We’ve been on a couple of very expensive days out (despite taking a picnic and telling ourselves we won’t spend too much). Themes parks are great to entertain the children, although far too expensive and exhausting to do everyday, so what do we do for the rest of the school holidays?

• Having their friends over to play can relieve you for a few hours although the tidying up after will more than keep you busy as they play with each and every toy within grabbing distance.
• A trip outdoors is always good to relieve them of their endless energy and it keeps your house tidy.
• The swimming pool is good for everyone and can be stretched out with the promise of cake in the café afterwards.
• Baking, arts and crafts will keep them occupied for an hour or possibly two.
• Board games are fun and great for counting and learning the art of not always winning!!!

Then what?

The favourite play of my daughter is ‘let’s pretend’.

First of all I have to point out that I find this play particularly difficult as she expects me to play as a fellow 5 year old. I try, I really do but I do find that after an hour of looking after her numerous babies, changing their nappies, feeding them and walking them, I generally feel like I’m loosing the plot!

My husband actually does have his concerns as he came home early the other day to find me sitting in her plastic play house in the garden looking after her ‘babies’ whilst she was sitting indoors on the comfy sofa. Do you know I actually enjoyed sitting out there in the playhouse as I had sneakily taken a magazine and was enjoying my ten minutes of peace and quiet!

How far will you go? Am I alone in the fact that sometimes it all seems a bit much and I feel guilty if I am not making their summer holidays fun?