The Dos and Don'ts of The Beach

I went with Goldilocks on her summer trip today, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was an almost-new experience, I've never been to Jump in Cardiff before and haven't been near a beach for 4 years. On the way to the beach I thought about all those carefree things you do there, like jumping about in the waves, building sandcastles and burying each other in the sand. Of course, I made sure we did it all. It's not often Goldilocks and I get to spend quality time together anymore (Big Bear kindly took Little Bear for the day as he was off work) so I wanted to cram in as much as possible. What struck me was how unprepared I was!

We built the castle but had nothing to fill the moat with. We had fun splashing in the waves but I couldn't pull my trousers up far enough and got soaked. I wore trainers to the beach and they got filled with sand, as did my socks.

The only thing I did prepare, essentially, was a spare pair of clothes for Goldilocks. Which got used, but not a toilet accident as I'd expected: she tripped over a ball that was floating on the waves as she tried to kick it back to the boy who kicked it. How she manages it, I do not know!

Anyway: my days lessons are learned, now to share:

• Do prepare for all weathers - more necessary if you're on a planned trip rather than a spontaneous one.
• Do make sure there are enough adults to the amount of children.
• Do wear suitable clothing - if they can't pull up (like my trousers) then consider wearing swimwear so you can remove your clothing to go and have a splash.
• Do take extra clothing for everyone!
• Don't forget to bring several towels.
• Don't forget your camera and batteries.
• Do make sure your children are educated on how to stay safe at the beach.
• Do make sure you are recognisable.
• Don't forget your bucket and spade.
• Don't make sand castles in dry sand.
• Do wear flip flops or sandals if you can: any footwear that sand would shake out of easily.
• Don't forget to keep applying that suncream!

And finally...

• Don't forget to have a great time :)

10 Things To Do When It Rains

The summer holidays are almost here and I've dutifully added a few events to my calendar. It took me a while to realise I hadn't planned anything specific for rainy days.

Rainy day activities (or any activity for that matter) just don't come naturally to me. If I'm stuck in for the day, then I will play with the children, but the majority of the day will be spent tidying up after them, cooking and making snacks/drinks for them, changing nappies, wiping faces, watching TV and flitting back and forth Facebook to share my bored-at-home misery with other people, or to try and convince somebody to come and visit us.

Six weeks is a long time to be doing that most of the time - I will not have it this year! So after some careful thought, here is a list of things to do when the skies open, or I'm otherwise prevented from leaving my humble abode.

1. Print off some colouring sheets - The CBeebies Website may be useful for this, or Google if you want a specific character.
2. Make a playpen - You don't need anything fancy for this - just some sheets and cleverly positioned furniture will do.
3. Make some facepaint - Here is a recipe!
4. Let the kids "clean" your bathroom - What harm can they possibly do with a limited supply of water and a few cloths?
5. Let them cook with you - Homemade pizza is a nice, easy one if you buy a base. Check out CBeebies, Netmums or Google some recipes with kids (that's to cook with, NOT containing!) or if all else fails - pop along to your local supermarket and get some box sets for muffins or cookies etc!
6. Read to them - Or have them read to you, age depending. Don't be afraid to get stuck in, giving each character it's own special voice or showing off a few of your moves while you read. Your kids will enjoy it more!
7. Put the music on - Remembering to be respectful to neighbours, of course! My daughter loves to listen to music of all different genres. Have a dancing competition (remembering the kids always win), pretend to be a rock star, play air guitar - or just have a cuddle and listen to some soothing music, ideally just before bedtime.
8. Make something arty - Were you just about to throw that newspaper and those cardboard boxes in the recycling bin? Stop, before it's too late! Why not let the kids loose on them instead?
9. Cwtch up in front of the TV - Stick a film or their favourite TV channel on and actually watch it with them instead of using the box as a babysitter. Believe it or not, TV is not the devil incarnate, you can enjoy it guilt-free!
10. Just go out, regardless of the weather! - Seriously, stop reading this - go get your wellies and mac, put them on and jump in some puddles - we live in Britain after all, where a puddle is (usually) only a stones throw away!

Homemade Face Paint.

Something to try on a rainy day!

• 2 parts cornflour
• 1 part cold cream (I used E45?)
• 1 part water
• Food colouring

1. Mix the cornflour and cream together
2. Add the water and stir well
3. Add food colouring one drop at a time, until desired colour is achieved.

I find making several colours at once works best as the measuring isn't quite as fiddly, just divide before you add the colouring :)

Getting the Summer Holidays Organised.

Your summer holiday activities don't have to be run like clockwork. In fact, no matter how hard you try, you'll never get it that way. Some activities do need to be planned in advance though, particularly the ones involving less fun.

If you're too organised, your children will more than likely end up stressed out and bored. If you aren't organised enough, you'll lose out on great opportunities and miss previous appointments because you forgot - you're too busy doing something else (or recovering from doing something else).

Step 1 - Clear the Calendar.

Unless you'll be attending an event specifically, clear all those birthdays off the calendar and get as close to a blank canvas as possible. It will be easier to work with.

Step 2 - Add Important Appointments.

I like to use the summer holidays as a great excuse to get my daughter's eye test and dental check-up done. It gives me a lot more flexibility and as both the optician and dentist are in a central location I can plan extra activities in the area around what I'm already doing there. Which helps to sweeten the deal - you go to the dentist and we'll (insert activity here) afterwards.

Step 3 - Fixed Events.

Some things are in town for a few days only - e.g. shows, parades, summer festivals etc. Look up local events on the Internet, your local authority website is a good place to start. If you are able to travel, consider where you are able to travel to, then look up activities in those areas. One fixed event per week is plenty for me, two at the very most. If you decide to go to two or more, why not consider making plans with a friend to go and explore, or take the kids to the park together?

Step 4 - Rainy Day Activities.

If our ever-predictable weather fails you, don't despair! There are plenty of things you can do at home. Why not have an indoor picnic, or a "cinema" evening? The indoor picnic is a personal favourite for my daughter, and so simple too. If you're feeling extra adventurous, then don those wellies and get out there - there isn't an activity much more fun than puddle jumping!

If you're still feeling stuck, then always ask a friend or family member for ideas. If you stay at home with the kids for six weeks doing the same thing day in, day out, you'll be pulling your hair out by the end of it. Try and do a little bit of forward planning, it really does help.