A study of 1,000 parents of children aged 5-14 found that parents are expected to pay out an extra £611 on average over the six-week break, on top of their usual expenses
Parents are predicted to shell out an extra £100 per week during the summer holidays to keep their children fed and entertained. This means they could be spending an extra £611 over the six-week break, on top of their usual expenses. Most parents confess they feel the pressure to keep their children busy during the extended holiday period.
A survey involving 1,000 parents of children aged between 5 and 14 revealed that those who spend on clubs and camps could see their total spending increase by another £385. The same goes for day trips which could push costs up to £199, and food and snacks could rise to £401.
Already, four in ten parents are seeking cost-effective ways to keep their children entertained during July and August. They’re hunting for discount codes, cheap day out ideas, or free sports sessions.
The research was commissioned by Utility Warehouse, to highlight its Cashback Card, which is designed to help customers save money by offering cashback on purchases that can be used against their utility bills each month.
Utility Warehouse spokesperson Steve Long commented: “The summer holidays can be costly, and while parents are focused on keeping their kids entertained.”
“With a mix of day trips, summer camps and even an increase in cost for keeping the kids fed, these additions soon add up, but there are some great ways they can save money,” Steve added.
“Shopping around for bargains and using money saving devices like rewards and cashback cards can be a big help.”
Some of the top ways parents are trying to bring costs down include taking packed lunches on days out or utilising cashback or reward deals on spending.
A third will cut back on treats for themselves to spend the money on their children instead, meanwhile others are reliant on free local events in their area.
Steve Long added: “It’s no surprise that many families are looking to cashback to take the edge off summer spending. It can give customers an easy way to supercharge their savings on spending they’re already doing.
“With it coming directly off that month’s utility bills, we want to help to ease the burden in real time at one of the most expensive times of the year.”