alice32

I'm just wondering what people with school age children do for after school care. I started a new job (3 days a week) a couple of months ago and am still struggling to find after school care for my four year old son and 18 month old daughter, who is at a childminder until 4 o'clock. I've been able to cobble things together so far, begging favours from friends and my mother, and my husband is freelance so he's been on hand. But it's not at all sustainable and I'm now very, very desperate. I basically need someone to collect my son from school by car and my daughter on the way back and look after them at home until I get back from work at about 6.30. I think I've subscribed to every childcare website in the land but, as yet, to no avail. Does anyone have any tips? I had no idea it would be this tricky and am now thinking I might have to give up my job if I can't find a solution soon. The situation is slightly complicated by the fact that my son's school is a 15 minute drive away from where we live (near Ruskin Park) as we moved shortly after he started reception. Any advice would be much appreciated. Alice

I've never been, but the Bluebell Railway in Sussex is meant to be fantastic. Here's the link: http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/ Hope he has a lovely day.

I would second the Elizabeth Pantley book. Lots of useful ideas and suggestions, though no quick fixes - more of a gradual approach to getting your baby to be able to sleep without your help. Also, you don't mention whether or not your baby is still feeding at night. Even if she/he is eating solids well in the day, she may still be hungry at night - in which case, I'd suggest any sleep training or controlled crying will be futile (not to mention distressing for him/her). Both my children still needed to feed in the night at this age, despite being good solid eaters by day. Best of luck with it all.

My son had nits for ages. Tried a few of the nit shampoos, but the only thing that got rid of them for good was putting masses of conditioner on his hair and combing it through with nit comb. You comb out all the live ones and after a week or two, they die out. Might be tricky to get a 15 month old to sit still through that process though...

...Also, I would strongly recommend getting a normal size, single bed rather than a toddler bed. We got my boy a toddler bed and, every night, as my legs dangle over the edge of the bed and blood circulation dwindles, I regret this decision!

I'd suggest moving him to a bed too. My son was never a fan of his cot and would usually spend most of the night in our bed. We moved him to a bed when he was just over two and it certainly helped that we were able to lie with him as he went to sleep, having had a cosy time reading books etc. Also meant we could lie with him in the night when he woke up. He would still come into our bed occasionally - in fact, I'm sure he still would if there was room, but my one year old is in there so not much room!

I'd be inclined to go back to a and e. My cousin's son recently had a splinter embedded in his wrist which had become infected, and my cousin - himself a doctor but away from home so without prescription pad - was very keen to get his boy to an out of hours doc ASAP in order for them to prescribe him antibiotics. Was concerned the infection would track up his arm. Perhaps go tomorrow morning first thing when it's likely to be a bit quieter?

Now that the Summer's decided to put in an appearance, it would be nice to have the water play areas in the parks that have them switched back on. Anyone know if this has been done, or who I'd need to contact? I'm thinking Ruskin Park paddling pool or Myatts Fields... X

I second the books mentioned above for your toddler. There's also Sophie and the New Baby by Laurence and Catherine Anholt.

It was a few years ago now, but we stayed in a lovely little village called Piana, which i'd definitely recommend. Beautiful beach and not crowded at all. Corsica's great - have fun.

I work in children's publishing, so this is my favourite sort of thread! Here are a few that my son has loved, and I've loved reading to him: Mr Pusskins/Mr Pusskins and Little Whiskers Dr Miaow's Big Emergency (and other titles in this series) In the Night Kitchen Dogger Any of the Alfie books That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown The original Charlie and books (not the TV tie-ins) Clarice Bean Peepo Cops and Robbers Mog The Bear with Sticky Paws Owl Babies Can't you sleep, Little Bear? Anything by Jeanne Willis Lily and Blue Kangaroo (any in that series) Will try and think of more and post.

Completely agree. Some friends would trigger it more than others - as did the hecticness of certain situations and playgroups. Defo good idea to stick to parks etc so plenty of space. And most important to remember that it's very common and just a phase, which will pass!

My son went through exactly the same phase and it is very stressful and upsetting. It started when he was about one and he would grab other children's faces - quite hard! - even if they were older and bigger than him. I think most of it was frustration - not being able to communicate properly and I did find that as he got older and his language improved, the face grabbing improved too. It did take a while to pass though - was still having a few hitty/scratchy incidents until abput 3. It does make socialising with other children difficult - sone parents, though mostly sympathetic, weren't very understanding. I remember one father accusing my son of 'attacking' his daughter, which was possibly a bit harsh considering he was only about 18 months at the time! And the last thing you want child to be doing is hurting and upsetting other children. We sought advice from various sources and were told to watch him carefully when he's around other kids to see if you identify triggers to the behaviour. You are then more able to anticipate when he might start grabbing and intervene before anything happens. If he does manage a grab or something before you can stop it, take him away from the situation, talk to him and explain why he can't do that. It doesn't seen to make much difference at the time, the talking and explaining, but he'll get it eventually. Hope things improve - you have my sympathies!

Yes, my son takes his bike to the track - he's 3 so def suitable for a 14 yr old. Don't think you have to book in advance, but their opening times are a bit odd so worth trying to find out before when they're going to be open. Unfortunately think the track is going to be demolished when the park gets its refurb.

Thanks both, she's much better now. Just waiting for my son to get it now. Keep thinking maybe he won't, but OF COURSE he will...

Quite agree, Otta - if the telling off was heavy-handed, a cross response from the man would be understandable.

Rather sad and unpleasant to refer to a child as a 'nasty piece of work', isn't it? Doubtless the blame here lies with the father. Best to leave the name-calling to the children, I think.

My daughter has a tummy bug - I had it too, but seem to be over the worst. She's fairly chirpy just quite clingy and obviously doesn't feel great. I fed (breast) her once in the night, after she'd been sick, because she wanted to - probably for comfort - but was sick immediately afterwards. I tried to feed her a bit this morning too at 9ish, but she was sick pretty much straight away. My question is, when should I try and feed her again? She's drinking water and doesn't seem hungry, so I'm happy to leave it as the throwing up is pretty dramatic and unpleasant for her when it happens. Any thoughts much appreciated. Alice

I think I must have left my son's beloved bike on the pavement while loading up the car near the Cambria pub - round the back of Ruskin Park - on Saturday, having been to the fair there. If anyone came across it and picked it up, I would so appreciate a call. Life isn't going to be worth living when he discovers I've lost it, and I'm running out of excuses! It's a black, pedalless Isla bike and he ADORES it! My number is 07879 477428. Many thanks, Alice Could also have been left near or around the paddling pool in Ruskin park. My memory is failing me... Edited 1 time(s). Last edit was today, 10:49am by alice32.

I think I must have left my son's beloved bike on the pavement while loading up the car near the Cambria pub - round the back of Ruskin Park - on Saturday, having been to the fair there. If anyone came across it and picked it up, I would so appreciate a call. Life isn't going to be worth living when he discovers I've lost it, and I'm running out of excuses! It's a black, pedalless Isla bike and he ADORES it! My number is 07879 477428. Many thanks, Alice Could also have been left near or around the paddling pool in Ruskin park. My memory is failing me...

Thank you for all your thoughts - very helpful and reassurring. He's a pretty chirpy, confident boy, so fingers crossed he'll take it in his stride. And, yes, I'll be bribing him. Already promised two kittens (regretting that one already).

Hi there, we're due to move house over the Summer and I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to make the move as undisruptive as possible for my nearly four yr old. Anyone have any experience of this - any tips? Unfortunately the move is going to coincide with me going back to work - currently on mat leave - and my son starting school, so there's going to be masses going on for him. He's not particularly keen on the idea so we've kept it low key up until now, not banging on about it too much, but think we need to start preparing him before we start packing up the house! Any ideas on how to deal with this much appreciated. Alice

Hi there, We're possibly buying a house just behind Ruskin Park and the nearest primary school is St Saviour's on Herne Hill Road. Their Ofsted report isn't great, but the inspection was two years ago, so things could have changed. I just wondered if anyone had any knowledge of the school and what they thought of it? Any info much appreciated. (Bit of a long shot, I know, as it's slightly outside the forum's area...) many thanks, Alice

Hi Jenny, yes, the timing of the results is very cunning. I imagine the admissions team aren't looking forward to the phones going live tomorrow morning. If I wasn't so p&)@ed off, I'd almost feel sorry for them. Good luck with it all. A

I thought we'd be allocated a random (undersubscribed) school too, but perhaps that's what in the letter. Something to look forward to... My son isn't 5 until next August so could possibly wait, but don't much like the idea of months in limbo (or him entering the class after the other children). Fingers crossed for the waiting lists.