Ideas of things to do

[karlahine]

I have 3 kids ranging from 4 - 12 and I've often found it difficult to find something that we can all do together without any complaints. What is usally great for the 4 yr old is boring to the 12 yr old! And whats fab for the 12 yr old is too advanced for the 4 yr old. I have recently had my fair share of grief this month and want to do something to show my kids I love them, some special time and I'm just so stumped, any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance x

Can I just say you can't please all of the people all of the time? And the fact that you care about what they want means they probably are pretty ok!

I have no idea of your circumstances so it's a bit tricky, but I'll have a go! Making a meal together, choose a menu, get the small ones to draw it/write it, can the bigger ones shop for the ingredients? Then make it fancy like a cafe or restaurant, placenames etc? Make it a special occasion. If you're laughing your head off at this, sorry, but I know my dc's love this sort of thing. They also love to make and eat a proper afternoon tea, with home made scones, teapot etc, all together.

You could plan and go on a weekend camping trip? Or camp in the garden?
Is there a big wood near you, could you go den building? Old fashioned day out at the seaside, fish and chips, amusements etc?

Just doing something all together where you stay in a positive frame of mind and don't listen to moaning is often all it takes.
Have a lovely time, whatever you decide.

I find a schedule works so that the biggies know they will get something for them in the afternoon but they may have to "ensure" a farm or whatever in the morning. Family films we can all watch, the library is popular with all as is cooking and baking. Crafts we can all do together - the older ones will do jewellery and model planes while the littlies will do finger painting or gluigng and sticking

*endure!!