Newbie

[Apricot]

Hi

Thank you so much for setting up this site - fab idea!

I'm not new to Ilkley, but am new to this site. I'm mum to a beautiful (aren't they all!) 9month old girl.

I run my own business and now work Mon, Tues and Weds. As a consequence I feel an outsider when i do go to mum and baby groups as I'm not always around like all the other SAH mums. I'd love me and DD to join some really great classes so we can build up new mum and baby friendships in the area. Any ideas?

Thanks
x

[Jess&Frank]

Hello

Fantastic to hear that you like the site. We're always open to new suggestions, so please do get in touch if you can think of anything that we should add.

My little boy is 7 months and he is gorgeous too - even when he is teething.

Have you heard of a group called Woman 2 Woman? It is a support group for women who have set up their own business. It is a great networking opportunity.

Classes-wise, if I had a little girl, I would be down at the baby ballet classes on a Thursday morning in Shipley like a shot. Also, I'm thinking of going to some signing classes. I think Frank would really enjoy it more than anything else.

Oh and, we're going to be doing a feature about going back to work, including childcare arrangements and setting up your own business, it would be great if you could contribute. We rely on local mums very heavily for our content. If you're interested (or anyone else is), let us know (http://www.moormums.co.uk/forum/sendmessage.php).

J

[Diane&Rose]

Hi - welcome! Will be watching with interest as I will be going back to work eventually, and am aware that my time with my daughter will be more limited then - intend to work 3 days too. I go to a Rhythm Time singing group on a Friday morning at Otley Courthouse, I think there will be info on here about them, might be worth a look?

[Jess&Frank]

I go to a Rhythm Time singing group on a Friday morning at Otley Courthouse, I think there will be info on here about them, might be worth a look?

Yes, details of Rhythm Time classes (http://www.moormums.co.uk/whats-on/classes/rhythm-time-ilkley-otley-burley-and-baildon/) are on MoorMums. So is the Otley Courthouse (http://www.moormums.co.uk/baby-friendly-cafes/otley/the-courthouse-cafe-otley/) - great place.

J

[Helen]

Hello Apricot!

There is also Sing and Sign in Ilkley on a Thursday morning 10-10.45, although the new course won't start again until September. There will be details on the Sing and Sign website... I'm sure there's a link from this AMAZING site!

We go to the Stage 1 class in Otley on a Tuesday and my 6 month old son loves it! Hopefully one day he will sign me something too!

Helen

[Apricot]

oh how embarrassing... 3 months later i see how fab and supportive you have all been -- thank you! guess the time delay ion my answer shows what a nightmare it can be being a working mum -- not that any SAH mum's have any more time on their hands!

Helen - thanks for the tip about Sing and Sign - DD is getting very frustrated that we don't understand what she wants at 12months so this may well help.

Diane&Rose - would be good to talk to you! have you gone back to work yet? if so how are you finding it? and don't you wish that "guilt" had not been invented?! -- don't worry, you'll never win in your head, but rest assured we are all doing what's right for our babies and us, whatever choices we make.

Jess&Frank - keen to contribute to your feature (although it's probably written and done by now!). I have found a fab (Ofsted rated Outstanding) childminder - but it took a while. Now i wouldn't change her for the world.

Hope all your families are well and happy... off to post about schools now. scary!
x

[zebedee]

Hi apricot!

I run my own business too! Well me and my pertner do.
What is it you do?