Lego - Where do I start? Please point me in the right direction

[DomesticDisaster]

In our house we are addicted to Duplo. It is by far the best thing we have and the children absolutely love it.

My DD1 is nearly 5 and DS2 is 2.5 and I'm now thinking that it's time we upgraded to proper lego as DD is creating more and more intricate models and I think Duplo is just not cutting the mustard any more.

I have no idea where to start - please help!

Am I right in thinking there are lots of different sets - how do you start/choose? Or do we just get a job lot of random bricks. I should say that Duplo-wise we have a farm set and random bricks and the children love making random stuff rather than the farm as it's supposed to be.

As far as I can see, proper lego seems more complex with loads more options so I'd love some advice from lego aficionados please!

I asked DH if he had lego as a kid - loadd f it apoarently yet nobody knows where it went, what a waste!

My mams a childminder so all my lego is still being played wth by her charges so am hoping shell retire when dd is abou 4 so I can snaffle it back

Gnocchi9D have his parents moved since he was a kid, if not try a rummage in their loft next time you visit, dh's was v dusty, but found some bases, loads of bricks, bits formerly from a space shuttle and some spacemen mini fig which are probably worth a bob or two but currently being divers in dd2's model of submerged greek city!

yes twice so no chance of them popping up. They love a good boot sale so will ask them to keep their eyes open fir anyone daft enough to be selling the stuff