When mine were that sort of age one of the things we would do was take a plastic tea set along with us. When we got out of the car one of us would fill a bowl with some water, chuck the tea set in and get them to wash it all up. Kept them going for about 10-20 minutes depending on how tired they were. By that stage usually the bits that we had to have 2 for were done and then if necessary mum could take on the boys while I finished. For the last few years they have had jobs to do - the youngest was responsible for the airmats as soon as he was about 4. If he could get into the tent he'd inflate them and pull out the sleeping bags whilst biggly got tent pegs for us. Now the big one helps with the tent (10) and littly puts the kitchen stands up before doing the bedrooms. They both help put the poles out before we start.
If all else fails take along a spare mallet or two and let them bash pegs in. Just be prepared to pull them all up again.
------------- pork
Remember a good wife always helps her husband with the dishes.
my 22 month old daughter came with us and we were putting our tents up for around an hour here or there.
she had her football and that kept her occupied for quite a while as there was alot of open space (shell island) but after a while she ghot bored...we just gave her snacks like you said
------------- VMD :)
September 2011- Shell Island
september 2011- Llyn Gwynant
November 2011- Hopleys Meet :)
We always struggle cos our 2 yo hates being strapped into his car seat even when we're travelling so we have no hope at all of keeping him in there when we've arrived. I've tried the giving him a mallet trick, but he bashed his thumb, so we have to be careful there. Generally we get very stressed, spend a lot of time chasing him back from the neighbours that he's trying to befriend and shout at each other a lot. I'm sure there's a better way, am hoping that next year when he'll be three, he might be a little bit easier....
Quote: Originally posted by bobsbabes on 18/9/2011
dog cage
Nice.
We have 2 & 6yr old boys. When we went caming at easter, the litle one was quite happy playing in the car (keys removed) for quite a while, while big brother helped with pegs etc.
Same again when packing up.
I lost my sunglasses that holiday, assumed the little one had chucked them out of the window whilst we wre packing, and got a new pair.
Quote: Originally posted by bobsbabes on 18/9/2011dog cage
Nice.
We have 2 & 6yr old boys. When we went caming at easter, the litle one was quite happy playing in the car (keys removed) for quite a while, while big brother helped with pegs etc.
Same again when packing up.
I lost my sunglasses that holiday, assumed the little one had chucked them out of the window whilst we wre packing, and got a new pair.
Found the old ones in the glovebox last month...
Â
have pics somewhere of my daughter pretending to be a dog she spent ages in the dog cage (it was never locked and it was her game lol)
Portable dvd player, fav DVD of the moment (currently dispicable me), a bag of snacks and he is quite content. Once the tent is up, DS gets to help hammer in the pegs and then get him to set up his chair and toys in his area of the tent why we get the other stuff set up. He likes to help make the beds too. Then we all sit down for a cuppa together! He likes to help with any little bits and pieces, will go with OH to fill water bottle, and scope out the site (facilities) whilst I finish off setting up the inside of the tent. But that first hour or so with the dvd player is a godsend.
------------- Jewelsm - a fair weather camper
August 2013, 14, 15, 16 & 17-Trevornick for two and a half weeks of sea and surf (and ever optimistic -lots of sun). Some other weekends if I can persuade DH
Hmm.... gaffa tape...... could work.... he'd scream.... would probably have to shut him in the boot of the car so the everyone else wouldn't have to listen to that... but then I could save the effort of the gaffa tape if I did that?
Having just returned from 3 weeks touring france with our 1 year old and 3 year old, i now have it down to a fine art!
Options are :
in car with snacks
Helping for the 3 year old ( things out the car, bits for daddy, carrying the hammer, working the airbed pump ) and play on a mat for the baby
planning to arrive at nap time - car sleep!
Arrive after grandparents and give the kids to them
New toy for each ( plastic plate kept my 3 year old happy for many hours , he used it as a steering wheel/ frisby/ space ship )
We pitched and packed 14 times in 3 weeks and got the whole set up ( Vango icarus 500 plus all kit) up in an hour and down and packed in an hour and 15. I think the key is acepting the fact its going to take longer with little helpers but its holiday and camping is for the family!! :)
I think you can get 9 rolls of Fly paper at pound shop, Hours of fun! <------ only kidding lol, the only thing I know about 2 yr olds is how loud they scream at Santa!
By that I mean, I was a photographer in my youth, one seasonal job was in Santas Grotto, I did about 6 in a row of 6 weeks of 100% 2 year old screamers, 1 yr olds didn't know what was going on? 3 yr olds were bamboozled by the lights n toys!, but every single - anyway, I'm all better now... you ask me Mam! lol
------------- There's only ONE thing worse than being talked about, and that's... NOT being talked about! :-)
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: How to keep kids busy whilst setting up
