MSE while entertaining kids

gingin_2

We have lots of play dates, both after school and in the holidays, they tend to amuse themselves that way and there is a normally a reciprocal invitation, which is always a bonus!

Becles

Just let them play and play with them if you can. Mine don't really do any paid for activities. We've always made our own entertainment.

After school today, my eldest played on the xbox as he'd arranged to meet school friends in an online game. The middle one went out with a friend and played in the street. The youngest played a card game with me, then she played hairdressers with my hair, then she played vets with our dogs and a toy doctors set while I semi-supervised and did a couple of jobs. She helped me cook tea and we all ate together.

All three are playing with Lego upstairs now while I have a quiet cuppa before I go up and bath the little one.

sjc3

gingin wrote: »

We have lots of play dates, both after school and in the holidays, they tend to amuse themselves that way and there is a normally a reciprocal invitation, which is always a bonus!

That is a good idea. She started at a new school recently and I am beginning to get to know the other mums gradually. Dont know if I know them well enough yet to invite their kids over iyswim. Its her birthday in June so I was thinking of doing a party (was thinking some relaxed burgers and bangers barbeque in the garden, with hubby cooking obviously). Could get to know them all alot better then.

Would be lovely to have a housefull of kids playing over here. Though I imagine I may live to regret that sentiment, bound to be really noisy and messy

mum2twinsx2

sjc3 wrote: »

Am I reading it right, you have two sets of twins :eek:

Oh my gosh, what a handful. Hat off to you, I struggle with one.

I dont know how you do it. Do you find it easier in that they have a little companion and someone to play with so dont need you to play with them so much? Or does it not work that way

They do entertain themselves, but then fight like cat and dog the eldest that is.

I try to do playdates too, as it is amazing being in a different house.
We are lucky live close to the beach so thats at least a day or two occupied. x

sjc3

You are so lucky living near the coast. Bet thats brilliant in the summer. Then again does it get over-run with day-trippers like me from London? A day at the seaside still gives me that buzz that I had as a child. Bit like a mini holiday

meritaten

a favourite activity indoors with grandkids is baking! doesnt cost much to make some jam tarts or bread or fairy cakes - or even chocolate krispie cakes! they also enjoy making cards for family and friends, and its surprising how inventive they can be with some card, glue and my broken jewellery, and bits and bobs they find around the house!
when I was a kid one of my friends would organise plays and we had great fun dressing up and he would give us the plotline and we would adlib! our parents thought it was hilarious - we werent so amused if we happened to be 'doing' a tradegy! He went on to become a leading dancer with the Royal Ballet! but I still remember the fun we had rehearsing and then performing his 'plays'! I could only have been about 5 to 9 years old as he went off to Ballet school after that!

Counting_Pennies_2

sjc3 wrote: »

That is a good idea. She started at a new school recently and I am beginning to get to know the other mums gradually. Dont know if I know them well enough yet to invite their kids over iyswim. Its her birthday in June so I was thinking of doing a party (was thinking some relaxed burgers and bangers barbeque in the garden, with hubby cooking obviously). Could get to know them all alot better then.

Don't wait until then.

Play dates are so regular, that she will be losing out. Also a great way for you and her to meet new people.

Start with one play date a week. Ask her teacher who she seems to play with the most, and ask if they would put a note (written by you) in the book bag inviting her over to play (with mum too if she would like). Alternatively ask the teacher to point out the mum at school pick up.

hth

RoxieW

I must admit that I am guilty of spending a lot on entertaining the kids. And times the cost by three for me!!
I joined a local cinema kids club and they now get to see movies for £2 which is great. Am sure you could find something like this near you. Apart from that I rent DVDs, bake, play board games, take them out on bikes and scooters or just for walks to the park. Have you heard of geocaching? That is a good way to make a walk more interesting.

Beatrix_Kiddo

Well I am a bit of a beginner at this as my little one is only 18 months old, but I have in the past been a step mum to primary school aged kids.

The best things by far around our way are pet shops - hooray for pet shops! Kids love looking at the fish, reptiles and furry creatures, doesn't seem to matter much what age they are.

My little lad is still a bit wee for it, but cooking has always gone down well - it doesn't matter how good you are, they don't know any better! Even if you are no good at baking, they still love to get involved with cooking a meal, e.g. peeling, stirring, measuring etc.

Outdoors stuff is always useful - parks, playgrounds, canals, woods. play pooh-sticks, hunt for things, play eye spy etc. We used to play "first to spot......" three things I would choose (just make sure the nipper wins if you don't want a sulk).

Another great way to pass the time is to ask them to go through the Argos catalogue and circle what they want for their birthday / Christmas. Keeps them quiet for hours and they will do it again and again!

You can go a long way with keeping bits of 'rubbish' for a boredom crisis. I have a box in the garage where I keep cardboard boxes (bigger the better, you'd be amazed how much kids love them), loo roll tubes, egg boxes, washing up bottles, paint, string, tape etc. Wheel it out and join in.

Go and look around different places you would never normally consider - caravan showrooms, Ikea, Garden Centres have all given me unexpected entertainment opportunities with kids. Even if it's only half an hour, it was still free.

Have fun and keep the suggestions coming, I need them too for my little boy - 18 months old is a bit trying

Plans_all_plans

Beatrix Kiddo: I salute you!! Everyone I know thinks I'm mad for taking my DD to IKEA (she loves the kids section), garden centres (she loves water fountains) and pet shops for entertainment now and again. I particularly do it if there are no playgroups on in the half terms! Honestly, she loves it and it's free.

Junk modelling is also another thing my DD loves to do: collect cereal boxes, toilet roll cardboard etc and make models out of them.