What’s Something You Do with Your Kids over Fall Break?

i'm always a little baffled by questions like this. my kids never waited for me to 'do' things. they loved having the time free to play. all i did was enjoy them, whether i was in the thick of it with them or not.

mostly i wasn't. playing was their job.

but when we did do things, we decorated for halloween. went to pumpkin patches and corn mazes. watched halloween videos. read to each other. went for hikes. rode horses through the falling leaves. made chocolate leaves by painting thin coating chocolate on the back of the prettiest leaves we could find, letting it dry and peeling it off. collected pine cones and made hanging bird feeders out of them. played monster in the dark. made halloween decorations. made halloween treats and ate them.

i was very good at the last.

khairete
S.

well MommaZ, it might be because they aren't YOUR kids. You're babysitting them. You're NOT the step-mom as you're NOT married to him yet.

You're 21. It wasn't long ago you were 15, like his oldest son. What did you like to do?

Haven't you asked them what they want to do?

I'm still baffled why you feel at the age of 21, you feel like you'll never get the chance to be mother - because you chose to serve your country - YOUR WORDS from your first post: "I do this because I’ve always wanted to be a mother and I never got the chance to because I wanted to serve my country" so you're not AD anymore? I thought you were going to school to become an esthetician. Don't you already have your degree in Public Safety?

My kids have never gotten a week off for "fall break"...the only ones that get the break are the college kids...

Maybe you “don’t know what to do” because you are 21 and are only a few years older than the oldest child, which adds a unique difficulty.

You got some great advice on your last question. Think about that advice, focus on your own personal goals, and maybe slow down a little bit on stressing yourself out about stuff like entertaining the kids over fall break.

Given the kids' ages, I'd let them pick. Google activities in your area, talk to their friends' parents, make a list. Let each child pick an activity but have Dad say that they don't get to choose unless they agree to go to the other child's choice as well. Understand that teens are going to balk at this big time. However, this might be a chance for you to start becoming the teen's friend instead of parent, which is always going to be problematic given the small age difference.

Some things that many ages enjoy are museums (science, environment, natural history), bowling (we have candlepins in our area which are easier for younger kids and still challenging for older ones and adults), movies, indoor laser tag places, and so on. Set a budget for activities and lunches out so you don't get overwhelmed. Consider at-home things like board games and a movie night - put a sheet on the living room floor, make popcorn, order pizza, and sit on the floor with each kid picking a movie. Don't make it about spending a fortune or you being the entertainment committee. Kids need to learn to entertain themselves too. Arrange play dates etc. Go hiking or canoeing or kayaking if you can.

How can you do this if you work full time and go to school, though? Coordinate with other parents and share the load.

Around here there are pumpkin patches - hay rides, corn mazes, farmers markets.

Additional
I forgot - you have 9yr old, 13 yr old and 15 yr old that are your fiances kids.
The teens aren't going to want to do much except hang out with their friends.
The 9 yr old might like some of the stuff mentioned above.
If their dad will be away all week - isn't that a good time for them to be spending with their mom?
Perhaps you could enjoy a kid free week and get together with some of your friends.
It could be an 'everybody take a break from blended family' week.

Additional
This is a public forum and you asked a question.
You don't get to specify how people respond.
Take what you find that helps you and ignore the rest.

You have an awfully interesting life for a 21 yr old.
It's a bit too interesting and I'm starting to think that you are a troll making things up.

The whole 'I never got a chance to be a mother because I chose to serve my country' thing is just really strange - you've got roughly 30 years till menopause.
And now you're a student.
"I've received my bachelors in public safety and emergency management and I’m going to school to be an esthetician"
- that's quite an accelerated program for a 4 year BS degree by 21 - did you start college at 17? -
and now also a part time model for Harley-Davidson besides being a live in nanny who's sleeping with her boss and calls it an engagement.

And in spite of being only 6 years older than the oldest child you are looking after you can't figure out how to entertain the kids while their dad is gone for a week.

Your fiances step sons mother passed away but the biological mother of the other 2 doesn't like you and it doesn't sound like the kids like you either.

Where are your parents in all this?
Apparently they don't care enough to supervise your computer use adequately.
Just put the computer down and go read a book.
You sound a lot like a 'grad' student who trolls here sometimes making up impossible situations for people to respond to.
It's doubtful any tale you spin has any basis in reality.

I delete hate mail so don't bother.

Be careful that you are not setting yourself up to be in charge of entertaining them. Local library, museums and parks are all options but have the older kids research and plan some outings. If it is something they want to do, they will get involved. If they want you to take them, it means they will help with the little ones on your adventures. It also means they will get up and be a part of getting ready. I’ve found morning outings are best so you are home for younger ones to nap and older children are more ready to chill if they have already been out. This is family planning not you alone.

Your last question asked if you were doing ok as a step-parent (to be). Most replies gave advice I don't think you wanted to hear. Did you take this on or is this being left to you? really dad and bio mom should be involved and so should kids (old enough) - and if you're taking them to places, of course it should be enjoyable for you also.

Otherwise, parents can plan for care for the kids - don't you study or work? I think you said you did.

Good suggestions from 2kidmama. Movies, local attractions, sleepovers with friends, etc. They are at an age where doing things with friends is likely important also so include them.

ETA - As someone mentioned, your 21. My nieces that age and totally know what my kids enjoy and often take them out. I can't imagine them taking on what you are - they are setting out on their careers and lives - not settling down with already existing families (your husband's is blended - so two in one).
I still think it would be worthwhile for you to meet at least once with a counselor. It's not something you will ever regret. Once we get married, life becomes that more complicated. When we're able to make choices and change the trajectory of our lives - we have a freedom and power over our lives - just make sure you're being assertive - put yourself first. You deserve everything. You may feel you're enjoying this and helping out your man with his kids. I get it. You may feel he's all that, and more - for being a veteran. I still say - you deserve more. Would he do all this (and more) if the position were reversed? You may say yes, but be honest. That's what you need to be available to meet and find - while pursuing your dreams.

Just had to add that. Seeing that you're expected to be a babysitter this week (whether you volunteered or this was put on you) - is a bit of a red flag to us experienced women. If you volunteered, dad (and their mom) should have said it's not really your place. It's great if you did volunteer - but it really is not for you to be doing. Ask yourself why are you doing this. You should be coming first at 21. Not their dad. Not your love for him. Not these kiddos. You. Your career. Your studies. Your work.

What would your mom say? What would you say to your best friend? Your daughter some day? take that advice.

Take your kids for a hike. Go bike riding or to the beach or a lake. Go see a movie or visit a museum, zoo or science center. Let them have some friends over.

We always go camping over fall break. You could do things in your area you don't do often. Science museum. Zoo. Aquarium. Hike a trail. Botanical garden. Community pool. Mini golf. Bowling. See if there are any theater shows or music going on that might enrich kids and get tickets. I made my kids see a Shakespeare play last year and they surprisingly liked it! They often do an afternoon family showing for free or cheap. Plan one fun thing a day. Invite some friends. Have fun!

Good afternoon! Not sure how old your child is..

If you guys have near you ( or within reasonable driving distance) a park like 6 flags or a safari drive through. Maybe go “camping in the back yard” There are also petting zoo( if kids are young).. movies and bowling? Hiking, maybe gardening, painting class, maybe take a yoga class ( my 12 and 13 year tried it with their hockey team and my boys absolutely loved it!), pool, take a cooking class or just go to a market and cook ( bake)together..
Make some room for reading and doing some math and science..

Maybe go on an overnight trip maybe next state over so not too far and explore a new city, museum or something historic?

A lot of times it’s really not where but the quality time kids spend with parent(s). Have fun!

So now you are a model with Harley Davidson?
I'm guessing that means somebody gave you money for posing in your underwear on the back of a motorcycle.
What a nut job. I hope you're just a bored or drunk person trolling online because I would hate to imagine you interacting with real, live children.

Some places have pumpkin patches, corn mazes and hay rides. Other places have fall festivals. Other than that, you could go to a movie, stay home and carve pumpkins, etc., arts and crafts, cook together, watch some Halloween movies, go to a local museum, maybe visit some parks for a hike, some parks have Halloween haunted houses and things like that as well, or find some historic, spooky spots to read about and visit. Are there outdoor plays or outdoor movies where you are? Maybe the local library has some stuff for kids too. Camping sounds fun, or just having a bonfire and roasting some marshmallows. Some of the parks here have fire pits, if not, maybe a regular grill at home might do. I have never had an entire fall break with my kid because I work, but I do some of this stuff on our free weekends, or I imagine I'd do some things like this if I had more free time.

This is a great opportunity to bond with the kids. You aren't their parent. You are their 'older sister'. How about you sit down and research on line what you would all like to do as visitors in your own city...or a nearby larger city. The rules are that anyone can make suggestions and you or one of them can write them all down. Each gets to choose a place he or she really want to go to and everyone must be a good sport and go along with it..no complaints. If it is not included in their choices, if I were you, I would choose a place where they...and you, learn something new such as a museum. If the museum has a collection of a particular artist, spend time researching for information about that artist and his style.Many museums offer one time art workshops. If they all choose sedentary activities such as pottery painting, a doll museum, watching a cattle auction or drag racing, you could choose a physical activity such as ice skating at an indoor facility or a water park. This may all be spread over 2 or more days...or even one activity per day if it is far or takes time. If Dad can afford it and you are visiting a city more than an hour away, you could even stay in a hotel overnight and have your own bonding holiday. One rule must be agreed upon by all and that is that everyone do his or her best to not complain and to be supportive of one other. You can even have fun practicing. You could say, "I really want to visit the old cemetery with the cool tombstones" to which the one or more not in favour can say something exceedingly polite in disagreement such as, "What a wonderful idea! Personally, I find cemeteries creepy but if you would like to go, let's do it!".
If you are good at the above, you would make a wonderful teacher who offers enrichment while building character and polite behaviour among the children.

If you give the ages of the children and their interests I could make suggestions.

Is the 15 year old willing to spend time with you and younger kids? I have had a 15 yo daughter and 15 yo granddaughter. Both preferred to spend time with friends unless they needed a ride to an activity. By that age I just dropped them off unless I wanted to see the movie. Then I would sit far away so I couldn't hear or see them.

My daughter takes her young children ( they're now 6 and 8) to an arcade, movie, a science activity place, to the beach a local park. They have sleep overs, go to an indoor play building. They do crafts. They also spend 1/2 their time at home.

Their older brother spends most of the week with his Dad. They go to coast with grandparents, play video games, go to the movies, go to local sports events.

My daughter learns about events for children on the Internet. She has friends close to the same ages with whom she plans. If the younger kids in school, talk with other mothers for suggestions. I suggest you do not talk about being a step-mother. As you see here that will only open a can of worms. When Moms asked me what I do, I was mostly vague and changed the subject. I was a cop. Saying you're a step mother takes the conversation away from what you want to know. That is the realty of life.

You would've had more helpful responses if you'd not described your situation, especially your ages. I suggest you learn to have conversations that your audience will understand. We did not need to know most of the information you gave for us to comment on being a stepmother.

I take my kids to the park or beach and they love it. Depending on the kids age and the weather you could take them to the beach or find some fun indoor games to do. Fyi i wouldn't pay attention to the negative comments because people will always say how they think you should live your life. If whatever you're doing is making you happy then continue doing it. Good luck!!