The not take dcs anywhere much today?

[RunningOverTheSameOldGround]

They are 6mo and 3.5yo.

It’s due to rain here all day (yay)! Dc1 is a bundle of energy, so I usually plan outdoor stuff or soft play, but I point blank refuse to go through soft play with a baby and preschooler during school holidays .

My plan today is to tidy up (dc1 likes helping), bake and then put on wet weather gear for a walk round the block. This will take about 20mins - half an hour at our pace. More if we do the big block.

This is an unacceptable plan according to dc1. So AIBU?

Fwiw, dc1 goes to nursery two days a week and has just had an entertainment packed weekend away last weekend, followed by some nice activities on days not at nursery this week. So definitely not starved of entertainment!

Ugh my 3year old sounds just like yours. Draaaaaining! Also he’s going through a hyperactive phase on top of that - always fidgeting and making noise - and is therefore tireder than ever too! Waah! I’m not enjoying 3!!! 9month old brother is a delight so i’ll focus on that 🤣

I know a couple of families where the mum is constantly scheduling "stuff" for the kids to do...classes, soft play, play dates etc yet the kids are so damn miserable and like you say are asking about the next activity before the current one has even finished. The kids are whiny and ungrateful. I think if you strip childhood back to the simple things kids are actually much happier.

Did he actually say it wasn't acceptable? It sounds like something my 3yo would say they are very entitled at that age! My son makes random demands for trips so I leave him to "plan" it with maps and tickets and packing. If you are in an indulgent mood you could pack a picnic and go on a pretend adventure round the house (going on a bear hunt style)... or just get out a game or toy that's been hidden for a bit.

Personally I think if you are constantly entertaining them they don't appreciate it. If you take them out just 1x or 2x a week they'll appreciate it more and enjoy it for what it is rather than constantly looking for the next big adventure.
So far this holiday we've had 3 big days out, one of which was cancelled due to a car crash. The rest of the time my 6&7y olds have been watching TV, playing in the house or outside zooming up down on their scooters with the kid next door. This is mainly because I'm skint but also because I'm not an entertainer and I think it's good for them to find their own interests as well as to rest.