[sanuka]

Does anyone have any tips for keeping kids happy on the allotment?

After around 1/2 an hour mine is saying 'home, home' over and over

He's only two but he can dig for ages in the garden but doesn't seem so keen at the allotment - why??

We took his bucket and some digging tools and tried to get him interested in collecting snails etc

[666]

How about one of those little beach tents?  I imagine it can be quite cold at times so this would provide some warmth.  Also take their own toys down (or have a stash down there) so they can have some 'normal' play.  You have to remember that they haven't chosen to be there-unlike you-so they are likely to be bored if not in the mood.  Just like the days when you HAVE to do something.

[Wildeone]

Nursery!!! 3 hours of digging and someone else entertains them!  

Sorry  :oops:  could resist  

How about a 2nd hand swing??? if it has a toddler seat you can put him in and just give a few pushes every 5 mins!

Thats what i'm planning    oh and mine goes to nursey every thursday!

[sanuka]

It was quite windy today so the tent could be a good idea. I guess i'll need to find space for one also I was thinking of trying a little sandpit.

He's not too keen on swings generally but a slide might work.  even less space for veg !! It's going to be a mini playground instead

He could go to grandmas, the thing is I'd have so much more time to do stuff if he enjoyed it down there too.

[matron]

I know he is only little but how about having him plant some seeds that he can watch grow as his. How about a bit of cress at home to start with so he can see something grow.

[Snap Dragon]

The main reason I got a shed for the lottie is so that I could keep stuff for the girls in it!

I'm planning a sandpit, one of them easel/chalkboard things, colouring stuff, kiddy table and chairs and will give them a small patch to grow their own bits in!

I'm sure they'll still get bored after half an hour there though - that's kids for you!!!

[gobs]

Does anyone have any tips for keeping kids happy on the allotment?

After around 1/2 an hour mine is saying 'home, home' over and over

He's only two but he can dig for ages in the garden but doesn't seem so keen at the allotment - why??

We took his bucket and some digging tools and tried to get him interested in collecting snails etc

Alien environment.    Common.

Make it regular.

Make it a picnic.

Give him space and let him 'copy' you and do whatever he fancies with it and his own seeds and tools to mess with, make a small raised bed of compost for this purpose and let him get a mud bath and waste all seeds. ( you plant some later without him seeing, that will grow)

Chalking on paths and water buts is also great.

Keeping a scooter or car in the shed is a great asset.

All of them love playing with water and mud.

Teaming up with another child is also a great no1 in eliminating boredom.

[shaun]

the only time my 2 kids venture down there is to borrow some money off me  :roll:  

[chickchick]

gosh thought i was the only one with bored kids!!! 10 yr old son was encouraged by own plot to grow whatever he wants, 7 yr old daughter skipping and eating (must be on a growth spurt) and 2 yr old daughter wandering around and splashing in the muddy puddles, she was filthy dirty but had the most fun and it all comes out in the wash!!! is very hard, best to involve them to et them interested

[shaun]

most times when i go down the plot and get back mine are still in bed when i get home  :roll:

[chickchick]

i long for that day shaun, they are always up b4 us! how old are they, i guess teenagers?  

[mikem]

most times when i go down the plot and get back mine are still in bed when i get home  :roll:

The question is were they in bed before you went to the allotment? :?  :?

[shaun]

i long for that day shaun, they are always up b4 us! how old are they, i guess teenagers?  

yes chick teenagers well one is and the other is nearly one :roll:

[Bigbadfrankie]

get mobile broadband or install a telly

 :roll:

pretend exercise is bad for you  :idea:

[peanut97]

We have got a climbing frame from freecycle, loads of old trikes, a mud track for cars, a shed with a portable DVD player and loads of neighbours with kiddies, ours beg to go to the lottie!