Looking afer children who don't get on with dd

[GooseyLoosey]

On Thursday, I have a day off work because of the strike. I have said I will look after the daughters of 2 friends who are the same age as dd (they are 7 and dd is 6 but all in the same class). The problem is that these girls get on well with each other but not so well with dd (she gets on OK with them on a 1-1 basis but they are not her special friends). She thinks that they will leave her out and she is dreading it. She has just told me this and I can't really get out of it now as the other parents are relying on me.

I need something to occupy them for a good chunk of the day so that dd will not be left out. I was thinking of the cinema but the only offering is Kung Fu Panda 2 and dd would not enjoy this so am now at a loss.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can make Thursday anything other than hell for dd?

yes, watch a dvd and then go out and meet one of your dd's friends. you mentioned two of the mums have taken a day of work - perhaps at a park so dd has someone to play with, they can all run about and you can chat a bit and unwind with the other mum. Then go home drink, snack and they'll be picked up

Eggs - with a needle you make a smallish hole at the point of the egg, then a bigger one at the bottom. Then you blow through the little hole and the egg comes out the big one.

Then leave them to dry in the sun for a bit, when you can then paint them. If you have some wool or something you can paint faces on them and use the wool as hair, and if you have pipe cleaners you can make daft legs and arms.

God I used to SCREAM internally wirth frustration at doing craft stuff with dd, now i would love to do it.

bumblingbovine has it sussed. I am far too lazy and rubbish at crafts

I wouldn't stress myself out (being on the lazy side). Maybe have a story cd on in the background so they are half listening to that rather than chatting in twos and excluding anyone too much

give them clay if you have it and maybe things they can stick into it, nothing flash

Right ladies - fab suggestions all round. I can do this (I don't want to, but I can).

I'm taking a gang of ds's classmates swimming on Thursday. They are old enough to go in to the pool alone, though - not sure if your three are?

Don't think they are really Seeker - they are 6 and 7 so I would have to be in with them. Had thought of swimming, but am treating it as a last resort. I can't tell you how painful it would be for me personally.

no great advice to add, just a warm shoulder squeeze for goosey - you can do it!

Sorry, gooseyloosey - yes I agree it would be hell on earth at that age. I intend to do my duty by my WOHM friends by sitting under a tree at out local outside swimming pool with a Kate Atkinson, occasionally dispensing water, sunscreen, ice cream, chips and arbitration to a gaggle of 9/10 year olds. It's hard dirty work, but somebody's got to do it...........

I think craft activities are usually a winner. Glitter and sequins and feathers and glue and something to decorate. We got some fairly cheap little shaped cardboard boxes from Hobbycraft the other day. Or even old shoeboxes to make into jewellery boxes or treasure chests. Or get some cheap craft sets from Tesco with the activity all ready planned for you.

Will acquire more sequins and feathers on the way home from work tonight. Can't bring myself to buy glitter as it will take me 3 years to get it out from the cracks in between the floorboards and act as a reminder of what will no doubt be a terrible day each time I see it.

Thanks again all - craft, cooking and DVD. ANy other suggestions gratefully received for when one of them inevitably refuses to watch the DVD!