Does the idea of a four-day weekend fill you with fear?

We made the most of the midterm and we’re busy little bunnies putting plans in place for Easter but now the four-day weekend has left us bemused.

St Patrick’s Day itself will be extra exciting for everyone but the question is what to do with the other 3 days (or in our case 4 as my son’s school doesn’t reopen until Tuesday)?

Here are some ideas if you’re completely out of them and keeping with the Patrick’s Day theme, and they all start with a P.

Petting farm

When we’re stumped for something to do, a petting farm is our go-to. They have plenty of room for kids to run around, animals galore and they often serve coffee too. Kids will love feeding the ducks, clucking at the chickens and stroking the rabbits, just make sure everyone knows beforehand that you won’t be bringing any new pets home.

Playdates

Don’t forget that your mum-friends are in the same boat as you.

Maybe you can arrange to take it in turns to host a playdate to give each other a break or alternatively you could all head out for a picnic together and each bring something different to the (picnic) table.

Getting your kids to help bake some snacks or simply pick them out from the supermarket will be an activity in itself.

Potter (Harry)

Whether it’s dressing up as the wizard and his friends, reading the books together or watching the movies, Potter is always on hand to make your day more magical. Now if you could just find a spell that would stop every argument in an instant!

Park

At the time of going to print the weather is supposed to be pretty good for the long weekend (and please tell me I haven’t just jinxed it).

Therefore, one of the easiest ways to keep the kids happy is to hit a playground. They’ll love running off all their excess energy and they’re less likely to be irritable once you get home. Just pray there are no tantrums when you announce you’re leaving.

Podcast

In order to stop yourself flying into a mum-rage when the whinging reaches incessant levels, why not listen to a podcast to keep your mind busy. It’s surprising how much more patient you are when you’re listening to something entertaining while taking part in a mind-numbing activity. As they say, happy mum, happy child!

(Don’t put yourself under) pressure!

Finally, but perhaps most importantly, don’t put yourself under too much pressure. Playing in the garden or with their favourite toys will often keep them happy for ages and it doesn’t matter that everyone else ‘seems’ to be doing something more exciting.

As the popular quote says, ‘Don’t compare your behind the scenes with someone else’s highlight reel’.