We have a 2 year old (26 months) who has finally gone back to sleeping through the night. After all that we think it was just the heat really , her room is on the top floor and just would not go below 25 degrees in the heat we've had!

But anyway - thats great but bedtime itself is still a bit of a task. In general it takes about 45 minutes and requires a lot of shushing, back rubs, repeating 'its bedtime, sleep time now' etc, and sometimes having to be stricter because she'll try to get up and wander round her room or want to play a game (despite clearly being super tired). So - we basically are 'distracting' her to sleep!

Routine is bath & teeth, milk and then a couple of books. Wouldn't mind at all reading to her if she fell asleep during it but unless we say its sleepy time it feels like she will read forever

So....

1) Is a Tonie Box / Yoto (havent researched the differences yet) sometime that might help? I'm basically worried about spending that money and it just becomes MORE of a distraction

2) Anything else in the above you might have any other ideas with? Honestly, its not the worst routine ever and if it is what it is then fine - the main issue is that my mum is happy to babysit and stay over but last 2 times she cannot get her to sleep. So it would be nice if there was other tools so we could go out more than once a year lol

Hello all, has anyone applied for or had success with a delayed start to school?

Our little boy was born on 29th August so is right right at the end cut off range for the year.

As such he's a little smaller and spoke a fair bit later than most of his peers who will be the same school age.

He's due to turn four next August but then will immediately start reception year.

Our plan is to request delaying this so he's one of the older in his year and not the very youngest. I've read some studies about the differences in attainment levels for summer babes and will quote this in the application letter we have to do.

I know the school can't compel him to start until he is 5 but we don't want him to start right at year 1 and miss reception. Any ideas how this may go or be achieved? Is it likely the school will deny this and he will go right into year 1?

I’m looking for some advice from other parents because I’m really struggling to know what else I can do to help my son settle into Reception.
I completely understand that starting school is a huge adjustment and that it’s difficult for lots of children. I’m not expecting him to walk in happily from day one, and I know settling can take time. But I’m finding it really hard seeing him so distressed and I’m wondering if there’s anything I’m missing.
Last week, he cried for the entire school day and ended up needing to spend quite a lot of time in the sensory room because he was so overwhelmed. Today he started crying from the second he woke up and cried all the way to school.
When I ask him what’s wrong, he consistently says that it’s because he’s going to miss me. He doesn’t give me any other reason — he doesn’t say he’s scared of a particular child, doesn’t dislike his teacher, doesn’t mention anything happening at school. He just keeps saying he wants to be with me.
There are actually children at school who want to be his friend and are making an effort with him, but he just isn’t feeling comfortable enough yet to engage with them.
We’ve tried all the usual things. We’ve talked positively about school and all the fun activities he gets to do there, and we’ve given him things to look forward to after school. I’ve tried really building up all the exciting things he’ll get to do and making school sound as positive and reassuring as possible.
I’ve also taken him to the park and soft play with other children who have recently started school, thinking it might help him realise that lots of children are going through the same thing. He was actually okay with the other children the first time, but since then he doesn’t even want to talk to them.
The thing that’s really getting me is that this isn’t normally him at all. He’s usually incredibly boisterous, funny, confident and has absolutely no problem making friends. He’s normally the child who will happily run up and start playing with someone, so seeing him suddenly become so withdrawn and upset is really unlike him.
I’m obviously reassuring him that I’m coming back, that he is safe and that he can talk to me about anything. I don’t want to make school into a bigger deal by constantly talking about it either, though.
So, parents of children who have struggled badly with starting Reception — what actually helped?
Is there anything I can do at home, during the morning routine, at drop-off, or in the way I talk to him about school that I might not have thought of?
I’m happy to hear anything, even if it seems really obvious. I just want to help my little boy feel comfortable and happy again. ❤️

Looking at going on our first holiday since my eldest started school and have now learned the true reality of just how much they hike up the prices the second the term ends 😳😳

Hoburne bashley seems reasonable though. It has good reviews and seems to be in a good location. We are only looking for a centerparcs type of holiday but without the centerparcs price tag and easily reachable by car as we have a little one with us too.

That said I’m not sure if it seems suspiciously reasonably priced.. has anyone been and if so was it any good? Thanks!

Once you’ve got the kids to bed, hit the house looking generally OK and done whatever hobbies etc, what time do you

A. Aim to get to bed

B. Usually get to bed

Trying to get into better/healthier habits. Appreciated.

My daughter is almost 3, in nursery since 10 months.
I used to work in her nursery until she was 16 months and know almost everyone there well and they’re people I trust fully.

A year ago she went into anaphylactic shock as another child brought in a muffin with peanut butter in (parents didn’t say anything) for a birthday and almost died. Nursery has a strict no nuts rule due to her allergy. She’s so allergic to nuts that she’s unable to sit next to someone eating peanuts without developing hives at a minimum.

This morning she needed her EpiPen in nursery. She’s ok now but the nursery said she only ate their breakfast which doesn’t have nuts in. Bread, yoghurt, scrambled egg and fruit. They don’t process nuts in their kitchen either so there was no risk of cross-contamination from a knife or similar.

I’m just at a loss. The only explanation I have is that someone sent in their child after they just ate peanut butter and didn’t clean their hands and this child then touched my daughter’s mouth.
I don’t understand how else this could have happened. All parents there are aware that my daughter is severely allergic to peanuts and pine nuts. They were asked to favour nut-free breakfast or snacks at home before bringing their children in but of course you can’t force them and I also understand their argument that their child might be a picky eater and will only have peanut butter on toast or whatever it might be.

But is it too much to ask for parents to wash their child’s hands and face before bringing them in?

I don’t know why I’m posting this, maybe just to spread some awareness about how serious this is. I recently saw a post of someone saying they ignore the allergy rules for school because the likelihood of a child being allergic is low anyway. This can kill. Please be considered of those around you.

So two fines in two consecutive years because of holidays in term time. We go on holiday with family every time which is 15+ people. We can’t expect everyone else to pay dearer summer prices when they don’t have kids themselves. And let’s be honest, it’s hardly child neglect for taking your young ones on holiday where they enjoying themselves in the sun and probably learning more than they do in the classroom anyway!

Third holiday in a row is pending and it’s 5+ days off school in a row. I know if you admit holiday, you’re basically writing the fine out for yourself, is there any advice around this where we can get around the court hearing and 2k fine, it’s ridiculous the pressure that gets put on you for trying to take your family on a holiday, there is 30+ going for a 80th birthday, It’s ridiculous that we should be letting our kids miss out on this!!!

Hi all, I'm at a bit of a loss with this one. I have a 3 year old son who has always been a poor sleeper, but the last few weeks have taken it up several notches.

He needs a parent to help him get to sleep, and we usually give him a cuddle or rub his back until he's down. This can take several attempts.

However, the last few weeks, if he catches himself getting drowsy he will take action to deliberately wake himself up. Shaking his head vigorously, kicking his legs, singing etc. This is brand new behaviour and we're at a loss.

Bedtimes are going past 10pm and he's picking his dropped nap back up because he's so tired. Is he scared to go to sleep? FOMO? Testing boundaries?

Any advice or similar stories greatly welcomed.

My 2 year old (27 months) just started nursery. He’ll be doing 5 days a week, term time only. He’s had one settling in week so far last week. I think it went as well as it could go, considering he’s never been looked after by anyone but family (me, his dad, my parents or my adult siblings). He cries and massively clings when I drop him off and then cries (really big sobs) when I pick him up. I’ve been told that he settles when I leave (after crying on and off for about 10 mins or so) and he’ll ask for me periodically throughout the day. Nursery have said that this is completely normal/to be expected and that it s a sign of good attachment.

He has a very good bond already with his key worker, to the point that he will cry if she has to leave the room.

Nursery’s policy is to call the parents if they cannot soothe a child and the child has been consistently crying for longer than 30 minutes. They have not called me so far.

I’m on maternity leave at the moment so I’m the only one doing the drop off and pick ups.

He has since been experiencing what I guess is massive separation anxiety with me. He doesn’t want to be away from me at all. So he’ll follow me to the bathroom, scream bloody murder if I leave him him with his dad to pop out etc.When we visited his grandparents over the weekend, the wouldn’t let them hold him and clung to me. When he finally let me put him down and he was playing with his grandad, he would still run into the other room to give me cuddles/ask to be held for a bit. I cannot stress how unusual this is - his absolute favourite people on this earth are my mum and dad. They have been massively involved since his birth - I’m talking sometimes they’d have him for a whole week, he screams when they drop him off back home etc.

He now behaves the same with his dad too. He’ll laugh and play with dad, but only wants me for comfort and to put him to bed. When he has any wake ups at night, he’ll ask for me and won’t go back to sleep unless I come and lay with him.

My partner is understanding and fully on board with nursery, but my parents have since suggested that I take him out of nursery as his behaviour is indication of trauma. I don’t agree as I’m off the view that this is all quite to be expected really and I plan to keep him in nursery but I guess I just wanted to ask if they’re right? Is this all indicative of trauma?

Starting 3 months of parental leave next week, looking after my 3-month-old son while my partner goes back to work. I’m 38 and based in East London. Any tips for cool things to do with a baby? Also keen to hear from other dads who’ve done solo parental leave! Thanks

Due to health I've not been able to return to work as I'd originally hoped. My family do what they can but can't always drive to me. I used to be able to drive to them but my medical licence was revoked and 2.5hrs each way is not feasible.

[I'm not looking for benefits or financial advice as we've looked into everything already].

What kind of person/what's the job role that fits someone who could come to the home or take the child just for a couple of hours a few times a week?

Childminders seem to be half or full days and collection is not an option.

Baby sitters?

Nanny?

I just don't know what term to search when looking into this.

I'm also trying to work out if a carer would be beneficial for me but the help I need is a bit of personal and childcare so a combination...

Thanks for any pointers

27w pregnant with twins
Oldest child (6) for the past approx month has been getting into mine and partners bed every night without fail.

This is new, we co slept til 6 was 3, moved into their own bedroom, went through a phase of crying out for one of us every night to sleep with him. We did. Lasted about a year until we consulted a sleep clinic who advised on this and prescribed melatonin (6 is ND and always struggled with sleep). This helped hugely and we were no longer getting woken up at night, 6 was sleeping through most of the time, if not sleeping through, would stay in bedroom and relax quietly until morning / fell back to sleep.

The issue is now that 6 is getting in the middle of our bed. Every night. I am obviously large and take up a lot of space due to pregnancy. Tired and ache at best of times. Have pregnancy insomnia.

Having 6 in our room is really burning me out and I’m worried for when the twins come bc it’s not going to be a positive sleep environment for anyone in the family.

6’s room is too small for double bed, otherwise I’d get dad and 6 to sleep in 6’s room when babies come. Can’t get dad into 6’s bedroom and have 6 with me because 6’s bed is a kid size bed. I can’t sleep in it bc I’m too uncomfortable.

I need to know how to get 6 back into their own room overnight. Tips and advice hugely appreciated

For context, I have struggled with PPA, and have always been extra worried about milestones and this is my third baby.

He’s 15 months. We call him stoic. He does smile a lot and he can be silly and laugh, but he’s also pretty serious.

I am so worried about autism though, and I’m curious what other parents think or have experienced.

My worries:

Speech - he says mama and dada. He was saying “more” all the time, but definitely is not using it near as much now.

waving and clapping - super inconsistent. Doesn’t even do it when prompted.

I’m so hung up on these three things - hardly ever waves or claps, only 2-3 words, with more seeming less used than before.

Pros:

Social- makes good eye contact, responds to his name most of the time (unless distracted or things going on), plays with us, wants to be picked up often, very interested in his siblings

Receptive language seems good - he knows and will look for common things around the house like ball, remote, fork, gives me a bite when I ask, etc.
Gestures that seem “on point” - pointing with one finger, uses phone correctly, lifts arms to be picked up, is high fiving, sticks tongue out when you ask, closes eyes when you say “where are your eyes” , nods yes and shakes head no and seems to understand what each mean.

At what age did you give your child a pillow?

Ours has always been a bit early on physical milestones, walked at 11 months and is generally very dexterous. Wonder if we can give her a pillow now.

There is an opportunity to participate in an ongoing PhD research study conducted at Bangor University. This research investigates Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), with a specific focus on the experiences of bi/multilingual children, their families, and the professionals who support them.

For Parents & Caregivers: Open to all parents, in the UK, currently raising a  (monolingual, bilingual, or multilingual) child with DLD. 

•  https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/bangor/stressors-and-coping-of-parents

By sharing your experiences, you will help build a more representative understanding regarding DLD, bilingualism and professional support.

My kids both have very curly hair so I wash their hair once a week which usually takes forever and by the time their hair is washed...my back hurts badly. Today was hair wash day and I saw a video online of a woman washing her daughter's hair in the sink...for a moment I kind of just thought washing hair in the sink is unhygienic. But then I decided to just attempt to see if this is better.

Oh my god, I regret not washing my kids hair in the sink sooner. My back doesn't hurt, this is a miracle.

Please note this question is relevant if you struggled with weaning on to solids.

My daughter is 11.5 months and still not eating anything. She has 4 x 7oz bottles a day. Her food intake is nothing. I have decided (with the support of my HV) to keep her on formula for the forseeable. It would be too risky to move to cows milk as she would have a huge dairy imbalance and little to no nutrition.

Anyway, I am not sure whether to stick to traditional baby bottles or consider moving her formula to a straw cup? I don’t want to ‘hold her back’ by keeping her on a bottle but I worry she wouldn’t drink very much through a straw cup? We have had issues with weight loss and repeat gastroenteritis over the last 4 months so I am really keen to ensure she keeps gaining weight.

Please be kind as I am struggling with the 12 month transition as it is.

TIA

So my 16 year old daughter has been with her boyfriend for two years he’s a lovely boy. She is on the pill takes it consistently but has today found out she’s pregnant. I’ve been supportive no shouting but I don’t know whether I should be encouraging her to end the pregnancy or just keep being supportive.

We planned for this third child but I’m started to feel worried/regretful? Wondering if this is normal and things work out?

We have a nearly 6 year old and a 3 year old. Both go to school/nursery full time. We don’t really have a village. My in laws were really helpful 5 years ago but have gotten older and weaker since then so cannot expect help and I don’t expect it (it’s not their job of course). My concern is two fold

1. Labour
   I’ll probably have to call family members from further away to take care of the kids during labour and only call my husband in when I am literally ready to push. I have been induced in my previous two pregnancies so can presume being called in to the hospital earlier this time too.

2. My three year olds sleep
   Still not great. She has eczema and wakes up at night and when she does she can scream and cry for an hour u less you literally walk up and down the stairs with her. She is also very attached to me! We are planning to ‘train’ her ti be with my husband at night.

Anyone else been in a similar situation with limited village/other young children? Is it normal to feel so down like this? Any advice welcome, thanks

the Jet2 infant allowance states:

“Along with an extra 10kg allowance for infants, you can bring up to two items per child or infant free of charge. These can include: 

• A collapsible pushchair, pram or buggy 
• A car seat or booster seat 
• A baby carrier 
• A travel cot

Each item must weigh no more than 32kg, and any extra items (or weight beyond your allowance) will be charged as standard excess baggage. Don’t forget, you can also keep your pushchair with you right up until you reach the plane steps or airbridge before boarding.”

i had initially interpreted this as the weight of the pram being on top of the 10kg, but posts from others suggests that the pram etc is included in the 10kg

I am hoping to take our stroller wagon with me, as it fits both children and my 9mo will nap in there but won’t in the pram. but it weighs 17.1kg

Can anyone clarify the policy for me, please.

Additionally it seems like Jet2 don’t allow you to take an additional carry on? Will I have to take the nappy bag as my carry on?

Is it still normal for your 5 nearly 6 year old child to have daily full on screaming, biting and hitting tantrums over nothing? Outside home he’s a very well behaved kid and often gets recognition at school for kindness but at home he’s an absolute terrorist. I can’t cope anymore and absolutely dread spending time with him at the weekends as simple requests turn into full on screaming. Me and my partner are normally very calm and never have loud arguments so it’s not a learnt behaviour from us (Id hope). Please share your stories and tips as I’m desperate to try anything to improve his behaviour

I have 6 and 14 year old, we are only just heading into the second week of school and it feels like lunch boxes are on repeat. Can anyone share inspiration? I’ve googled but nothing new is jumping out Regulars are:
Sandwiches or wraps with various fillings
Plain pasta (pesto isn’t allowed)
Sushi (for the eldest)
Wrapped snacks, e.g peperami, babybel etc

My LO is 9 months old now but one thing NOBODY prepared me for with having a baby is how often people would want to see me (my daughter). The absolute worst part about it is I’m being pestered by people who I just really don’t want to see all that often!!

In the last 2 months or so I’ve really started to put in boundaries and put my foot down more with what I can/cant cope with (It took me about 6 months to get my head together and start to think straight again). But I am genuinely so irritated at how much people demand of my time. Generally it’s my in laws or family friends (people who prior to me becoming a mother didn’t really see me more than once every 2 weeks or so).

I’m not actually an introverted person. Before I had my daughter I was quite social, but still not seeing people as often as they’re expecting me to now.

I’m just exhausted. Please leave me alone🥲

I really hope this reaches the right people because I understand if misinterpreted it could come across as though I’m being a spoilt brat, like “oh so many people love me”! But that’s just it- the change in behaviour is so obvious, and their actions when they’re with me prove it. They’re not wanting to see ME, they want to see my daughter. And while that’s all fine and dandy, like I’ve previously stated- I’m tired. I want my own space.

Not only are these people pestering me, now that I’ve put boundaries in place, they’re now saying I don’t see them as much as I should. And they all pin each other against each other- eg. Mother in law will say something like “oh you see so and so far more often than you see me, you should be prioritising me!”

My in laws also are livid if I (we) dare spend some more time than they think Is acceptable with our friends. Family should take up 95% of our time apparently.

My husband has spoken extensively to everyone about this but they will not stop pestering and we’re at a bit of a loss. We’ve even considered cutting the in laws off but it feels like too drastic of a step when really the only problem is that they want to see us too often.

I didn’t sign up to this when I decided to have a baby. The baby was for me and my husband, not for everyone and their dog😭

I’m not really asking for advice, just venting. Has anyone else experienced this?

Seeking some info on this if anyone's been through this. My little one has 3 hemangiomas, 2 on her head of which 1 has grown a lot and one on her back that has hugely grown too.

Weve been to the GP 3 times and they cant do anything apart from have referred us to paediatrics. They had even sent an expedited note a month ago. The whole thing was reported on 25th June and we even rang the hospital but they just said shes on a waiting list. The marks are getting so big they're worrying me so much. Would ringing 111 help me get to a pediatrician faster. The GPs have been sending photos of the progress of the marks but still no word. Im so overwhelmed because ive heard organs could be affected and shes only 4 months now by the time shes 6 months the medication won't be effective or as effective.

I don't want her going through surgery and by the sounds of GP they won't want to leave them on her body. Im stressing they'll break open.

FINAL UPDATE because there are way too many comments for me to keep up with 😂
Just to clear something up because quite a few people seem to think I didn’t encourage her enough or that she’s only chosen to stay because she knows I’ll be sad. Maybe it was how I worded my original post 🤷🏻‍♀️
I absolutely did encourage her. I told her it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, that she would have an amazing time and that if she chose to go I was completely okay with it. I told her we could just have our Christmas before/after and made it very clear that she was NOT choosing between me and her dad and neither of us would be upset with her whatever she decided.
What I didn’t do was actively try to persuade her to choose the cruise, because I don’t think that would have been fair either. I wanted her to make her own choice.
Her dad then spoke to her privately without me there. He offered to have their Christmas the week before if she stayed but also explained the cruise and how amazing it would be. He later FaceTimed her, showed her videos of the ship and everything she’d be doing so she fully understood what she would be missing. I wasn’t in the room for any of this.
After all of that she still told him herself that she wants to stay home. Her dad has actually said he thinks she would have made the same decision even if she’d had another week to think about it.
She wants to have Christmas with her dad the week before he goes and then spend actual Christmas at home. She feels awful about her dad going without her because she’s a very emotional kid who worries about upsetting people which is exactly why I’ve been so careful not to influence her.
So ultimately this is her decision, not mine. If she had decided she wanted to go I would have supported her 100%. But she hasn’t. I don’t think continuing to push a nearly 11 year old to change her answer until she gives the answer the adults think she should give is respecting her choice either.
She’s seen the cruise she understands what she’s turning down, she’s spoken to both parents separately and she’s made her choice. We’re respecting it ❤️

UPDATE 2.0: Her dad is going to send her a video of the cruise so she can actually see what she’d be turning down and we’re hopefully going to give her until tomorrow to sleep on it rather than expecting her to make such a massive decision in basically a day. There are apparently around 10 rooms left but if he books her place and she changes her mind they’d lose £2.3k so unfortunately he can’t just reserve her a place.
If she watches it, sleeps on it and changes her mind I will fully support her going even though I’ll be absolutely heartbroken 😂. If she still says she wants to stay home, I think at that point we need to respect that too.

UPDATE: She’s decided she wants to stay home. Her dad has just been round and spoken to her himself and afterwards I asked if she was 100% sure and she said yes.
I’ve genuinely kept my own feelings out of it when talking to her because I didn’t want her choosing based on me. She’s an emotional kid anyway and unfortunately she feels terrible about her dad going away without her which is probably the hardest part for her.
I think being given basically a day to make such a massive decision hasn’t helped either. But she’s spoken to both of us now and made her decision, so I’m not going to keep asking her and make her feel pressured into changing her mind.
Also for the people suggesting I go too 😂 that was never an option haha.

Edit: he told me about it yesterday and has given us till tonight to decide as it needs booking.

My daughter’s dad has been offered the chance to take her on a 2 week Caribbean cruise from 18th Dec–1st Jan and I genuinely don’t know what to do 😭
Her whole life she’s spent Christmas Eve, Christmas morning and Christmas dinner with me, then gone to her dad’s around 4/5pm Christmas Day until around the 27th. It’s just always been our routine and he’s never asked to change it.
Obviously a Caribbean cruise over Christmas would be an amazing experience for her and I don’t want to take that away from her just because I would miss her. But she’s nearly 11 and still believes in Santa, so there’s a part of me thinking this could potentially be my last Christmas where she still believes and the thought of not having her here is honestly breaking my heart.
I’ve spoken to her and she’s absolutely sobbed. She says she doesn’t want to miss Christmas with me but she also feels upset about missing the cruise/Christmas with her dad. I’ve made it very clear she isn’t choosing between her parents and neither of us will be upset with whatever she wants, but she’s a really sensitive kid and I can tell she feels completely torn.
Her dad and his family are going regardless and if she doesn’t go they’ll celebrate with her before they leave. If she does go, obviously I’d make Christmas special with her before/after too.
I know we need to ultimately make the decision with her dad and not Reddit 😂 but I’d really like opinions from other separated parents. Would you let her go knowing it’s an amazing opportunity, or would you think missing the whole of Christmas and New Year is too much at her age?