The top concerns parents have about the upcoming summer holidays include not planning enough activities for their little ones (22%) – but on the flip side, how much all these activities will cost (32%), a survey has found.
Nearly one in five (18%) hate the idea of their children having a “disappointing” summer – and three in ten simply want to make sure their youngsters don't have too much screen time over the break.
As a result, those who plan to fork out for activities during the school holidays estimate they will spend an average of £635 on keeping their kids entertained for six weeks.
However, nearly two-thirds (62%), of the 1,000 mums and dads polled, of 4-16-year-olds, say they have found this year difficult when it comes to rising costs – with 11% calling it “very difficult”.
As a result, over a fifth (21%) plan to cut back on spending in other areas, such as food shopping, in order to make sure their kids can enjoy fun activities over the summer.
The research was commissioned by Trustpilot, whose chief trust officer, Carolyn Jameson, said: “Being a parent is never short of challenges.
“But the long summer holiday can really stretch on for lots of parents, as they can quickly run out of free things to do and start worrying about cost.
“A big problem is things that might seem free or cheap on the surface often come with hidden expenses, like buying ice creams in the park.
“And for those who are able to book experiences for their kids over the break – such as cinema trips or excursions – finding venues and clubs which offer genuinely reliable, good-value entertainment and care for children can feel like a minefield.
“That’s why it’s so important, particularly when purse strings are stretched, to make the most of online resources such as review platforms – to see the real feedback of real families, and find experiences you can trust.”
The research, via OnePoll, found that, compared to summer 2022, 25% expect to be spending more money on camps, childcare, or other activities.
However, just over half are having to rethink their plans entirely, due to rising costs, and the fear of being “priced out” of entertaining kids with activities such as football training school or day camps.
And this opens up its own set of problems, as not being able to afford options like these means parents will need to take time off work – something 77% of those affected can't afford to do.
Three in five (61%) admit they are limited by how much annual leave they can take – and 16% fret about how they’ll work from home with kids running around.
In fact, 12% even went as far as to say they’ll have no other choice than to quit their job to care for their child themselves over summer.
Sue Atkins, parenting expert who partnered with Trustpilot for the campaign, said: “It’s going to be a tough six weeks for parents up and down the country.
“And while this may all seem like doom and gloom, there are lots of things parents can do to entertain the kids that are fun but easy on the purse strings.
“Fortunately, there are some great resources you can check online in order to avoid disappointment, where you can see the real experiences of real parents.”
THE TOP PARENTAL WORRIES AHEAD OF SUMMER:
- The cost of entertaining their children
- Their kids having too much screen time
- What to do if their children get bored
- Feeling guilty because they haven't organised “enough” activities for their kids
- Increase in household bills
- Their children having a disappointing summer
- Being distracted by their kids when they work from home
- A lack of clubs and activities for their kids in their area
- Being able to afford food
- Having enough money for the rest of the summer holidays upon returning from family vacations
- The children's activities they organise not being entertaining enough
- Their kids eating less healthily, and doing less exercise
- Having to rely on family members more to help with childcare
- Where their kids will go for childcare
- Poor quality activities, clubs, and leisure venues for kids in their local area
