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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

bored older kids,when raining.

41 replies

lovelymumma · 26/02/2011 14:40

Hi,I live away from family,so can't turn to them for help when having a hard day.When the children were younger,if I was having a bad day,I would take them to a playcentre,with play frames,the kids would have a great time and I would get a break and feel like I was still doing something good for children.Children are now between 8 and 11,and large for their age,and really seem a bit big to take to these play centres anymore.I'm stuck to know what to do when its raining and cold,like it has been this holiday.They do sometimes get on with watching films,playing on computer etc,but I miss having somewhere fun to take them all,because getting out really helped if I was feeling depressed.What do other mothers with kids this age do?,when they,ve had enough.

OP posts:
zest01 · 26/02/2011 21:29

I agree with the reading thing, but ours do a lot of that anyway and ALWAYS read in bed before lights outt too.

ilovesooty · 26/02/2011 21:35

Thought they might, zest. Your kids sound great.

Dancergirl · 26/02/2011 22:28

My older two are 9.5 and 8 and they love it when it rains because they've got the whole day in to do as they like!

Do your children actually WANT to go out and do something or is it something you want do to? You can have fun at home too - playing games is good with older children, snuggle up and watch a film together with popcorn. Do they like cooking? You could do that together. Drawing/crafts? Knitting/sewing/making something?

Original poster
lovelymumma · 27/02/2011 00:40

ilovesooty,my children do a lot of reading,but it does seem very solitary,when a lot of it is done.My children used to love the park,but just the last couple of years don't want to go so often.I suppose what I was trying to get at,is if you're having a bad day with low energy,and don't want to think too much,play centres just seemed so easy,and there isn't anything like that for older children.I think its a shame,because my kids would still love to go at 8,10 and 11;they just seem too big.It would be great if they had them for older kids as well,because it would allow kids to let off steam on wet,rainy days,and you've got to see the rain in wales to believe it!My kids hate going out in the rain now,but didn't mind when they were younger.Anyway,thanks for the treasure hunt idea,had never heard of geocache before.

OP posts:
Original poster
lovelymumma · 27/02/2011 00:42

My youngest 2 don't mind staying in,but my 11,almost 12 year old usually hates it.

OP posts:
Tortington · 27/02/2011 00:45

i used to kick mine outside rain or shine, they won't melt! singularly unhelpful i know Grin

worraliberty · 27/02/2011 00:47

If it's a rainy day and you have low energy you really just have to suck it up as a parent.Get your warm clobber on and go out and spend a few hours with your kids. They won't be kids forever and you'll be glad you put yourself out when they're too old to want to spend time with you Smile

Original poster
lovelymumma · 27/02/2011 00:55

worraliberty,I think I just feel worn out after a long week.I've done lots of crafts,baking etc over the years,and camping in all weather,just lately the kids don't enjoy the same things they used too,and feel a bit like the magics gone out of it all.They are great kids,just been difficult with the younger one wanting to stay in and the older one always wanting to go out.Middle one is usually very cooperative,and easy going.

OP posts:
worraliberty · 27/02/2011 00:58

I do understand but I do have to kick myself up the arse. Once I'm out and about I do normally enjoy it and when we're all home and the kids are talking about what a great day they've had it makes it all worthwhile.

Sometimes the thought of shifting my arse is a lot worse than actually shifting it Blush

Original poster
lovelymumma · 27/02/2011 00:59

They all used to want similar things,now they want different things;only been the last year or so.

OP posts:
FabbyChic · 27/02/2011 01:00

Id expect the 12 year old to be out with their mates during the holidays.

Original poster
lovelymumma · 27/02/2011 01:02

ha ha ,I know what you mean!

OP posts:
Original poster
lovelymumma · 27/02/2011 01:05

Fabbychick;she does go out with her friends,but she's always been the sort to just have a couple of close ones,and often they are busy.We don't live very close to other kids her age;seem to be surrounded by retired people.

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Original poster
lovelymumma · 27/02/2011 01:06

I'm sure things will get better;we are quite new to area,so feel a bit isolated at times.

OP posts:
Original poster
lovelymumma · 27/02/2011 01:08

{Read that as wish we had never moved to the edge of civilisation!},but only some days feel this way.

OP posts:
gillybean2 · 27/02/2011 09:59

If you're looking for an older version of soft play (where you get to chill out while they are busy) have you looked at what activity centres are near you?
We have an outdoor centre close by that does sailing and similar. However their courses tend to be over a few days and aren't cheap.
But we also have a reallly good do ape type place that runs on a not for profit basis and they tend to be more reasonable (though further away). I took ds for his birthday a couple of years ago and all his friends raved about it. PLus we went with his cousin for activities a couple of years ago. This thread has made me think I should probably look up what they've got going on at Easter
www.stubbers.co.uk/

I bet if you do some searching you'll find something like this, or horseriding or windsurfing or something that might spark the interest of your own dc.

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