How did we achieve a successful family evening out?

As the kids grow older, some things have become easier. I don’t have to watch them like a hawk should they fall over or make sure they aren’t trying to stick things into plug sockets. I don’t have to get up to make them their breakfast and even get a lie in on weekends now!! Some weekends I even get my morning coffee made and brought to me in bed. Result!! But other things have become harder. Things that were not an issue when they were small. The biggest challenge on that front has been finding an activity for us as a family, something that everyone enjoys. In fact it can be down right bloody exhausting and I have on many occasions, simply given up because the ensuing moans, groans and arguments have just been a total fricking drain!

However!!!! We went to paint pottery, at All Fired Up in Bournemouth. Child 2 & 3 are registered ‘Young Carers’ and PCT, otherwise know as Parent Carers Together, invited us along for this evening. Initially I thought I might be met with resistance from Child 1 & 2 but no……………there was none!!!!! and Child 3 couldn’t wait to go.

The place had a relaxed and welcoming feel. On an arrival, we were instantly greeted by a lovely young lady who showed us how it works. You can pick the item you want to paint from shelves which are laden with plates, mugs, jugs, little houses, figurines etc. Each item was individually priced, so you know exactly how much it is going to cost you. Once you’ve picked your chosen item, you can then choose your colours from an extensive array of paints. Along with every thickness of paintbrush you can imagine there are sponges, tools and more – your creative juices will find their match.

We were each given a mixing pallet , a sponge to clean our brushes along with a bowl of water and we were ready to go.

Successful family evening of pottery painting at All Fired Up. — Pottery Painting at All Fired Up in Bournemouth.

The well stocked Café meant we all had a drink and some delicious cake to eat whilst we allowed our paints to flow. Art is considered therapy and I for one have to agree. It can be quite daunting to start with a blank canvas and have no idea what you are going to paint but also immensely liberating in allowing yourself the freedom to just go for it. All 4 of us became completely engrossed in the process and talked non stop whilst painting. About what colours we needed, where the idea came from, what was going on in our lives. It was bloody lovely to be sat together and enjoy each others company.

2 hours!!!! 2 hours of family fun!!!! I can’t believe how much we enjoyed this activity and I even more so, because the kids weren’t bickering, arguing or basically being an arse about things. Even Child 1, who can struggle sometimes in a busy places like this, became totally absorbed in what she was painting. Seeing each of my children explore their own creativity was wonderful and something I want to foster at home, a bit more.

It’s not cheap mind you. The 4 items we chose, would normally cost £64 (flipping heck!). Our costs were very generously subsidised by PCT and for that I am very grateful because not only have we added 3 personalised plates and a mug to our crockery collection, but we all have a new memory in the bank, of us, together and that is priceless!

Pottery painting at All Fired Up, got a big thumbs up from us.