To hate being at home in the school holidays?

[AAAHHHHH]

I'm at home with my 4 year old and she's driving me crazy. She won't stop talking, I can't even listen to an audiobook.

Everytime I tell her to play in her room, she just follows me. I can't get much cleaning done and theres no point really as she keeps making a mess.

We cant go anywhere as theres nothing to do for free (no money atm) and it's raining so the park is off our list.

I feel terrible as well, because shes so inquisitive but I just really hate having to tell her why and what and how to nearly everything.

[Prepenultimate]

Could you invite a friend over who has a child of similar age?

[NanooCov]

Um, so you're basically saying you hate being a parent? 4 year olds need to be entertained / occupied and will ask many many questions. They don't play quietly in their room on their own. I think your expectations are wildly off base. Play a game with her, watch a movie together, do some colouring or drawing. Get a grip.

[TwoZeroTwoZero]

I just use it as an excuse to sit and watch kids' TV and not do much else tbh. My dc are older though so entertain themselves. They even make their own meals (under supervision obvs).

[formerbabe]

School holidays can be tough...ignore the smug mothers who will come on and tell you they love the holidays
It's only a week.. don't mention summer hols
Do you have some butter, sugar, eggs and flour...make some cakes.
Or early bath with tons of toys to kill some time?

[annie987]

I loved that age! There was so much to do together for free with the right coat!

• feeding the ducks
  
• splashing in puddles
  
• snuggling up with a movie
  
• making cupcakes
  
• making a den
  
• colouring / crafting
  
• visiting relatives
  
• bug hunting
  

They still delight in everything at that age!

[marashino]

Surely you knew this would happen when you had children? Do some baking, go to a museum or the library, print some colouring in pages for her, stuff like that.

[AAAHHHHH]

Could you invite a friend over who has a child of similar age?

Ones I've asked are busy

[Lippy1234]

I used to do a bit of arts and crafts, TV, dressing up clothes, TV, build a tent (sheet over the kitchen table, TV, play upstairs for a bit, TV repeat.

[sixtimes]

Our library often has free craft sessions on at half term or a maybe a museum? Indoor picnic? Baking?

[Walkthedinosauuuuur]

Your kid wants you to be a parent.

I don't know why people with this mindset have kids.

[AAAHHHHH]

NaooCov

We've been playing make believe ALL morning. I'm fucking tired of being the voice of all her dolls and teddies.

We've been reading, watching tv and doing crafts and colouring. It's been non stop

[inicecoldblood]

Local museums sometimes put things on for the kids too.

[Wineislifex]

Well you sound a joy, can you not enjoy the time together and actually play with her instead of listening to your audiobook and telling her to go play in her room

[NanooCov]

But of course it is non stop. She's 4. I really can't understand what your expectations were?

[RandomWok]

We've just been to a free fairy trail. Which was a pain to get to as all the roads I wanted to drive down were flooded! Have you had a look on Google for free events near you?

[AAAHHHHH]

This post is more of a rant. I'm stressed out right now and have a lot of worries on my mind today.

[blue25]

This age is easier to entertain then older ones in my experience. If you have kids, what you’re describing is what you sign up for!

[Mintjulia]

The fact that it’s raining doesn’t stop you going out. Raincoats and wellies on and go jump in some puddles. The more fresh air the sooner she’ll sleep

[Poetryinaction]

Library
Supermarket shop
Museum
Garden Centre
Bus ride
Walk/scoot in the rain
TV, dancing, paint, bake, read, write a story, cosmic yoga
Try to enjoy her.

[Sharkyfan]

I think expecting to be able to listen to an audiobook is a bit unrealistic..:

I know how you feel as I get flashes of that feeling but then I remember what it was like before I got a term time contract and the stress of trying to organise the childcare and feeling like we didn’t have enough down time at home.

I’m afraid you’re going to need to do stuff with her, balancing that out with screen time and going out.

Library near you? Get waterproofed up and go for a rainy walk? Garden centre - especially one with an aquarium section?

At home - baking together, drawing, getting her to ‘help’ with chores, craft, playdoh, junk modelling, duplo/Lego etc. Story books.

Some kids are better than others at playing independently.

[AAAHHHHH]

Have you had a look on Google for free events near you

We are going to the theatre tomorrow. I might just let her watch a movie this afternoon and DP can take over when he gets back from work. I need a rest from everyone

[Wannabangbang]

Parks, nature walks all free also check out your local community centre they sometimes have things on. Make some popcorn, grab a movie. Make salt dough figures, bake something easy and get her to help. Or involve her in cleaning, my 6 year old loves feather dusters and wiping down things, make it into a game

[Sharkyfan]

also try combining your non stop 4 yo with a moody 12yo and a grumpy 8yo who spend the whole day bickering with each other!