Once again, we all woke up late, but I can’t blame it on daylight savings this time because I went to bed late the night before!
How we spent Day 2:
- We went to the craft workshop at the hardware store.
- Watched a show at the mall. TEMPTATION: they were selling a cute tote bag to raise funds for a charity and the kids wanted to go upstairs and have an ice cream like we have done in the past.
- Went to a park that we haven’t been to before TEMPTATION: there was a shop across from the park with a big sign saying “fresh bread” yum!
- Had a yummy lunch at home
- Watched DD6′s free DVD that she choose yesterday
- Did more origami and the girls dressed up as farm animals
- Had dinner at home
- Went out to get DD8′s free DVD. TEMPTATION: saw a couple of DVDs that I wanted to rent.
- Played tickle monster
- Played hide and seek in the dark
MONEY SPENT TODAY: $0.00
THINGS I HAVE LEARNED TODAY:
- I could have easily spent little bits of money here and there without thinking today.
- You don’t necessarily need to go out to have fun. We had just as much fun yesterday when were stuck inside because of the weather.
- Not having a strict plan meant that I didn’t have the added stress of trying to push the kids to keep to a schedule. We only decided to go to the craft workshop about an hour before it started. When we finished the crafts, I decided to try a nearby park that we had not been to before. On our way to the park, we drove past the mall, and I remembered a show was starting in 5mins, so we stopped by. After that, it was off to the park and then home for lunch.
- Being prepared pays off! The kids gobbled down the fruit and water we packed. Another set of clothes would have come in handy when one child spelt water on their pants, and the other got their top all dirty. If we didn’t pack any food, and the spills were worse, we would have had to cut out outing short.
- Provide activities that suit your children. You know your child best, and what they will or will not enjoy. The younger kids didn’t really go for the pot painting, so we went for a walk in the outdoor area of the shop, while the older girls finished up. My DS4 found the music at the mall event too loud, so I stood back with him, while the others sat closer to the stage etc etc
- There are definitely parks that you need to closely supervise children (eg where there is water or equipment that the younger ones may be unsafe on), and there are parks that you could get away with sitting down the entire time. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Atlhough today’s park was one that I had to closely supervise the kids (which is sometimes hard when the younger ones are going in different directions) there was lots to do and it kept them entertained for a long time.
- It is sometimes tough to manage outings with children who range in ages. The older ones get too far ahead, while the younger ones get behind. It’s important to regroup and restate the rules to keep everyone safe. A happy outing means you are more likely to do it again!
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Is it possible to not spend any money during the school holidays?
