The STRESS! 7 things that happen on every family outing

It should all be so simple; spending quality time as a family - creating memories together that will really last.

But mums know that things are rarely so straightforward.

From tantrums, to the weather, and traffic – the family outing is nothing if not unreasonably complicated.

And while in the midst of it all we’re close to a mum-mega-breakdown (another desperate cry for the toilet will do that) – in the end at least we’re able to reflect back with a healthy dose of amusement.

Here are the seven glorious things that will happen on every family outing…

1) You leave home an hour later than planned

Someone spills something; there is a nappy that needs changing; or a lost shoe that can’t be found. Whatever the reason, however, you will NOT leave the house at the allotted time.

The delay will result in increased levels of in-car stress, heavier traffic, and longer queues upon arrival.

By the end you’ll avow to leave on time in future (you won’t, of course).

2) There are never enough changes of clothes

You bring three pairs of leggings, four pairs of socks, an extra pair of runners, three tops, a spare jumper, and a rain jacket – it doesn’t matter… it won’t be enough.

Yup, no matter how prepared you think you are, an unexpected occurrence will more than likely catch you off-guard.

So while those three pairs of leggings and back-up socks should have you covered, in reality you’ll end up needing a sun-hat, wellies, and a waist-coat (don’t ask) to see you through.

3) Someone won’t be happy

You think you’ve found the perfect activity to keep everyone occupied and content.

You’re wrong, though – because no matter how carefully planned or orchestrated your family outing is, someone (usually the tween) will decide early on that it’s not for them.

Cue a mega-huff and the subsequent refusal to remove their earphones.

We say – don’t fight it (and they’re secretly enjoying at least a bit of it anyway).

4) The weather catches you out

You’ve checked and re-checked the forecast. You’ve made the necessary arrangements – clothing, accessories, travel-time – to manage it too.

What a pity then that the planned heat-wave was really a wash-out, or that the overcast spring day developed into a full-on typhoon.

We’d recommend that you pack a variety of clothing to manage the unpredictable Irish weather – but then see No.2 above.

5) Something gets lost

Your preschooler was adamant they bring along their prized Paw Patrol figurine from Christmas. You plead with them they leave it behind lest it gets lost. Your reasoning falls on deaf ears; and Chase is brought along for the ride.

Then, sometime between 1.12pm and 1.27pm, Chase is declared MIA – resulting in the tears, blind-panic, and despair (theirs as well as yours) that you had that very morning predicted.

The only solution is to retrace your steps and search – probably in vain. When Chase turns up back at the car (he never left in the first place) your simmering levels of parental despair will absolutely peak.

6) Someone will need the toilet

You check; you check again. You check a third time because experience has heightened your senses relating to such matters. You confirm and reconfirm. You raise the issue repeatedly. However, it doesn't matter how often you ask - you will be told firmly that a toilet is not needed.

Wrong.

A child on a family outing will wait until the most inconvenient time, when you are furthest away from the nearest bathroom, to highlight that they are "bursting".

In fact, MummyPages estimates that half of all family outings are spent asking about, needing to go to, or finding a toilet.

7) Finally! You stumble across the hidden gem

The family outing that ticks every box: fun; affordable; accessible; straightforward. Not always easy to source – but oh what bliss when you do.

What recently caught our eye? The forthcoming Lego Batman Family Fun Day – as taking place in McDonald’s restaurants nationwide from 12pm-6pm on Thursday, February 23 (the children will be off school for mid-term).

With the Lego Batman Happy Meal in restaurants now (add a bag of fruit for just 50c), the event is spot-on a family outing dream.

Come dressed as your favourite Batman character, or have your face painted on the day. Alternatively, there will be balloon modelling and oodles of fun.

No changes of clothing required (well, maybe just one pair of leggings…).

The McDonald's Family Fun Day is an afternoon of fun and free activities, including balloon-modelling and face-painting. Taking place on Thursday, February 23 from 12-6pm, you can find out more here.