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Hi,

I've taken my 4 year old son camping since he was 22 months old and that was the first time I'd put up my Vango Diablo 600 which is a big tent that takes a good hour to put up so had to keep him occupied. I did, and still do, what it seems a lot of parents do and give him little jobs that he thinks is the most important job in the world. I'll get him to hold pegs, pass me things and all the time he thinks he's Bob the Builder because he's helping daddy "fix the tent". I dont know if it's a dad and son thing but he loves helping & saying "daddy and Louis fix it, Yes WE Can". I know that sounds daft but it has worked on every camping trip we've been on and it makes him feel involved & keeps him occupied while we set up camp.

Scot

Quote: Originally posted by fran1000 on 09/6/2008

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Quote: Originally posted by rabthecrab on 09/6/2008

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take a portable playpen or light weight travel cot - they can still see whats going on then or play with their toys. works for our 21 month old.

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I was just wondering if anyone had invented a lightweight, folding playpen!

 

Can't you tie them up, like we do with the dogs?<G>

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http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/reviews/product.asp?id=60

3kg and packs away to a fairly small size too.

My first outing was with my 2 year old and it really wasn't as bad as I thought. We don't have a DVD player and he isn't musically minded enough for a favoutite CBBC CD in the car.

If they have a favourite outdoor toy, take it and just let them play. Let's face it, camping is as much for socialising with others who likely have a family in tow so just accept that they will make a noise. No-one cares!

I have now found that equiping them with the mallet to put the pegs into the ground really makes him feel a part of the "adventure" which, to young kids, it REALLY is.