to pick kids up from nursery + school and get on a train to London?

[BrittaPerry]

Last day of nursery and school. I have a train booked at 5pm from Sunderland to London to see my sister.

Is this madness?

Train amusement techniques, London tips (sister lives in Stratford) etc greatly appreciated.

DDs are 2 and 5. DD1 loves reading and writing but if she needs a wee, she needs it RIGHT NOW. DD2 is very...energetic and has quite a few very impressive tantrums at the moment. I can get away with pull ups with her though.

Sister is talking about some form of festival in Newham (where she teaches)

My top tip is pipe cleaners! Weird I know but they keep my DD1 entertained for ages!

Topsy and Tim visit London might be nice for the little one if you can get it.

The train will probably have lots of weekenders with wine and crisps so I wouldn't worry about noise. There won't be business folk scowling as they try and work etc.

Have a fab time!!

Hi, your plan sounds good. I have been to both Edinburgh + London with DS age almost 4 and DD almost 2 - from Newcastle. Long journey but snacks + stickers help. For the Metro, try to get your buggy in the space near the double doors. Look for the lifts not escalators.

At Sunderland, ask at the information desk if there is a train guard who can help you work out where to stand on the platform so you are next to your reserved carriage. They could also tell you if there is an "unbooked" carriage on the train to get extra seats. I'm afraid it is very unlikely though. If you end up with just two seats I would consider "camping out" in the end of the carriage instead. Your things will be fine when you go to the toilet - have a small handbag that fits phone, iPad, purse + tickets and take that with you.

Plan to build your buggy about 15-20 minutes before you arrive in London. Pack bags and leave the table - sit DD in buggy as you said. Gather any bags from luggage racks, coats, soft toys etc. Sometimes I ask someone before I get off if they would mind helping me with my buggy when we arrive.

Is your sister meeting you at Kings Cross? She won't be able to come onto the platform - ticket holders only. You will need to meet her at the exit from the platforms.

Lastly, definitely try to get a rucksack or holdall that you can wear on your back. Suitcase + buggy is very tricky. Have a fab trip!

PS if you manage to get a rucksack (instead of a suitcase) you can put that on your back, and your small backpack (toys) on your front. Looks weird but keeps your hands free!

I love Kings Cross - it is a great station with a lovely new extension. People are busy and rushing around, but will usually help if you ask!

Last thought - consider putting a piece of paper with your name (not child's name) with your mobile number on it, inside your DD's pocket. Discuss with her what to do if she got lost (speak to someone in uniform etc) and show her where to find your phone number.

3.5 hours is not that bad. definitely go! you would be bu not to if it has been booked. i wouldnt worry about it too much
get some sticker books or something, and should all be fine.

Ok, back from shop. Have bought a rucksack for me and two little backpacks (with Olympic logos on!) fr the girls. Also various sweeties, crayons, paper, stickers etc. gonna wrap the bits in paper bags and let hem open one every so often.

I don't know what I'm fussing about, my parents drove from Lancashre to the outh of France with an 8 year old, 6 year old and three month old. It took three days and the car set on fire at one point, but our memories are just of drawing, reading and playing on our big adventure while mum and dad argued over whether the world service o French radio was best :-)

That was the holiday where we decided to go home a few days early because the weather was bad (camping in thunderstorms is only fun fo a while). Forgetting that, if the weather was ba in France, the ferry would be worse. It was hilarious! (well, it was to an eight year old)