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409 replies

InmaculadaConcepcion · 19/07/2013 21:00

Come on in, Chicas!

Dive into the bubbly and home-baking and take advantage of our deluxe creche....

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
ScienceRocks · 03/10/2013 20:18

Yes Mous, do it! I have found being a governor slightly terrifying but really interesting.

And voluntary work always bolsters a cv...

LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 07/10/2013 13:34

SR why terrifying?

DD2 is counting in welsh Grin no idea of the real pronunciation though!

JewelFairies · 07/10/2013 18:25

I also own a Welsh speaking (mainly singing) dd2. She likes winding me up with it because she knows I'd rather have her speak German!

JewelFairies · 07/10/2013 19:00

SC and Mous... I've just realised you are talking about being a governor, not part of the parents' association (or PITA as I like to call it). I did wonder why you would put yourself through it Grin. Now also understand why you were stressed about Ofsted inspection SR. What does being a governor involve?

ScienceRocks · 07/10/2013 19:24

I do PTA too (general do-gooder that I am). I'm secretary, though am about to stand down after two years.

Being a governor is terrifying in terms of the responsibility and accountability. I am named health and safety governor, and also on the curriculum committee. I have really enjoyed getting to grips with all the policies, but sometimes the enormity of it feels overwhelming and it has taken me a year to even vaguely feel like I know what I am doing! Takes up quite a bit of time too.

And yes, that's why I was stressed about ofsted! I was called in to talk to the inspector and was also one of the governors present for the result. It really felt like a huge responsibility.

But it is hugely rewarding, especially if the governing body is open and supportive (as it is at dd2's nursery school). Great experience too.

stoofadoof · 08/10/2013 07:31

scones my first question to you was going to be can OH take on some of the childcare? how it's turned out in our house is I've been FT since DS was 11 weeks, and OH was at home for 18 months, then he went into PT work…. I'm sorry I can't remember enough about everyone to know if that's even remotely possible, but wondered if it's something you've even begun to think of? the other thing would be about doing some volunteering? at least one of the DD's will be getting free hours now I think? or even what about taking an evening class in something that you find interesting (pottery, guitar, spanish, whatever) that would give you some time for yourself if getting back to work isn't working out at pres… round here a full term of evening classes for someone in work is around £25 depending on which course (those with 'qualifications' are more expensive obv) and I thought of you when I looked at the brochure for someone at work the other day - there are some short classes in 'gifts for christmas' ;-)

mous SR JF I too think there's something that happens around 6/7 - i've definitely noticed it amongst friends and colleagues with DC's the same age… I think the thing with DD is that she has all that going on, but is even less able to deal with it than usual cos of the anxiety stuff…

met with play therapist yesterday - lovely and starting some work with DD tom - two sessions a week here at home… put my mind at rest a bit and explained how DD is stuck in stupid brain and can't get back to clever brain for some reason - all made perfect sense and also helped me understand that we're definitely not making a mountain out of a molehill and what DD is going through isn't the usual for everyone…. has to be said there's been a lot of 'helpful' suggestions from family friends and colleagues like 'she just needs some clearer boundaries, you've been too soft, you're pandering, ooh I know you just want to kill them at that age don't you'

also got her camhs appt on friday, but i don't imagine for a moment they will accord her any clinical priority when there are kids harming themselves etc so don't expect anything further after the initial appointment and some recommended parental reading! Grin

work really cack at pres, got some v complex and v sad cases ongoing.. best get off!

JewelFairies · 08/10/2013 17:59

So how is everyone's heating situation? Have you succumbed yet? I've only had the heating on once so far to test if the ancient boiler is willing to wake up, but apart from that it's been too mild. Did buy four bags of coal though (100kg! It's the minimum our coal man will deliver), so ready for the ice age apparently starting at midnight tonight if the radio can be believed. Dd1 keeps asking if I can please put the heating on and mean mummy tells her to put some clothes on instead. The classrooms at school are boiling so they tend to come home in polo shirts/shirts.

InmaculadaConcepcion · 08/10/2013 20:28

No heating yet, JF!! We almost succumbed when it got chilly in the middle of September, but no need for the moment. Hoorah, we deserve a mild autumn after that freezing Spring....

Ah, Mous, clearly the secret of well-behaved 7 year-olds is to give them a watch!

stoof I'd be very interested to hear how the play therapy goes! Good for you for sorting it out.

We've just changed from three afternoon sessions at nursery for DD to one full day and an afternoon, starting next week. It'll be interesting to see how she does. Especially at lunch, given how picky she can be...

DD and DS have both had croup, although fingers crossed it's subsided into normal coughs and colds now. Two nights ago I had three trips into our shower room to get some steam, first one with DD then two with DS shortly afterward. DS has been worst with it, bless him. He's usually quite stalwart with illnesses, and he's still smiling and laughing, but on a very short fuse because of his tiredness with the disturbed nights....right on cue, he's just woken up coughing....

OP posts:
stoofadoof · 09/10/2013 07:22

no heating yet! Grin though we have had the fire & stove lit a few times…

oh dear IC

and mous Cake Brew Thanks

stoofadoof · 09/10/2013 07:23

JF our school have finally been getting a new heating system fitted the last few weeks, so school has been much of a muchness with home (ie toasty jumpers and tights!!)

LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 09/10/2013 07:28

1/2h in the morning and fire at night. Mainly because it is too damp.
School is boiling.
SR I help the PTA too.

SconesForTea · 12/10/2013 09:24

It's cold now, isn't it? Brrrrrrrrrr. I cycled into town in the pouring rain yesterday without gloves - all downhill so freewheeling through the freezing rain - I thought my hands might fall off. Note to self: wear gloves.

I have a job!! One of the positions I don't have relevant experience for, came good Grin Well the MD more or less admitted that I was the only applicant and he is desperate, but hey Smile It's three days a week, doesn't pay much and is quite a long drive for a scared driver (40mins each way) but IT'S A JOB!!! I am really hoping that I can be a nicer and less shouty mum to the girls now I won't be with them every day.

I have also agreed to be a Trustee for a friend's charity, and now there will be a little bit of money coming in I am determined to take piano lessons and start playing again.

Get well soon to your DCs, IC.

Glad your DD is getting the help she needs, stoof.

Everyone have a good weekend. It's not raining at the moment!!!!!

LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 12/10/2013 09:58

Wah! Congratulations scones that is brilliant!

ScienceRocks · 12/10/2013 12:25

Great news Scones! When do you start?

JewelFairies · 12/10/2013 21:40

Scones Congratulations! Have you got childcare sorted?

LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 13/10/2013 08:35

just woken to a DD1 in uniform rummaging for her skirt! Grin at least now I know she can do it without prompting!

JewelFairies · 13/10/2013 13:10
Grin
SurvivalOfTheUnfittest · 14/10/2013 22:31

Quick lurk.. Well done Scones and good luck with the CAMHS appt Stoof. I also experience the wise words of friends and relatives and know how you feel.

InmaculadaConcepcion · 15/10/2013 20:57

Yay Scones - that's great news..!!! So pleased for you! I reckon it will do you the power of good, even if it makes certain aspects of your life a tad more complicated....

I'm feeling slightly more human again after a week of awful sleep because of poor old DS's cold - which caused even more night waking than the croup. He's still a bit snotty now, but much better and his appetite is almost back to normal. But DD has got another cold now, so I've been up with her a couple of times the last couple of nights (but not so much - at least she responds well to a dose of anti-histamine-containing cough mixture. Although in desperation, I ended up giving DS anti-h to help him sleep better - and it worked).

I'm most impressed with the parent governor work by you people!!

Our heating is now on for an hour or two in the morning and in the evening. Ah well.

While I was putting DS down for his nap today, DD needed a wee, so fetched her potty, did the deed, wiped, emptied the results in the toilet (without spilling anything), swooshed it out with water (ditto), washed and dried her hands then took the step stool to the larder and helped herself to a single chocolate button (which she now gets provided she wipes and hand-washes after her wee). I expect many of your DC are similarly self-reliant, but I was most impressed by DD's business-like approach (and amused at her doling out her own reward..!!).

Incidentally, DD's still on 2xsachets of Movicol per day, but has started self-initiating more often. If this trend continues and becomes more entrenched, I reckon we can finally start reducing the dose. She's been on the laxative programme for almost a year now....

OP posts:
ClimbingPenguin · 17/10/2013 20:33

I might have hidden this thread and now need to work out how to unhide it Blush

Scones brilliant news, and glad you sound happy about it. Can you have an extra half day childcare?

IC sounding positive with DD

I have to say DD is going through a lovely stage atm. It is nice to be able to trust her walking about etc and only worrying about DS darting off.

LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 23/10/2013 05:10

CP did you managed to unhide?

DH is snoring away happily I could kill him, so tired...

IC that sounds like good progress!

Scones how is the job?

LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 23/10/2013 06:30

Gah, F@&* british houses there is nowhere to escape the snoring! Angry

JewelFairies · 25/10/2013 20:41

Mous, or coughing. Poor dd2 is really not well and with hindsight I should maybe have taken her to see a GP this week.

LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 26/10/2013 17:10

JF how is she today?

JewelFairies · 26/10/2013 20:34

Better, mous. Did feel awful yesterday when I asked for advice in two pharmacies and they both said they thought she should be seen by a doctor (she coughed on cue to prove how poorly she felt). She had a good sleep last night and has been cheerful today despite the long drive home. Think I got away with it this time.