Were about half way through the summer holidays, and I am beginning to feel a little trapped and isolated! The weather is horrible, it seems to rain all the time, and the mum and tot groups we go to are not on during the summer holidays so I am finding it particularly hard to keep Thomas occupied this summer. I have been to the park with some of my mummy friends and got together a few times at each others houses, but I think because were half way through now things seem to have tailed off a little. It is suprising how much I actually rely on the mums and tots group, they help to schedule the days! Mums and tots groups also give me the chance to chat to other mums, make friends, have an adult conversation. Half way through the summer holidays I am really starting to feel a little fed up like I am letting Thomas down a little too. I can’t afford to go to the soft play centers every day, they are expensive so we keep them to once a week, plus they are usually really busy during the school holidays.

Ive ordered Thomas his first set of Little Life Reins, they look so cute and very practical! A little blue backpack that has a front fastener and has a rein connected to the top of the backpack for you to hold. Little Life reins are brilliant! A friend recommended it as she has one for her little girl, they give your little one more freedom and scope to explore the world. I cant wait for Thomas’ new little life reins to arrive, just hope the weather improves so we can get out walking, he will love it!

I hope these summer holidays blues clear, I love spending time with Thomas playing with him and taking him to places! I was made redundant last month from work so I have been worried about things, but fingers crossed we will be ok!

I rang my local Sure Start Childrens Center today to find out what activities are available for my little one! The lady told me that their activities are limited at the moment and they are by invitation only – The woman then proceeded to ask me several questions Are you single? Do you work? Apparently the current activities are for those who are the most vulnerable only. As I didn’t qualify I was told to call back in April to see what the outcome of the government funding brings.

When Thomas was first born the Childrens Center was a life line to me, it got me out of the house helped me to make new friends, share experiences and generally fill our day allowing Thomas to see other babies and play. I am disappointed with the sad news that many Sure Start Childrens Centers may have to close as a result of the new coalition government it is a real shame. I will ring the childrens center again in April, fingers crossed they receive the funding needed to facilitate childrens activities. I also hope that the workers there who are so friendly and dedicated to children keep their jobs!

One thing the lady mentioned over the phone was that there are various playgroups in church halls and schools, I have a list of whats going on in my local area, so I will check them out. I just feel so strongly about the childrens centers that I wanted to mention them in my blog today. Not only do they offer advice in all aspects of child care/health etc for under 5′s they also hold antenatal clinics and breastfeeding workshops. The Sure Start Childrens Center’s are a hub of information for parents and families with young children.