To wonder why I bother?

[MrBloomEatsVeggies]

When I was little (many moons ago) we (my sisters and I) were never taken anywhere. No egg hunts, no theme parks, no ice skating, no meals in restaurants, no big parks, no picnics, no softplay, nada. We went on holiday in the UK once a year. I was happy, I was outside, I played alone for hours making mud pies and stuff, if I was bored, I was told to 'go read a book'.

Main thing is, I was happy, and I look back nostalgically.

My 2 DS's (4 & 2) have most of the the above trips/treats. I play with them, they have great stuff (toys etc). Are they happy? No, they aren't. Everything I take them to/do for them (in the main) they moan about/strop about.

Spent today doing nice things, but my 4 year old whinged constantly.

WIBU to never bother again, get rid of their toys, stop the outings and kick them outside in the garden with a book? I doubt they'd moan any less.

I don't think you need to get cross about it - maybe just slow down a bit? I have four children so I can't afford to do lots of those things. If we do, it's usually once a week, when dh is there too. Even in the holidays. When I had just one or two children, I used to do lots of trips and treats but now, because of the expense, and because I am just too busy with washing, cleaning, etc., I make sure nice things are strategically placed around the house, we'll nip out on our bikes to the park if they are getting fidgety, they have a sandpit and a trampoline, and other lovely things. It isn't all wonderful all the time of course, but they really do appreciate being at home in the school holidays. And when we go out they are more appreciative.