. There really is very little left over. :( But I think it's the right thing to do because I do enjoy my work, I find it challenging and fulfilling - so I am sure that I would have regrets in the future if I gave it up now. From a personal point of view, it also seems a waste for me to give up my job and "throw away" all the years of hard work and money my parents spent on my education. I don't mean that SAHM are in any way "wasting" their lives, but just my personal POV. I'm not English so my parents basically spent their life savings on educating me and my siblings at University. This was real blood, sweat and tears money. I can remember at 18, when my Dad was writing a cheque for my Uni fees, he said - why don't you just get married instead? I think he was only half-joking!! Although it is a juggling act, I do feel lucky that I have a choice! There are millions of women (just like me) who can only see their children once a year for a week because they HAVE to work.

I'm just round the corner from Colwell Road! I want to come and play too. What do I have to do?