Please help me survive the summer holidays!!!

[TheStorySoFar]

I'm in NI & they start in a few days….I'm currently on SMP & will have an 8yo/6yo/2yo & 4mth old to entertain/not kill for the next 2 months. Funds are low so any activities need to be cheap. I already dread weekends & find it tough making it to the local play park with all 4 in tow! Please wise Mnetters please share your tried & tested summer holiday survival tips with me..

Hello, I would suggest looking on your local council website to see what is going on in your area and also visiting your local library.

Not sure about NI, our local library has reading challenges, craft and story sessions which are all free.

The local council runs fun stuff in local parks which again are free.

Thx Chottie!

You could go building dens, you don't have to particularly go far off the beaten track for a few sticks and branches. Your 2 yo will probably join in with the older 2. Send them off for leaves and feathers for the 'floor' once the den is built.
Trying to think of more!

Mud pies in the garden.
Dusting challenges.
Loom bands.
Homework.
Flapjacks.
Lemonade with real lemons.
Put the older two in the bath with bubbles.
Let them roam in the garden.
Make a tent under the table/chairs.
Picnics.
Washing up.
Sand pit?
Painting/colouring exhibition?
Games( snap, connect etc)
Just ignore them for 1/2 a second at a time?

Just think they're used to structure but also, being bored is perfectly ok.

Cant your 6 and 8 year old play with their friends. Dd is 6 and out with her friends all day and then I can hang around with the little one so only need to do trips a couple of times as I will be off on maternity.

Ask them what they want to do. My DCs idea of heaven (they're 9 & 7) would be playing with friends or going to the play park with a picnic.

You could work out with them what you have planned for the upcoming week. It maybe that one day they're 'bored' but they can see something that they want to do is coming up next

Also, there's nothing wrong in explaining that you're not made of money and it can't be spend spend spend.

Thk you all...going well so far. X