To have taken them down...

[jackieweaverforpm]

Apologies for the cryptic title.

It's Easter Sunday next week and being slightly strange as we are, we usually put up decorations for Easter. We were all set to do that today with some crafting stuff happening this morning. Instead of the lovely day I had anticipated, I experienced a two hour grump fest from DD2 about the crafting, a moan from DD1 when I asked her to make some Easter cards (this is something she is really good at and a hobby really) and then further grumping from DD2 about the decorations (crying and stropping about what should go where). I do try to make Easter special and especially this year which has been pretty shite let's face it. I have a mountain of nice stuff upstairs for next weekend and instead I think sod it. I'll have a bloody break instead. I've taken the decs down and I'm having a coffee instead. I am thoroughly knackered after a really tough few weeks at work and I have had my fill.

YABU

YANBU

How old are they? Maybe they want to tell you that they are too old for Easter decorations and making twinkly bits but can't find the words?

It’s a bit early and presumably they’ve just broken up from school so might be tired after a specially trying term. Try again next Saturday with the decorations. Seems odd to be “celebrating” Easter before the Crucifixion is even marked on Good Friday.

Maybe you’re doing all that for you not your kids and they’re telling you they’re not interested

I think the ages of the DCs is relevant here

Maybe they're just not that in to it.

what do you have decorations of? the whole crucifixion, or?

Eggs, chicks, happy Easter signs etc. One is 6 and one is 13. I think you're right. They don't want to do it. Lesson learned. I just thought it would be fun in a world where fun isn't to be found that readily.

I can't imagine many teenagers would be into making decorations with chicks and eggs tbh, although I think most 6 yo girls might like to if they are the arty/crafty type generally.

I think you do right tbh, I talk to mine sometimes about the fact that fun doesn't just happen, it gets made by the people who are involved. Sometimes you have to let them be sulky and then not have fun - carrying on is just martyring yourself.

What I would do later is speak to them about what sort of Easter they want - say you are happy to make it fun but only if there is buy in. Particulalry for a six year old I would give them a way back.

Agree with others that it might be a bit early - we are making a pinata next week but the first weekend after school ends is 'sit down and watch telly' time in our house.

at 6 and 13 I imagine the younger one is more up for it than the 13 year old. Maybe getting stroppy because the 13 year old isn't that into it.
Let things calm down over a coffee or gin, let six year old put stuff where she wants (within reason) - or just a game for you and her?

I think it's fine to suggest this kind of activity. But if they're not in the mood I don't see the point in insisting on them doing it.

The 13 year old was meant to be doing the cards because it's something she enjoys normally as a hobby thing and they are lovely. Today though she wanted to be upstairs.

I've left it for now and I'll see how it goes. The whole thing has upset me more than them to be fair. No one seems much bothered so I guess IABU for giving a stuff.

Easter is the holiday I relish minimal input in/effort tbh. We arent religious. It's a day my kids get a chocolate egg, and if someone else organises an egg hunt we join in.

Decorations and cards? Fuck that.

Sorry they ruined it for you, but I don't think you should guilt a 13 year old into making Easter decorations.

what do you have decorations of? the whole crucifixion, or?

Pretty disingenuous to pretend you don't know what Easter decorations are.

Tell them it's their choice if they'd like to partake in easter activities and decorating. They might just be in a particularly rebellious mood today. You could leave the decorations and card making things out for them and see what they do with them.

No one seems much bothered so I guess IABU for giving a stuff.

If this is your attitude yes - you are trying to force them into it today rather than letting it go organically and now having a strop because it didnt go the way you wanted it to.

13! YABU.

YABU, of course your teenager wants to relaxing in her room not making Easter cards on demand for her overbearing mother! Just relax and stop trying to force ‘fun’

Maybe they don't want to celebrate it this year?

Maybe they don't- although I suspect they'll be happy to have the eggs and other stuff that they have waiting upstairs.

It's all fine. I just feel a bit crap about they'd attitude. Re the card making bit, the cards are hand drawn lovely things that she makes regularly. I'm not talking about crappy toddler cards here. She does them for fun, often. We have lots of family who we haven't seen for months and I thought she might enjoy making a few to send to them. I was wrong it seems.

Their not they'd. Doing two things at once.