Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Camping under canvas
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: How to keep kids busy whilst setting up
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
18/9/2011 at 5:56pm
 Location: EAST SUSSEX
 Outfit: Outwell Vermont plus others.
View Portia Hussey's Profile View Profile   Reply to Portia Hussey Reply   Quote Portia Hussey Quote  
Joined: 25/11/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   679
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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.


18/9/2011 at 8:47pm
 Location: shropshire
 Outfit: aztec tunnel & pyramid tent :)
View vango mans_daught's Profile View Profile   Reply to vango mans_daught Reply   Quote vango mans_daught Quote  
Joined: 15/9/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   33

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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 :)


18/9/2011 at 10:19pm
 Location: West Midlands
 Outfit: Mojave 5 Vermont XL and Oakland XL
View Kat67's Profile View Profile   Reply to Kat67 Reply   Quote Kat67 Quote  
Joined: 13/8/2010

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   416
Tent Reviews:   7

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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....

-------------
Regards,
Kathryn



18/9/2011 at 10:40pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles SR 636 Nissan Navara
View bobsbabes's Profile View Profile   Reply to bobsbabes Reply   Quote bobsbabes Quote  
Joined: 22/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2584
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

dog cage

-------------
hello


19/9/2011 at 12:49pm
 Location: Southampton
 Outfit: Pennine Fiesta
View SiHa's Profile View Profile   Reply to SiHa Reply   Quote SiHa Quote  
Joined: 21/4/2011

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   122
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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.

Found the old ones in the glovebox last month...

 



Advertisement



19/9/2011 at 1:14pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles SR 636 Nissan Navara
View bobsbabes's Profile View Profile   Reply to bobsbabes Reply   Quote bobsbabes Quote  
Joined: 22/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2584
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by SiHa on 19/9/2011
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.

Found the old ones in the glovebox last month...

 



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)


-------------
hello


19/9/2011 at 7:38pm
 Location: Northumberland
 Outfit: vango illusion 800
View Jewelsm's Profile View Profile   Reply to Jewelsm Reply   Quote Jewelsm Quote  
Joined: 14/6/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   495
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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


20/9/2011 at 5:35pm
 Location: Wiltshire
 Outfit: sold van so looking for a nice tent
View snagz's Profile View Profile   Reply to snagz Reply   Quote snagz Quote  
Joined: 15/1/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   345

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

gaffa tape them up and see if you can pitch before they escape

-------------
Rich


20/9/2011 at 7:04pm
 Location: Leamington Spa
 Outfit: Van go Orava 600xl
View janespa's Profile View Profile   Reply to janespa Reply   Quote janespa Quote  
Joined: 05/2/2011

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   130
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We usually arrive at lunchtime and give them a picnic to eat while we get the 2-person work done.  Worked just as well in the car when it was raining.

Jane

 



-------------




20/9/2011 at 9:26pm
 Location: West Midlands
 Outfit: Mojave 5 Vermont XL and Oakland XL
View Kat67's Profile View Profile   Reply to Kat67 Reply   Quote Kat67 Quote  
Joined: 13/8/2010

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   416
Tent Reviews:   7

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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?

-------------
Regards,
Kathryn



Advertisement



21/9/2011 at 8:55pm
 Location: Lincs
 Outfit: tent
View redcedar's Profile View Profile   Reply to redcedar Reply   Quote redcedar Quote  
Joined: 01/5/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   3

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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!!  :) 



21/9/2011 at 11:46pm
 Location: Hull
 Outfit: Outwell Rockwell 3
View Libra64Camper's Profile View Profile   Reply to Libra64Camper Reply   Quote Libra64Camper Quote  
Joined: 29/8/2009

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   237
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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! :-)


24/9/2011 at 10:13am
 Location: Stockport
 Outfit: Hi Gear Sahara 6
View alidfc's Profile View Profile   Reply to alidfc Reply   Quote alidfc Quote  
Joined: 10/9/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   5

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

What a fantastic collection of ideas......thanks everyone.




In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

  Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Camping under canvas - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














5556 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder