Is there anything better than an unexpected sunny spell, a new magazine, and a glass of ice cold Sancerre in the garden?*The only thing that can ruin this Utopian scene is the rallying cry of 'Mum, can I have .... ' uttered every thirty seconds until your glutes are so worn out with the getting up and sitting down that you decide it's just not worth the pain and frustration.
Don't worry, we've all been there. We'll at least I have. But by now I have a few tricks up my sleeve to keep the little monsters entertained that I thought I'd pass on at this opportune moment.
So are 6 ways to keep young kids entertained in the garden:
1. A big pot of water.
Simple but effective. A bucket, a barrel or a saucepan will do. Fill with water, scatter toys and relax.
2. Indoor toys out.
Throw a rug down and choose an indoor toy for them to play with outside. Cars, Lego Duplo, Dolls Houses all work well. Items they haven't looked at in months will take on a whole new level of interest in the sunshine.
3. Build a Fairy Garden.
Grass, leaves, twigs, stones. Give them the idea and then let them run with it.
4. Teddy Bears Picnic.
An oldie but a goodie.
5. Water Pistols.
From mini 50p ones to full on Supersoakers - kids of all ages love them. A few strategically places buckets of water for refills will keep you in that seat a little longer.
6. Build a Bug Hotel.
It's on our to-do list. All they need is a cardboard box, some crayons, some sticks and stones, an imagination and a bit of foraging.These are all cheap but effective time stealers. Hope they work for you too. Now if you'd like to return the favour by sharing your own tips and tricks with me I'd be most obliged.
But right now I'm off to find that bottle opener.
(*Does drinking wine in the garden in front of my kids make me a bad mother? Probably. What if it's only occasional? With friends? Damn it, you're judging me now aren't you? )
