My two daughters aged 10 and 11 watched their little brother being born at home. However, we talked at length before hand about how mommy would be in great pain and probably look (and sound) a little crazy, but that the whole process has such a precious end and it is all over relatively quickly, and that neither daddy or I were afraid so they didn't need to be either. I also told them that it was entirely up to them if they stayed or left if they decided they didn't want to be there at any point. I also told them that nearer the time I may decide I don't want anyone there and they wouldn't be called in. They and their little brother (only 2 so no question of him being there anyway) went round to a friends house and my husband called our daughters just as I was getting close to pushing. They came in and stood in the doorway and watched as he was born, then they left to tell our friends the news (they lived right across the street) then they came back about an hour later when we were all cleaned up and I was tucked in my own bed. They truly love that they got to experience it. (and I even managed a smile at them through the last bit which was a precious moment of encouragement). I do think that it made all the difference to me to know that they would only be there at the end and wouldn't have to watch me in pain for hours. So having a good friend so close was a blessing in itself. It is worth mentioning to that my older son was born in hospital as they waited in the room next door and afterwards both said they wished they had been there. (9and 10 at the time). I haven't had time (or need) to decide if I would want/allow my son to be there. First thought is probably not, but that is more from his personality than anything. Hopefully(?) that may be helpful. All the best for whatever you decide!

I have had similar problems with my almost 6 year old and found that backing off and playing some word games for a week or two helped to raise his confidence and then I began to use 'The Ordinary Parents Guide To Teaching Reading'. We started formally at section 3 but also learnt the vowel and consonant rhymes which I just casually sang to 'myself' whilst fixing dinner and he began singing along to when he thought we weren't listening. He likes that he can see the end of the lesson coming. (sometimes he is clearly overwhelmed by it all, so we do half the lesson and then either do it later or the next day.) We use Oxford Reading Tree's early readers and he now asks to read them after his 'reading' lesson. For word games I would suggest: Hiding cvc words around the house and have her find them Making up word searches to do together whilst you 'stuggle' to find the words Leaving her special messages under her pillow and helping her to sound them out. Having her 'write' notes on her magnadoodle or make name cards for cuddly toys. Most of all I would not let her see that it frustrates you in the slightest, but make sure to applaud even the smallest of progress.

Thanks I need to get posting now :-)

Yay! Thanks! Now how to post on a message board hmmmm lots to learn.

I recently had a similar case with my 14 yr old. I told her that I understood that she would instinctively lie to keep out of trouble and with that in mind gave her 5 minutes cool down to 'fess up. Then I told her that I understand it takes real maturity to discipline yourself to take care of the things you need to be doing and not to tell lies. I told her that her behaviour was what I expected of a child who would also need to have more basic needs taken care of. She got the point when I insisted on fastening her shoes and clicking her seatbelt in the next time we went in the car. I assured her that the next time she lied (oh and I would know!), I would be holding her hand to cross the road next time we went out! Zero tolerance for liars here too! I am sympathetic to her though coz I know plenty of adults who lie. I bang on all the time about the importance of integrity. You only have to be found out in one lie to lose it!

Hello, I am new to this site and totally new to forums, (bit of a technophobe too). So this is a test to see if this post works. Apologies in advance if this ends up in the wrong place!