DCs are 12 and 14, times are changing.....

[BaconAndAvocado]

DCs are becoming less and less inclined to want to go on "family days out".

I know it's natural and that they're growing up, wanting to spend more time with their friends/in their rooms but I'm finding it quite hard to let go.

DH thinks we need to up our game with what we do with them. Maybe try kayaking or something outward bound.

We took them to a stately home today, somewhere we've been visiting since they're tiny and they really didn't want to be there.

I hear you! My kids are the same age as yours. And it's changing.

My experience is that food always helps incite them out. Today we are walking 3 miles to a beach for chips and then back (I have somehow managed to instate this as a half term ritual which they all love!). There'd be minimal interest without the chips.

I think increasingly you have to throw food/money at getting them to do stuff with you. We have 3 kids aged 12-14, so the prospect of one-on-one time with one of the adults (especially with food involved!) is still appealing.

I like this age though. Minimal nostalgia here for the younger years!

And we have a dog, which definitely helps get the kids out and about, and how they all love her, but do not be under any illusions about it - if you don't want to do all the donkey work with the dog (I did!), then don't do it!

This sounds completely normal. .i take dd shopping..i hate it but she loves it.. normally involves a nice meal.
She also enjoyed boating in the summer and a meal out.
But I am sooooo embarassing!