WEST LONDON MEET-UP THREAD - SEPTEMBER 2006 - EALING, ACTON, CHISWICK, KEW, RICHMOND, ISLEWORTH, KINGSTON ETC

[MrsBigD]

Let's start a new thread the old one is getting too long

I'm off travelling 22-29th but before then I hope I'd be able to 'find' some time but probably not in the week leading up to 22nd as dh would probably divorce me

hi sfx: we are normally more cereberal (?) than this. I'm just showing off my newly acquired skills at doing links.
Tolstoy next week.

well it takes some skill
to light them i mean

sfxmum, don't worry here's a summary of threads normally on the go...

this one has developed as the 'general thread'

then we usually do one for the monthly meetup, like Escale in October

A new day-time thread has just been created

And that's really it

much obligedoh greatD one

am off to Kew G again tomorrow to entertain toddler and family

i suspect much to the distress of the local goose population now that dd can walk and chase them about the place while i hide my distaste for the birds

BigD - How about I take those tickets to Greece off your hands and you head of to the Lollipop Club instead?

hehehe trust me you don't want to go on holiday with my mother

Remember to check through ALL of your liquids (make up, tooth paste, hand lotion, etc.). If you have them in your hand luggage you will donate them to the security guy.

Thank God I don't have to stand in the bloody foreigner line when I get to the states!

okay I'm having a crisis of confidence here!

I need some help/support/advice/slap/kick up bum - delete as applicable.

The Problem:
I been in email contact with someone who was interested in a Nanny share but they have now dropped off the face of the earth. Admittadly (sp?) she did say her dh wasn't keen on a share but.......

I joined an MN thread discussing the possibility of a local share and the originator has now ducked out. Again admittadly she expressed doubts about sharing as well.

I have spoken to 2 CMs over the phone who both sounded lovely. Made appointments to visit and #1 cancelled a few hours before saying placement had gone. #2 cancelled today after phone conversation yesterday saying she didn't feel qualified to offer dd a place. Again admittadely #2 is only just starting out and only has 1 or 2 other older kids. DD is 11 months.

I've got an appointment with my only local nursery with spaces on Friday but I am really not keen on a nursery place. Don't know why, am probably just being neurotic but I just don't feel comfortable with a nursery. But I'm visiting it to keep an open mind.

Anyways, I am suffering a crisis of confidence and paranoia that in some way the CMs I am dealing with (and prospective nanny sharers) are being put off by me or my personality.

I really don't think I've been particularly demanding or manic or anything. I've just asked about the other kids, activities, foods, what the CM expects etc. I've been quite up front that DD is a very happy and engaging and sociable child but that she is used to having lots of attention and cuddles etc.

I did visit 1 CM who would take her but dh and I didn't feel too comfortable in that setting. There were 2 dogs (one large and rather manic looking!).

Am I doing this all wrong or have I just had a run of bad luck?

PC666 [sad & confused emoticon]

BigD - I'll take my chances

Btw, has any1 heard of Cafe au Play Kingston?

Is it blatantly obvious that I cannot spell admittadly?!?!? LOL

PC666 - its just a bit of bad luck. I know what you mean about nurseries, having a CM is more personal. Having said that, have you heard of The Childrens Garden Kindergarten in St Margarets? I went there for an open day and I could see how affectionate the carer was with the LO's. My DS is very timid when meeting new people and even he was comfortable with her. It's in a house so the facilities are quite basic but it had a warm feel about the place. I can't remember if they take under 2's but could get the details if you're interested?

Sounds like a bit of bad luck and maybe a bit of paranoia thrown in? When I was looking for a nursery for ds1 (he only goes 2 mornings a week) I thought I'd never find the "right one", but I did after a few setbacks. He loves it there and it's walking distance from home so we're all happy!

It's not you. We all have childcare horror stories. Ask me about "vodka socks". Or Ms "Liddleclothes". Her name was Lidka and she used to to wear "clothing" that I think better qualified as lingerie. One day I had to pull her aside and say look, I'm not a prude but I do expect your clothing to cover your bra and your butt cheeks. She got enbarrased and said I am shy shy" To which I replied very matter of factly "Oh no you're not."

hi 2cute - yes please! it sounds very nice and local so would deff like to check them out.

yes i do think it's a bit of paranoia too - dh says i've been perfectly normal and not at all evangelical about CMs prospective care of dd!!

but i'm still stressing, i have to have somewhere organised by a week on monday so running out of settling in time too.

PC666

@ Uwila!

Vodka Socks probably could've joined us last Friday huh!

lol

PC666, I'm afraid I'm no expert at this but I have been told that this is a good website for finding CMs & nurseries. They have links to the most recent OFSTED reports and you can search by postcode - I don't know if it will help & tbh, you've probably already tried it right?!

childcarelink

vodka socks are an eastern european remedy for a high fever. you make a solution of 1 part water and 1 part vodka. Dip in cotton socks. Put them on. Put on dry wool socks over cotton socks and it brings down the fever. Allegedly it really works. However I vetoed the idea for my then 18 month old and insisted on the use of paracetemol instead.

PC666 - Yes its paranioa - you sound more worried about what they think about you than what you think about them (I was same 1st time). Keep on plugging away. Did you call Sarah?

Sue - will send CM's tel No to you now (ish)

see you all later...

pc: my dd started windsor kindergarten last week and loves it! Mature, relaible ladies (my neighbour is one of them). love it sooooo much. and I will happily admit that I am paranoid parent.

have a look at this

or tel: 02082556770

Uwila, I love vodka and even I don't like the sound of vodka socks LOL!

Oxo that kindy looks absolutely lovely, I'd love DD to go there when she's old enough.

FF, yeap I think you hit the nail on the head. I am concerned about what they think of me.

ah well, at least I'm in the office tomorrow so can do some more hunting and phoning etc lol.

PC666

Pud, thanks for the link - it's the list I'm working from!

I may have to extend my area to Twickenham but was really hoping to keep it local as this is to cover my WFH days.

Ta tho.

;-)

PC666 - found th enumber. contact Regine on 020 8968 4605 Even if they don't take under 2's tell her that you're looking for as she might recommend something. I'll ask friends etc to see if they have any ideas. Hey, if I had the energy, I'd do it

Just read my message, did you understand it with all the mistakes? It's been a long day...

2cute - thanks for the number. I was reading their Ofsted report last night (amongst MANY others lol) and they don't take under 2s but I will call and ask for advice.

FF, haven't called your NCT friend yet. DD seems to have sorted herself out........ for now at least.

I'll keep you all posted.

;-)

Need advice - DS has started majorly stuttering since last week, totally at of the blue. Is this normal for a 2 yr old or should I see HV? Ta me loves

Might I add, what a glorious day. Might pop to Bunny Park, Hanwell in the avo (not that I remember how to get there!)