Helpful Tips for New Parents please!!!

[lonelymom]

By the way, I didn't say my mother-in-law was co-operative or helpful, but she can sew

[huggermugger]

Well, I might be flogging a dead horse but you're definitely looking a gift horse in the mouth!

I think it may be time to go to bed now...

[lonelymom]

She's already volunteered to sew the next lot of labels on, for youngest daughter starting in September. And for that I will be eternally grateful!

[YadaYada]

Thanks Huggermugger for the website links - they are really useful.

I'm really glad I found this forum!

[huggermugger]

So are we... glad that we found it but also that you and others found it as well - we were a bit lonely for a while!

[Jade]

I've been wondering if my DS will be changing into normal clothes everyday after school? Will he need to take a lot with him? Thanks in advance.

[lonelymom]

He'll probably want to change into more comfortable clothes when he gets back to house after school. The amount he takes will depend on if he is good at organising himself to send his dirty washing to the laundry. Don't forget some days he'll only be in his clothes for a couple of hours before he gets into his pyjamas so they won't necessarily be dirty.

[thriftymatron]

In my experience, the more clothes they bring, the messier their rooms become, which results in trouble for them! Items can always be swapped over at Leave Weekends or half-terms if they feel the need to ring the changes. "Civvies" are sent to the laundry each Weds and usually return to House on Friday. Since they are only worn for a few hours on most days, 3 pairs of jeans or trousers, 5 tops and 2-3 sweaters/hoodies will be plenty. Something waterproof for wet, winter weather sounds sensible, but many pupils are seen walking around in short-sleeves no matter how cold it is! Do not send very expensive or delicate clothing, as loss or damage will cause distress. Durable clothes that will stand up to frequent washing and tumble-drying are best. Remember to sew nametapes into all clothing sent to school - stacks of un-named clothing ends up in Lost Property every term and many items are never claimed.

[huggermugger]

Btw - an important point is that the name tapes have to have your child's name and their House name and number on them; 'fraid I can't remember exactly when this is allocated but for goodness sake don't start labelling until you get it!

[YadaYada]

We've got their house name and I think we get their number next weekend at New Entrant's Day.

[jaspersmum]

my DD found that new DM shoes when first worn are very hard on the heels causing blisters for first few weeks, this makes marching and long walks from boarding houses to classes very painful, some of the older girls suggested squashing the heels down and wearing them like clogs, doesn't really help. My recommendation is wearing thin nylon pop socks (like tights) worn underneath the yellow socks for few weeks,as this reduces friction until shoes are worn in. Alternatively for the boys who probably wont be keen on the pop sock idea, send them off with some blister plasters, the ones supplied by matrons tend to be the band-aid variety and not very adherant. On the subject of DMs (which incidentally are not compulsory, just need to be black lace-ups) cheaper DMs (those made in Far East ) are not such good quality, my DD managed to wear out the soles leaving large holes within a few months of wear.

[lonelymom]

With regard to the very expensive tracksuit, my DD has not worn hers in two years.

This is something a lot of parents are saying. My daughter has worn hers loads because she's in quite a few squads, but that appears to be the only time they are worn. The only thing I can think is that if anyone is in any doubt that their child will need the tracksuit, speak to your new houseparent. They will know/be able to find out whether it is really compulsory or whether the child can start without it and see if they need one later. I would be reluctant to spend the money on an expensive piece of kit if it wasn't going to be worn.

[YadaYada]

Thanks for all your tips - I am compiling a long list!!

And I will definitely raise the issue of the tracksuit on Sunday before ordering.

[Barnes Mum]

On the subject of DMs (which incidentally are not compulsory, just need to be black lace-ups) cheaper DMs (those made in Far East ) are not such good quality, my DD managed to wear out the soles leaving large holes within a few months of wear. With regard to the very expensive tracksuit, my DD has not worn hers in two years.

With regards to the DMs they far outlast any other style of shoe, even expensive ones from the high st shop famous for school shoes! The majority of pupils do wear them.
As for the tracksuit, my daughter certainly wears hers for sport, as do most of the girls in my House, and she's not in any squads. I don't know about the boys maybe Thriftymatron could answer this one.

[lonelymom]

DMs are definitely worth the extra expense, and any problems with blisters can be overcome by buying them a couple of weeks early and breaking them in before the start of term.

As for the tracksuit, would it be possible to buy the jacket and wear it with plain bottoms? Again, I'm sure houseparents would be able to offer advice.