should be more widely used - even if I do say it myself.
The weather was not "swimming pool weather" yesterday afternoon. There were varied things for the parents of the kittens to attend to so
And the whole clan was going out for a meal that evening. The kittens were tired and hungry and could, I suppose, have been very difficult but the activity packs were put to use.They arrived at the venue their brightly coloured bags in their paws and a certain eagerness on their faces.
We had a room to ourselves at one of the local hotels. This is something we did once before and it worked well. It meant everyone could talk to the Senior Cat - allowed out of hospital for a few hours - and the kittens could spread themselves across the far end of the very long table.
I had included some notebooks from the supermarket. They have bright coloured covers and pages you can tear out. I included pens. They got to work.
It was not quiet. The kittens chattered constantly about what they were doing. That didn't matter though. They were busy. They were not tearing around making a nuisance of themselves.
There were other children nearby. We could see them running up and down the passage and heard the noise they were making. It didn't seem to bother the kittens. Pens continued to scratch on paper.
Great-Nephew was nicely distracted by Youngest Nephew who showed him how to draw a racing car. Great-Nephew is the most restless child...he must be a horror to teach as he is highly intelligent but far too easily distracted most of the time.
Eventually food arrived and they consumed it like small vacuum cleaners before returning to other activities in their packs. Great-Nephew was trying to work out Rubik's cube. Youngest Kitten was trying to read something. She starts school next year and is determined she will know how to read before that...she may just succeed too.
I went to use the facilities. There were two women in there talking.
"Those kids are driving me mad. I wish they had something to do."
"Yes, a bit out of control. Did you see the others though - in the room on your right as you come through?"
"Didn't notice them."
"Not surprised. Have a look on the way back. They are all busy doing something."
I wonder what the woman who had not noticed the kittens thought if she bothered to look.
All I can say is that "activity packs" need to be used more often.
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3 comments:
It's selfish of adults to take children to an adult environment without catering for the needs of the children. Children are not miniature adults. I totally agree with you about activity packs. It also helps to prepare children in advance as to what to expect of the environment and also the expectations of behaviour and what is allowed. A family briefing before outings also gives an opportunity for the children to express their opinions about it - if they think they are going to be bored, it's fair warning to the parents to find a solution.
We were staying in a Danish friend's country cottage , and they
took us out for a meal. Three children under ten. As we sat down at the big table the Danish lady handed out colouring books and pens.There was a crusty old fellow reading his paper - I was apprehensive, but within minutes, he was playing peep-bo with the youngest. The children were beautifully behaved - a lot of that was because they were properly welcomed and considered.
We noticed that in places where adults do boring things - banks, camer shops for example, they always had a table and stools with suppies of Lego and paper and pens. Children are really welcome in Denmark.
Jodie I think my niece and nephew and their partners do prepare their children. They are by no means little angels but they are far better behaved than many simply because they know they are expected to take something to occupy themselves.
And that Jean is the best solution when parents don't always remind, have the time, or take the responsibility to help children entertain themselves. "Screen" time isn't teaching them that!
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