We've been on a bit of a rainy Easter holiday the past week, down on the South coast. Not to let the weather dampen our spirits, it was decided that each of us would have a day in which we could choose what we'd prefer to do. This meant no grumbling or whining on the days when it was time to walk up a really steep hill (which magically had an ancient maze cut into the ground at the top!) or visit a small town museum (who could have predicted it would have a Lego Roman trail around the exhibits?).
There were a few times when the promise of a cream tea (or that chilled bottle of wine waiting for us adults in the caravan fridge) saved the day. It also meant no turning back for the adults in the group - if a child wanted us to go on a ride at a well known theme park that spun us around backwards, upside down and round and round at what seemed like 500 miles an hour, that's what we did...
It's not a bad thing for children to have to use their inner resources when the cry of "I'm bored" came up - one such time was during a trip to a Cathedral during the last few days of the holiday. The kids sat in the middle of the pews (so I could keep one eye on them as I wandered around the edges) and by the time I returned, they were both immersed in a very intricate game of I-Spy - with many unusual objects to choose from within a few metres!
Children love to feel they have an equal say in the family - and for little moments like a day out on holiday, it can make them feel empowered and special. For now, though, it's back to the old routine of school and homework - and the only choice they will get tonight is whether to brush their teeth before or after washing their faces!
Written by Andrea
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