Woo Hoo! It’s summer! No matter how old you are, you still enjoy that end of school summer feeling. The only difference is when you have your own kids that feeling is somewhat tainted by the knowledge you have to entertain them for the next 6 weeks. Eeeek! Trips to the supermarket are going to become even more difficult with kids in tow, nipping out for lunch could become a disaster and even a quiet afternoon at home could soon descend into chaos without a little forward planning.
Don’t worry! We are about to share some of our favourite EQTs (Emergency Quietening Tools) that you can just keep in your handbag for an emergency. So wherever you venture over the next 42 days you’ll be prepared to tackle any tantrum or boredom outburst with ease.
1. Sticker books.
Kids like stickers. We don’t know why but they do. Kids have evolved to enjoy a tacky surface and who are we to question that? Always keep a sticker book to hand and you will earn yourself some valuable peace and quiet whenever it’s needed.
2. Play dough.
Kids of all ages enjoy a bit of playdough fun. Pop a pot in your bag and make shapes wherever you maybe! Brilliant when you are waiting for your food in a restaurant…someone told us they recently took some on a long haul flight and it kept their little one entertained for hours! It would be worth checking with your airline whether you can take some with you – just make sure none gets on your seat otherwise you’ll have to walk through the arrivals at the airport with a playdough botty!
3. Top Trumps.
There are so many different Top Trumps packs available, so whatever your little one is interested in, there is a pack of top trumps cards to capture their attention. From ninja turtles to native British birds, they have all areas covered and you never know, you might learn something!!
4. Ear Defenders.
If all else fails, these will become your best friend. You can put them on and then deny all knowledge of the noise your kids are making. Ignorance is bliss.
5. Wine.
If the ear protectors fail, this is your only hope. Pop and see us, we’ll have cartoons on our big screens for the littles ones, colouring-in sheets and our scrummy kids menu has something to satisfy even the fussiest of children. Then when they are quietly eating, order yourself a glass of wine, tuck into something delicious from our menu and relax. We’re not magic, but we’re not far off!
Image Sources:
http://www.workitmom.com/bloggers/familycraftideas/2014/02/20/how-to-make-a-playdough-rose/
http://www.toptrumps.com/schoolclub/
http://www.axminster.co.uk/3m-1436-ear-defenders-506093