Compare the Market’s #SundaySwitch is a nationwide initiative to show people how easy it is to switch energy tariffs and get a better deal. So, we’re challenging families to switch their suppliers and then switch pastimes, spending their savings on a new family activity to enjoy together.
Despite the fact I usually wake up around 6am, Sundays are normally a pretty low-key affair in my house. Weekdays are a blur of work, school, playdates and homework, and if I take the kids out to do an activity it tends to be on a Saturday, so our Sundays usually feature a chilled morning, church for the kids, and a big family lunch, followed by an afternoon on the sofa with a good movie – or three.
So, when I was challenged to switch things up and take up a new Sunday activity, I wasn’t initially all that enthusiastic.
Since my daughter, Vianka, arrived four years ago, one-on-one time with my son Onyx, 10, has been limited, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to indulge in some much-needed mother-son bonding – and it’s probably the best decision I’ve made so far this year.
I decided to go all out and try something completely new – bouldering at Yonder, a new climbing centre, yoga studio and workspace (how hip!) in Walthamstow, north-east London.
As a family, we do quite a lot of activities – ice-skating and soft play are two of our favourites. But I’m usually watching from the sidelines or chasing after Vianka, leaving Onyx to do his own thing. What was so great about our bouldering experience was that Onyx and I took on the new challenge together.
First off, I wouldn’t say we were natural climbers – and I definitely wasn’t helped by the fact I’d just had fresh nail acrylics applied – but that didn’t stop us having a great time. Learning a new skill together allowed us to bond in a new way and explore a different side to our relationship – less parent-child, more partners in crime, especially as we both broke the rules, grabbing on to any “rock” we could, instead of sticking to the white route we were instructed to.
‘Our rock climbing adventure reminded me how important it is to try new things’
When I challenged Onyx to reach the top (with a monetary incentive), he quickly overcame his fears and scrambled up there. In return, he challenged me to do the same. With hard cash on the line, I was able to replicate his triumph, despite my new nails and fear of heights.
Apart from the aches and pains the next day – a sign I should probably hit the gym, or maybe the climbing wall, a little more often – I can’t think of any downsides to the experience. Onyx and I had a fantastic afternoon together, while Vianka and Joe, my partner, got some special daddy-daughter time too.
Onyx gets to grips with the climbing wall
Lazy Sundays on the sofa certainly aren’t gone for good, but our rock climbing adventure reminded me how important it is to try new things and take time out with the kids individually. We’ll definitely be switching up our Sunday routine a little more often going forward, although maybe we’ll try something a little less strenuous next time.
Switch things up yourself and spend a few spare minutes this Sunday seeing how much you could save with #SundaySwitch, a nationwide initiative to show people how easy it is to change energy suppliers with comparethemarket.com. T&Cs apply
