I’m proud to be a cheap mum – I save £700 during the school holidays with my 3 budget hacks
A “CHEAP mum” has shared how to cut costs for entertaining the kids by 70% during school holidays.
New research reveals the average family break will see parents flog out £1,000 on average to keep the children cheerful, according to Hodge, a financial services provider.
But savvy saver and stay-at-home mum, Charlotte Deering – who has a young daughter – is budgeting just £300 for the six-week break.
The 28-year-old, who is an expert at pinching pennies, is now sharing her secrets with other parents.
“There is an immense amount of pressure on parents and caregivers to make every day in the school holidays fun and create happy memories,” Charlotte, who lives in Manchester, told What’s The Jam.
“And there is a common misconception that involves spending a fortune, which is completely wrong.”
Here are some of her savvy summer entertainment tips and tricks:
DIY SNACKS
She said: “I have a snack basket for my daughter and she has a limited number per day – once they are gone, they are gone.
“I also do a tuck shop, where I give her a set amount of money each day and have a list of snacks she can buy with that money.
“The healthy snacks are cheaper and this works great for makeshift movie nights at home.
“Also picnics with kids and parents from school are a must.
“Everyone brings something and for me, I go for hot dogs.
“I heat them up in the morning and keep them warm in a flask.
“For ice lollies, don’t buy them from the shop.
“Make your own at home with reusable moulds and fruit, which are healthy and economical.”
BUDGET-FRIENDLY EVENTS
She advises using free National Trust vouchers, looking up activities on Facebook or researching offers for local attractions, as there are often “serious” savings during certain times.
The mum, who shares her advice on Instagram, said: “Some places do twilight offers, where after 3pm, it’s half off the usual ticket price.
“Always look at your local library for events and get your kids into reading with a challenge.”
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BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there’s nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: “Don’t feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
“Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
“Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, ‘What do you think you could do?’ and maybe have a list of ‘I’m bored’ activity ideas on the fridge.”
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It’s tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don’t let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: “It’s unfair to expect older kids to power down but it’s important to set some ground rules.
“Set family tech rules together. If you’re often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren’t allowed any screen time until they’ve done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
“Are there times when you’d like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
“Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.”
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: “If you’re juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
“If you can’t afford or don’t want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids’ workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
“Seeking a spell of quiet 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 can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: “Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
“Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
“We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
“Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.”
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: “Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
“Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they’re wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
“Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They’ll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.”
GAME ON
Charlotte also likes to make everything a game; such as giving her daughter [not named for privacy reasons] a list at the supermarket for her to find in record time.
She said: “Let the mundane become enjoyable.
“I go into charity shops and set her the task of buying an outfit or a game theme for a certain amount.
“These keep her occupied for hours, especially with friends, when it turns into a competition.”
While it’s important to make the summer holidays fun, it’s also vital to remember to teach children a valuable lesson at the same time.
Charlotte hopes her daughter will learn the value of money with these hacks and help fellow parents avoid any financial troubles.
She added: “Think back on your happiest memories; I bet whatever you were doing was free or cost very little – and you had an amazing time.
“Then think about the times you’ve bought your child something and they were more than happy with just the box it came in, letting their imaginations run wild.
“Please don’t hold yourself to impossible standards and feel like you have to spend a small fortune to make your children happy.
“Spending quality time together is worth more than anything and costs nothing.”