New research shows parents try everything from cosy home cinema set ups to simple printable crafts to keep their kids entertained over the school holidays.
The summer holidays have only just kicked off but mums and dads nationwide are already battling to keep their little ones busy for the entire six-weeks. A new survey reveals that seven in ten parents feel guilty about just how restless their youngsters become during the lengthy break.
For 22 per cent, they feel ‘uncomfortable’ about how much screen time they depend on to occupy their little ones, whilst 33 per cent confessed they resort to it far more than they would like throughout the summer holiday. It follows a recent poll which found one in five parents notice their kids getting bored as early as 10 a.m., with peak boredom setting in at 11:41 a.m.
With the cost of days out adding extra pressure, many parents are turning to simple, budget-friendly activities such as baking, going for walks, or visiting free museums and galleries. It comes after news anyone buying fuel next week given ‘£15 charge’ warning by The AA.
Other popular ways to keep kids entertained include setting up paddling pools and creating home cinemas.
One parent reported playing hide-and-seek 27 times in a single day, while another transformed their living room into a jungle safari, complete with costumes and character voices.
Megan Casey, from HP Inc, which commissioned the research, said: “For parents, much of the summer is spent juggling costs and the pressure to keep children engaged. That is why simple, affordable solutions can make all the difference.”
Not only do parents feel guilty that their kids are bored but 38 per cent worry that other parents are doing a better job than they are at keeping their children occupied.
Despite this, a third say they take pride in the activities they come up with and appreciate the small wins.
When creativity does run dry, 44 per cent admit to spending more money than they budgeted for. In fact, OnePoll.com figures show parents spend an average of £487 over the holidays to stop their kids getting bored.
To save where they can many parents have turned to printing off crafts at home, as a simple but cost-effective way to keep their kids entertain. A savvy six in 10 have even used workplace printers to further reduce costs.
“Printable activities have become a practical and low-cost solution for parents looking to keep children entertained over the summer,” said Megan. HP Inc. offers Instant Ink, a smart subscription service that automatically sends cartridges direct to your door when your printer is running low.
“When the ink runs out, those plans quickly fall apart,” she added.