Despatches from a mother who started late (and is running to catch up)

Blog to Book - Fashionably Late

I am writing Fashionably Late, an irreverent guide to having children later in life. Did you become a mother over 35? If so, and you'd like to tell me your story please contact me at mail@motheratlarge.com.

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Kindergarten cop

Good news following my posting earlier this month about security at The Bean's nursery. As I mentioned before, the nursery took immediate action when I spoke to them. That same evening they reminded each parent individually to ensure they shut the security doors behind them.

They also got a locksmith out a few days later to check one door in particular was closing properly.

And they stationed the largest of the male nursery staff at the door at going-home time. Poor chap. Not exactly bouncer material. But good to see him there, the Arnold Schwarzenegger of Edinburgh nurseries.

In short, I'm impressed with how they've responded.

The best news of all is that following suggestions from The Good Woman and others (oops, sorry, just been pointed out to me it's Iota, thanks Good Woman), I've persuaded the nursery to install a new self-closing door. When I wrote to the owner suggesting this, she replied saying she understood I was protective of my daughter, that her grandchildren were at the nursery too, and she'd buy a new door as we suggested. She didn't once imply that I was silly in my fears, even though that's what I partly suspect myself.

Before I had The Bean, I would have thought all this security was complete paranoia. In some ways I still do. But it's a relief to know there's a good system in place.

Thanks to everyone who commented with suggestions. It was good and helpful feedback.

Posted 31 July 2007 14:58

Nursery

Comments

The Good Woman said:

Hi Mother - really glad to see you're feeling more comfortable about arrangements at the nursery now. But I don't think I should get credit for the self -closing doors idea - that was Iota! I just went for multiple barriers...

Posted 31 July 2007 15:30

Mother at Large said:

Hi Good Woman, oops, sorry! They do have multiple barriers already, in all fairness. Thanks anyway for the support.

Posted 31 July 2007 15:33

IngeniousRose said:

It's great to see how blogging can provide such constructive advice. Make sure the self closing door has something to ensure little children's fingers don't get caught.

Posted 01 August 2007 08:45

DJ Kirkby said:

I completly relate to this post with number 3 son starting primary school in Sept. I am not convicned that security is what it should (meaning up to the standard of his specialist pre-school). Lovely to hear that the Bean's nursery sensibly listens to and supports parents views and requests.

Posted 01 August 2007 09:17

Mother at Large said:

Ingenious Rose, good tip about fingers.

DJ, have you spoken to the school?

Posted 01 August 2007 11:47

Omega Mum said:

That old chestnut 'just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you' seems appropriate here, despite the double negative. Well done.

Posted 01 August 2007 11:50

Mother at Large said:

OM, thanks. My paranoia will continue unabated.

Posted 01 August 2007 11:55

DJ Kirkby said:

Erm noooo cos I knd of blew it with my trauma over finding out that if he doesnt want the fruit they serve at snack he has to go wothout any food till lunch! I made it all too clear that I thought she was evil, she reciprocated by insinuating that she thought I was neurotic! The other teacher in my son's class not his actual teacher I hasten to add.

Posted 01 August 2007 20:46

zornhau said:

Your child, your duty. Strange how "a healthy relaxed attitude" can seem like blase irresponsibility in tabloid hindsight. Well done.

Posted 01 August 2007 21:36

BaffledDad said:

Agreed! That was a battle worth fighting!

Posted 01 August 2007 22:41

Mother at Large said:

DJ, I'd be pretty traumatised if I found out something like that. Wouldn't anyone? Obviously I don't know the details, but for what it's worth, I still think you have every right to raise other concerns.

Posted 01 August 2007 23:11

Mother at Large said:

Zornhau, Baffled Dad, thanks. And as one door closes, another one opens.... I'll keep you posted on where my maternal paranoia alights next.

Posted 01 August 2007 23:12

Stay at home dad said:

Excellent. Good news. Your parental worries are now free to re-surface elsewhere!

Posted 01 August 2007 23:50

Mother at Large said:

Err, yes, exactly, SAHD. That's the less-good part. But thanks!

Posted 02 August 2007 08:59

Stay at home dad said:

Sorry, hadn't read your previous comment when I commented. Same song sheet and all that ...!

Posted 02 August 2007 20:06

Mother at Large said:

Hi SAHD, sorry, I was mocking myself, not you! And by the way, I also really appreciated your comment on the earlier nursery door posting. It helped me enormously when it came to speaking with the nursery.

Posted 02 August 2007 21:54

Absolutely Bananas said:

Great news! Way to go for saying something. too often I complain but don't actually DO anything.

Posted 03 August 2007 04:59

Mother at Large said:

Absolutely Bananas, complaining is doing something....

Posted 04 August 2007 09:22

Mother at Large

Welcome to this site. It's based on my personal experiences of becoming a mother a little later in life. If, like me, you waited a while to have children you're in good company. More and more of us are waiting until our late 30s or even 40s to become parents. Some might even say we're fashionably late.

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About me

Mother at Large dreams of crossing the Pyrenees with her young daughter. For now, getting to playgroup takes all her energy. To find out more read her full profile.