A “CHEAP mum” has shared how to cut children’s entertainment costs by 70% during the school holidays.
New research reveals that, on average, family holidays will see parents fork out an average of £1,000 to keep their children happy, according to Hodge, a financial services provider.
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But savvy saver and housewife Charlotte Deering – who has a young daughter – is budgeting just £300 for the six-week holiday.
The 28-year-old coin-winning expert is now sharing her secrets with other parents.
“There is immense pressure on parents and carers to make every day of the school holidays fun and create happy memories,” said Charlotte, who lives in Manchester. What is the jelly.
“And there’s a common misconception that involves spending a fortune, which is completely wrong.”
Here are some of her clever summer entertaining tips and tricks:
DIY SNACKS
She said: “I have a basket of snacks for my daughter and she has a limited number each day – when they run out, they disappear.
“I also run a snack shop, where I give her a certain amount of money every day and have a list of snacks she can buy with that money.
“Healthy snacks are cheaper and this works great for impromptu movie nights at home.
“Picnics with school children and parents are also mandatory.
“Everyone brings something and for me I prefer hot dogs.
“I heat it in the morning and keep it warm in a jar.
“For popsicles, don’t buy them in the store.
“DIY at home with reusable, healthy and economical shapes and fruits.”
ECONOMIC EVENTS
She advises using free vouchers from the National Trust, looking for activities on Facebook or searching for deals at local attractions, as there are often “serious” savings at certain times.
The mother, who shares her advice about Instagramsaid: “Some places do twilight offers, where after 3pm it’s half the normal ticket price.
“Always look for events at your local library and make your kids read as a challenge.”
How to Survive Six Weeks of Summer School Holidays
IF you’re struggling with your six-week summer break, you’ve come to the right place…
FIGHTING BOREDOM: Despite the hours of activities and playtime, if your kids are already complaining that there’s nothing to do, early childhood education expert Liat Hughes Joshi says, “Don’t feel like you need to organize every second of your vacation. Children benefit from boredom and learn to have fun.
“Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play, but children need to be encouraged to get used to not being told how to pass the time.
“Overcome the urges of boredom. Counterattack with comments like, ‘What do you think you could do?’ and maybe have a list of ‘I’m bored’ activity ideas on your fridge.”
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It’s tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter, but don’t let them gape all summer in front of a screen.
Liat says, “It’s unfair to expect older children to diminish power, but it’s important to establish some ground rules.
“Establish family technology rules together. If you are often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Perhaps tell children that they are not allowed any screen time until they have done set tasks, some exercise, or a board game.
“Are there times when you would like to ban screens altogether? Maybe during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
“Technology is a battleground for parents, but limits need to be set. Stand your ground and be prepared to be unpopular.”
VERY TOGETHER: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Don’t feel guilty if you need a little downtime.
Liat says, “If you’re juggling work and household chores on top of keeping your kids busy, it’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed or tired and in need of some peace.
“If you don’t have the money to pay or don’t want to send your kids to full-day camps, look for free workshops for kids so you can keep working or take a break for a few hours.
“Seeking a quiet period every now and then doesn’t make you a bad parent – in fact, it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.”
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules may go out the window during the holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy kids.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, pediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: “Children get moody, test limits and become defiant when routines are broken.
“Following some sort of routine while on vacation is a good idea.
“We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal and sleep times are disrupted, it causes mood spikes and dips.
“Vacation is about having fun, but going to bed early once or twice a week will make everyone happier.”
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get outdoors to tire them out – and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: “Sunlight also increases vital vitamin D levels, which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels are low in the winter, so let the kids fill up in warmer weather.
“Letting them run around in shorts and a t-shirt is the best way to recharge. Make sure they’re wearing sunscreen, go out and have fun.
“Encourage them to try healthy habits like cycling and walking. We hope they get hooked and want to carry them when the weather gets colder.”
GAME ON
Charlotte also likes to make a game out of everything; how to give your daughter [not named for privacy reasons] a list at the supermarket for her to find in record time.
She said, “Let the mundane become pleasant.
“I go into charity shops and give her the task of buying an outfit or a game theme for a certain amount.
“It keeps her busy for hours, especially with friends, when it becomes a competition.”
While it’s important to make summer vacation fun, it’s also vital to remember to teach kids a valuable lesson at the same time.
Charlotte hopes her daughter will learn the value of money with these tricks and help other parents avoid financial problems.
She added: “Recall your happiest memories; I bet everything you were doing was free or cost very little – and you had a lot of fun.
“So think about the times you bought something for your child and they were more than happy with just the box it came in, letting their imagination run wild.
“Please don’t hold yourself to impossible standards and feel like you need to spend a small fortune to make your children happy.
“Spending quality time together is worth more than anything and costs nothing.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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