Newsletter 11th August 2008

Ready for school
First day at primary school coming up? This can be emotional, exciting and scary - and that’s just the mums!
Make the transition as smooth a possible with emotional and practical advice such as uniforms, labelling and lunch boxes. Click here for Starting Big School : An Online Preparation Guide for Mums.

Do you have a child starting big school this year?
Can you tell us about how you are feeling? What, if anything, are you worrying about? Help us to support first day mums by completing our quick survey.

Changes to benefits
If you're currently on benefits, there are proposed changes that could affect you. From child maintainence to job seekers allowance here's everything you need to know about the proposals.

The Government Minister, James Purnell (the man behind the new proposals) will be joining the discussion on the Coffee House later this week, so have your say now and let him know what you think.

Sing through the summer

Wondering how to keep kids entertained during summer? Help is at hand from Sing Up.

Families can register for a free CD-ROM in the new family section and find song lyrics, as well as games and activity packs. The CD-ROM features songs that kids can sing-a-long to in the car, along with activity sheets and articles about singing.

Find out more...

It's summertime, so grab your bucket and spade and head to the seaside with Nick Jr this August.

They've got a jam-packed line up, including the brand new series of Bob the Builder, some fantastic seaside and beach themed adventures for your little one to join in with and a competition to find Britain's Best Sandcastle!

Send in your pics and find out more at nickjr.co.uk

Starting secondary school
If your child is about to make that all important step from primary to secondary school, we have everything you need to know to help them through it with ease.

Find out everything you need to know here.

In the coffeehouse this week:

What's your favourite tea dunking biscuit?
19m - going to nursery - why am I finding it so hard?
Need Help with 2 yr old who refuses buggy & walking.
Feel like a single parent but I'm not.
Do you spy on your kids internet history files?

Join the Big Bug Hunt!

Do you know a group of pre-school children? If so, help us to find Cheeky Bug. Support Meningitis UK’s Big Bug Hunt this autumn and help us track him down.

To register and receive your free pack of stickers, activity sheets, bug templates and more, visit http://www.netmums.com/scripts/linktracker.php?intLinkID=1366 or phone 0117 373 73 73.

Summer parties

Until next time..