MSE Parent Club - Part 2

Claire_Jones_3

Daphne, I like the fact people can give opinions/ask advice with the opinion and support of others. Everyone has their own way of doing things and if none of us offered our opinions then we'd never learn anything or other ways to do things.

Just so you all know childminders have to follow the same guidelines as nurseries under the Early Years Foundation Stage and have to prove to Ofsted they are following it. Its not easy as a childminder when you tend to work alone and have to plan and document everything for ofsted and then do all your own accounts as well. Nurseries tend to have management or other staff to ensure this is all being done behind the scenes, childminders can't.

Lu_T

SeptemberBaby wrote: »

Hi all!
Right, ladies, can I ask for some advice? We're thinking of sending Poppy to nursery for maybe two half days a week to mix and play with other children. Do you have any advice as to what to look for/ask when we go and visit and look around?

And also some wise words to stop me from worrying about leaving her there . Its the thought of someone else comforting her and changing her bum that really gets to me .

xx

SB - Imogen has been in nursery since she was 15 months old and absolutely LOVES it. My MIL wasn't happy that we were putting her in there (only 1 day a week) as she said she was fine to carry on having her while I worked, but I just knew it would be the right thing for her.

I was looking for similar things to you - socialising, not being 1-on-1 with an adult all of the time, coming second (or even third) sometimes, that educational play that, enthusiastic as I am, I don't have the educational background to provide.

A month after she started MIL actually said she'd changed her mind and that nursery was the best thing for her. Her walking, talking and eating all came on - the children all sit round a little table to eat all of their meals.

I went on 'feel', having established a few things like safe outside play areas, nap times and routines, food etc. Imogen was in real nappies and they happily accomodated this. The other parents provided their own nappies etc.

I'll be upping her days in January when she's entitled to the free 12.5 hours nursery provision. She will go 2.5 days (the half day when I'm off work, but I will at least get some quality time with new bump, TJ. I figure it's funded, so we may as well take advantage and she always comes home smiling. Just before Xmas she even clapped and said 'hurrah!' as we drove down the nursery drive. :T

She has a dairy which they send home every week which records, sleep, eating, nappy changes/accidents, what & who she has played with. It's lovely getting that record.

I hope you didn't think anyone was judging you. I guess Sami's comment came across a bit harsh, but, having seen lots of things she's written, I know it wasn't meant to be judgemental. I'm a bit mortified by Daphne's comments actually, I don't feel like I've ever been judged, but you can't please everyone all of the time.

P.S. Happy birthday Tom :T

SeptemberBaby_2

Thank you, everyone, I really do value all of your opinions as you helped me so much when I had Poppy.

Becles, thanks you so much for your post. The nursery sounds lovely and thats exactly the kind of atmosphere I would be looking for.

Lu, it sounds as though Imogen has a ball when she goes and that is what I was hoping for Poppy! . She doesn't need to go as I'm a SAHM and my parents have her for two afternoons a week, but I feel she would benefit from different social experiences.

Sami, no offence taken! I know there are people who are for and against but most of my friends children are slightly older or at school so her peers are limited at the moment. My HV has just given me a timetable for the local SureStart so we will definately be going to some stay and play activities while I decide what to do.

I'm so sorry to cause an upset - Daphne please consider coming back as you have been a big part of both the Clubs since we were pregnant with our Winter 07 babes! I for one will miss your input x

xx

nadnad

oh i'm quite sad that Daphne's unsubscribed. its like you start to get to know people on this thread and its quite nice. i don't think Sami intended to be harsh or anything but I know everyone gets upset when others question how they parent and at the same time everyone has their own views and opinions.

i really appreciate the advice i've gotten on this thread in the past and i'm sure in the future.

Claire_Jones_3

In case any of your are eligible there was an underpayment in child tax credits in 01-02 and 02-03. If you were getting tax credits at that point there may be some money owed to you or you may already have had it paid without you knowing. You have to complete 11ctc form from hmrc.gov.uk and send it in but they are only allowing a really short time frame in which to claim it back (like 14 days or something similar!)

Sami_Bee

I'm sorry if it was me that upset you Daphne, I really didn't mean to be harsh or judgmental most nurseries are fantastic at what they do, as are most parents and I'm sure the fact that you have been a regular poster in here shows that you are only interested in doing what is best for your child.
Weather SAH or working full-time we are all doing what we think/hope is for the best and I would never say that I know better than someone else esp. when it comes to child rearing.
I really hope you come back to join us!

Sami_Bee

Claire: are you on about this thread? http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1362813
its apparently been around for a while but I only heard about it a few week ago, My MIL is entitled to claim for BIL :T but as you say the cut off for claims is 31st Jan

Claire_Jones_3

oops sorry yes thats what I was talking about. I heard about it today and thought I might have missed out on something then read the details and it doesn't apply to me but hadn't heard of it on here so thought I'd mention it in case

Becles

Sorry you feel like that Daphne - I hope it wasn't something I said Apologies if it was, as nothing I've posted on here was ever intended to offend anyone.

I think everyone just speaks their mind about what they do with their little ones, but none of it should be taken are pure gospel. There is no right or wrong way on how to bring a baby up - as long as they are loved and well looked after, that's all that matters.

I read what other people have written and pick out the bits I like, and try that - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I hope people do the same with what I've written and I wouldn't be offended if someone came back and said "well you said do that and it didn't work for me". It's all about trial and error and finding what is right for you.

Hope you reconsider and come back to the thread xx

Sami_Bee

Ladies: anyone done the weaning off a dummie and got tips?
I promised myself it would be gone by 18mths at the latest but he's 2 and still got one, just for nap and sleep.
Its deff his comfort object as he doesn't demand to bring any type of blanket, toy etc anywhere.
Do I just stop giving it and ride the storm?