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Half term madness

Half term madness – going out over half term with a stoma

Half term has ensued and this is making the parents cranky. ‘Oh my god how will I keep the little ones entertained?’ While the teachers are reaching for the wine and taking a well-earned rest.

Having worked from home for the last three years trying to juggle my work load, half term can be manic. My daughter also comes from a split family and only tends to spend an extra day at her father’s house, which doesn’t always help me with keeping her entertained. I am also on Auntie duties as child care is expensive, so I have my niece Jodie for a day or two as well, just to help my brother out. Maisie and Jodie have a cousin’s love and get on fairly well, so it’s nice to treat them and head on out.

Half term fun

Half term can be costly. Let’s face it, we aren’t made of money and an hour or so’s worth of fun can land us £40 lighter before we know it and then having a mini heart attack when viewing the bank balance.

So, what to do to keep the kids off the electronics, or YouTube, and get them outside into the fresh air all while hoping that they aren’t suddenly allergic to the sun?

What to do?

Hopefully for those of you going stir crazy at home, some of these suggestions will help you get the kids out and free range, while costing next to nothing to entertain:

  • The local country park to feed the wild fowl and get them running riot. You can pick up bird seed for about 50p which is kinder on the ducks’ tummies. You will also be surprised at how far that goes.
  • The local park – as long as the weather is fair, then pack a book and a picnic and off you go
  • The National Trust does a range of free or family budget events through the half term – just take a look at your local area and see what you can find.
  • If you’re in North Wales, then from the 27th – 28th of February there are free rides running on the mini steam trains at the Model railway show.
  • London’s Southbank are running the Imagine Children’s Festival and half the activities are free. Dates are 13th – 24th.
  • Places such as VUE, Odeon cinema & Cineworld have a selection of movies and the prices are averaging £2.50 per ticket on selected days.
  • The local indoor play areas for rainy days.
  • Hobby Craft, The Works & The Pound Shop all offer cheap activity packs and games to keep them entertained during the rainy weather.

What did I get up to?

Half term kept the nine-year-old entertained, starting with a sleepover on the Friday evening. Then, Holy Mother of God, I had a four-year-old and a nine-year-old to entertain Saturday morning. My aim was to stay away from the rather clean home abode for most of the day, so I booked trampolining. This 33-year-old then had to go and pay for an adult ticket, as supervision-only bands with a little loose terror meant I could only keep up by jumping on the trampolines with her. It’s amazing how quick four-year-old’s move from sight, especially when she’s laughing her head off as Auntie can’t keep up.

This led to rather tender feet and abdomen on Sunday morning.

Sunday afternoon was a family day of, ‘let’s head to Haysden, knock out 5k and have a breakfast roll to tide us over until our traditional roast later in the evening.’ Maisie loved it. She was wading in puddles in her bright pink wellies and came home covered in mud. Lesson learned by Maisie? Don’t start a water fight when mummy is faster and is wearing proper walking boots.

Monday was a rest day. On Tuesday, we had an appointment with Maisie’s new tutor. She starts year 5 in September and after discovering the pass rate for the Kent test is only 25% nationally, she needed the help and guidance to get through what is classed as a really hard test for kids her age.

On Wednesday we went to Go Ape over at Leeds castle. If this is booked far enough in advance, then discounts can be used. This cost us £71 for two adults and one child.

Go ape was absolutely amazing – the harness didn’t hinder me and was very comfortable around my stoma.

 

Go Ape

A vlog will follow shortly on that and will show that having a stoma gives us back a quality of life.

That’s me over and out for half term fun and tips.

Many thanks for reading,

A very tired Louise X

 

*Disclaimer*

This blog post is intended to give advice to ostomates. The information given is based on Louise’s personal experience and should not be taken as clinical advice. Each ostomates needs are unique to them and their stoma care routine. Please consult with your Stoma Care Nurse before undertaking any changes to your stoma care routine.