Tweet  

Regardless of whether you run your own business or are employed its still Half term next week. It can be slightly manic going from one child who still has a nap and doesn't speak much to 3 – 2 of whom don't sleep and talk for Britain! I like to ensure I have a plan! 

What do I do?!

I make a list of all the things that are going on and pop them on the calender. That way when we wake up in the morning we have something to do … I’m not regimented if the children want a chill out day, play with their toys ride bikes etc. .. I don't force them, but having a plan in place already means we have things to do. 

Where can you find information?

• Netmums What's on Boards

• Local Raring2Go what's on pages

• Facebook … ask on local groups.

• Book-bags – keep an eye out for flyers and write stuff down.

• Children's Centres – they still run during Half Term and sometimes put on extras for the older children. Ours held a free fun-day with magician, face paints and balloon modelling in the Easter Holidays.

What FREE stuff is available?

• Tesco FA Skills run free 2.5 hours sessions for 5-11 year olds. Moo has been to these most holidays. It's great for him to play football (he has lessons at school and on a Saturday) with a different coach and children its such a good confidence booster.

• Check out the library – not only for the books but there are usually some free activities/craft sessions on during the holiday (you may need to book in advance)

• Take advantage of where you live – going for walks can be fun (and free!) plan some activities. Act out stories – Going on a Bear Hunt or The Gruffalo. Choose a letter and take a bucket/basket and only collect things beginning with ….. Make collages when you get home. Moo like to take out binoculars and books so he can look things up or take notes. There is also a great activity PDF you can print off on 1926 Trading Co. LTD (we plan to do this one next week) 

• Making lunch – kids love and will spend hours making sandwiches so give it ago!

Having a plan and a set time is also useful if you are a mumpreneur – as I have some leverage with my children. “We will do this and then I need to check my emails, write an article” …. its a compromise

So whatever you do this holiday make sure you have fun!

As normal leave any suggestions or ideas below. 

Tweet

I must admit I am very opinionated and have strict views when it comes to raising my children. It doesn't mean I'm perfect or get it all right now that would be novel.  One of my beliefs which I get a bit stressed about is the eating habit of a child. 

I firmly believe that children should eat meals sat at a table with a knife and fork, with adults and enjoy the same a meal.  Charlie and Megan are excellent eaters they don't like everything But they always try.  They don't snack much and when they do it is a healthy option, we do have sweets and treats but not everyday. Puddings are a only given once the meal is finished ..... It's a sense of pride how well they eat. We know we can go anywhere they wwill eat and behave.  

Then you have Olive ....She's a grazer, snacker, crap magnet.  She only likes apples and grapes, toast not bread, red peppers and chocolate.  Healthy. We are 18months in baby weaning and I fear it's getting worse!  Give her her dues she does try food, just rarely likes anything. Or we have stages where she loves something recently yogurt then after months won't touch it.  

Youd think with 4 excellent role eating models we'd have cracked it by now. Right? But no such luck! Olive is the stubbornist child you have ever met, she would starve.   

I homemake most meals including our own pizzas which she loves as she enjoys cooking. I love my slow cooker so have become a dab hand at hiding vegetables. But I'm running out of ideas on how get her to eat! Suggestions .....