first week, only 5 to go

Funky_Bold_Ribena

No offence to anyone but this is the problem these days - kids expect 24/7 entertainment. We just used to 'play' and if we said we were bored, mum would soon get a list of chores written up for us.

Poppy9

Funky_Bold_Ribena wrote: »

No offence to anyone but this is the problem these days - kids expect 24/7 entertainment. We just used to 'play' and if we said we were bored, mum would soon get a list of chores written up for us.

It's not just children that expect to be entertained though. Some parents seem to think that things need to be "put on" for them to do.

A hose pipe and sprinkler cost very little but hours of fun for adults and children!

raq

thanks guys

Quite a few good ideas which you have come up with.

None of the mothers from my ds year bother with us. DS was invited to one party in year 1 so the likelyhood of mixing outside is 0. I don,t openly up and said he has mild autism as this is between close friends and family.

One quote about, getting a grip. Yes I agree and as I have stated, I love them with all my heart but sounds like you have never been in this situation with a child with a disability.

raq

Funky_Bold_Ribena wrote: »

No offence to anyone but this is the problem these days - kids expect 24/7 entertainment. We just used to 'play' and if we said we were bored, mum would soon get a list of chores written up for us.

There is loads to do where we live, just having a helping hand now and again, that is the proplem sometimes. As I said my mother just turns a blind eye to the fact her grandson is autistic. That is so difficult.

kjmtidea

Summer holidays can be hard work, at least we are having some decent weather this year! My 4 boys are 5,7,9 and 11, my other half works crazy hours and we have no family so yeah, it's definitely hard work.

We live in a cul-de-sac which has a big grassy area so all the kids down here play out there most of the day. We have been to a sports festival today, my eldest 2 were doing their taekwondo there but there were loads of other sports to try too. My youngest has special needs and my 7 year old is currently in a wheelchair so it can be challenging to find something that suits them all, I search the local news website, netmums, facebook etc to see what events are on.

It will fly by and soon enough it will be September and we will be doing the dreaded school run again!

Molly41

I spent many years coping with the summer holidays. When my brood (4 under 5) were littlies it was very hard work and I got steadily more under-the-weather with each passing week. I also did not get a lot of help but my husband was very good.

We used to set up camp in the garden or the living room and have picnics which always passed the time. I found it easier to stay at home tbh and always scheduled my shopping to go on my own. Now you could have it delivered. I dont have much to offer as it is a difficult time and really does have to got through but six weeks will come to an end and life will be restored to some normality again x

mum1plus1

I know it wont help the big picture but a lot of local events can be free. Our local As*a is doing free crafting events on Fridays which hubby is taking our LO to. http://your.asda.com/news-and-blogs/entertain-little-ones-for-free-this-summer-with-kids-fun-fridays--2

Goldiegirl

Funky_Bold_Ribena wrote: »

No offence to anyone but this is the problem these days - kids expect 24/7 entertainment. We just used to 'play' and if we said we were bored, mum would soon get a list of chores written up for us.

I'm not a parent, so I don't know what it's like.

But, as you say, when I was a child, we used to make up games and play.

I recall going out to the seaside from time to time with my parents, and going to the cinema with my friends, but I don't recall my parents thinking up games to entertain me, and constantly taking me places

What would happen if stressed parents took a step back and just let their kids get on with it and entertain themselves?

Poppy9

Goldiegirl wrote: »

, but I don't recall my parents thinking up games to entertain me, and constantly taking me places

What would happen if stressed parents took a step back and just let their kids get on with it and entertain themselves?

For myself a huge difference to me (and OH ) being a parent to our own parents was we had more free time and a car at our disposal.

My mother was a SAHM and my father self employed. My mother didn't drive so limited to going where buses went and having enough money for bus fare for us all. My father worked long hours 6 days a week. Housework more labour intensive. No automatic washing machine so washing a major task (which we had to share). My mother also had to look after her elderly mother.

Contrast to myself who worked PT and OH worked shifts. We both had cars and other worked 4 days on 4 days off so we had much more time available.

I remember seeing my father with his grandchildren and seeing a whole new person as he had time to play with them and he was so much fun.

It's really not a bind having time to share games with your children. What can get you down though is not having "me" time. Sadly there is no easy answer to this unless you can afford a nanny as many women have no family on hand to help out.

Janepig

Glad it's not just me!! I'm the least maternal person ever and I do struggle to "play" with the kids, although I am the more "fun" parent out of me and DH. DS has a tendency to run off and also not listen so everyone within a five mile radius can hear me yelling his name when we're out .

It may seem selfish, but when I'm off work in the holidays I try to explain to the kids that it's my time off too so I like to have the odd pyjama day if possible.

DD's in a sports club run by one of her school teachers tomorrow and Tuesday so it's me and DS for afew hours on those days. I'll probably take him to the cinema on Tuesday, not sure what to do tomorrow.

As much as I love to see them enjoying it's definitely a case of roll on September here!!

Jx