Plans for summer holidays? Older kids?

[oberst]

I always have this immense pressure coming up to the summer holidays.

I have a 12 year old and a 3 year old; age gap makes that tricky trying to do things that entertain them both. 12 year old has 8 weeks off.

DSD is also coming for three weeks who is 11.

It's entertaining the older two that I need ideas for please!

Money is a little tight due to our wedding in a few months time.

Luckily we live near to the beach so I think we will spend plenty of time there.

I just find this pre teen age hard! Any ideas welcome.

I also feel like I need to do something everyday when I know that isn't realistic. Unsure why I feel that pressure.

Start by asking the 12 and 11 year old to write a list of things they would like to do in the house and out and about.

I would look into camps and other drop off activities for the older one. My 12 year old does sports, musical theatre and art camps which is nice as she can spend time with her friends and do her hobbies. We have a 2 week summer holiday booked so that leaves just one week which is fine to just let her relax with family and friends.

I have an 11 year old and she would love just some days at home to chill and days with friends. Can you organise days when their friends come to yours and they go there?

Then we do a mix of walks/beach which are basically free, and days out (trampoline park, etc). At this age though, I do find it helps to bring a friend, unless the two older ones will play together.

beach is a good idea! I wish we were not inland

my dd age 13 is so difficult.

I had her down for scout camp for a week, but it was cancelled unfortunately

she is refusing to do any summer clubs - usually she agrees to do a watersports club in the afternoon for a few weeks, but won’t do it as she is now top of age range

i think she will go to PiL for a week, just for a change of scene, and I said she could try and volunteer at local playgroup but she’s refusing at the moment

We are pet sitting For friend for two weeks and she has pets , and friends nearby… I am jus going to let her sort it out

i gave her loads of ideas and she said no to everything so she can be bored, it is not my fault

Do you have a particular talent that you could teach them for, say, half an hour each day? For example, I like languages so I create a little Spanish/ French lesson each morning. I try to make it fun and my kid enjoys it. That way, no matter what else happens for the rest of the day, you know you have all done something constructive. I realise that might be tricky with a little one too, but maybe you have a talent that is conducive.

Hi everyone
I have a 15 year old daughter and live in High Wycombe for a little while now. All my friends have grown up children or don’t have any I would love to meet some mums with daughters similar age if possible xx my phone number is +447305240725 xx