Please give me bullet points I can say to myself to get me through tomorrow and onwards

[ImnotMamaGbutsheLovesMe]

DH meant to have this week and next off.

Went in for a meeting for 2 hours today and came home so low DD said "what's wrong Daddy?" when she saw his first.

He has to work, no holiday time off or money in lieu. Might not get paid next month.

We are both incredibly stressed and shamefully took it out on the kids a bit today. How can I get through tmw without doing it again? I know I am pathetic but I am honest enough to say I really struggle at the best of times and need help.

I have £10 in my purse and they will be expecting days out/ice creams, etc. Down to low on diesel too.

That does sound rotten but why might he not get paid?

Can you buy a tub of ice cream and cones. (I know you haven't a lot but if it's a priority? You could do free days out with picnic, park etc.

What age are your DC?

Idon't think kids expect anything but attention and love.
How about along walk and a picnic?

7
5
3

picnic sounds good actually.

Get them to help make the sarnies and carry them. They'll love it and remeber itfar more than tr ailing around shops or buying stuff.

Yesterday DS2 and DS3, and two of their mates we brought along, spent the best day of the holidays so far rolling down a steep bank, again and again and again. They're 10 and 6. DS2 earlier spent a happy morning earning 1p per weed in the garden - forked out 37p . Days out don't have to be expensive - and they sort of lower their expectations as time goes on if you just potter around.
Other suggestions are papier mache craft stuff - eg the volcano shape around a squash bottle you can then fill with bicarb and vinegar to erupt - just need newpaper, flour and water. And find toys that haven't been looked at in a while - if you can fake enough enthusiasm the DCs will get drawn in for a couple of hours.

OK, make evrything sound like a treat
''choose a book each and mummy will read to you''
''Let's see what we can make from junk''
Make ice lollies from any squash/juice you have around.
Make a den in the house/garden and have a picnic in there.
Devise a 'treasure hunt' around the area with a tick list of trees/flowers/landmarks etc and make bicuits as the 'prize'
Invite a friend with kids over to play for a couple of hours and hope she offers to bring something nice
Is library walkable?

local libraries often have events on for kids in the summer. As do local parks. The idea of ice-cream and cones sounds good. Why not look on freecycle for some new toys for the kids.

Make a scrapbook, tell stories, play games and have picnics.

also, do you have a Sure Start Children's Centre near you? (They are springing upo daily so chances are you will have)
Many of them have really good free activities on at the moment.
Also many councils are rpoviding free or very low cost outdoor play/sports events, check local council website.
Many museums are doing free holiday activities for children too.

my kids are 9 6 and 3 had two friends over yesterday and rained all day got wellies and coats on and gave them each a plastic pot and lid. We went blackberry picking and the time just flew - enjoyed making blackberry crumble today (well it was a pie but the kids over rubbed the fat in the flour and it wouldnt roll out) eating it was fab too what a good day