Yahoo LifestyleParents wish the summer holidays were shorter – as it’s revealed they spend £1,400 on keeping kids entertained
Nearly three quarters of families said they want the school holidays to be four weeks rather than six, to save money spent on entertaining children
Parents wish the summer holidays were shorter as they spend nearly £1,400 entertaining kids on a six week break from school.
Nearly three quarters of parents surveyed said they’d like the school holidays to be shorter if they could – because their children are costing them a fortune.
In the study of 2,000 parents, most admitted they’d like a shorter break as the cost of entertaining kids off school pulls on the family purse strings.
And the research found that parents spend more than £1,000 on food, travel and days out to places like theme parks in the school holidays.
Mums and dads also admitted they’re knackered from looking after their kids full-time, with 40 per cent saying they’re tired after just two weeks of summer holidays.
The average parent will have just three lie-ins over the course of the break – so it comes as no surprise that 78 of them said they’ve had enough after a month.
“Gone are the traditional images of relaxing school holidays as it's clear from these results that parents are often put under a great deal of strain during the holiday period - both economically and physically,” said GPaul Keenan, Head of Communications at Benenden Health, which conducted the study.
''The combination of childcare costs, the money spent on holidays and days out - in addition to uniform for the new school year can put a big strain on the finances of families.”
[Prince Harry planning a party for the arrival of his nephew, Prince George]
In addition to this, the study also found the most overused phrase in the summer holidays – and one I’m sure we all can relate to - is “Because I said so.”
“You're pushing your luck” and “Money doesn't grow on trees” were also popular phrases used – although it’s not all doom and gloom as 60 per cent of parents admitted they loved having a break from the daily school run.
Do you wish the school holidays were shorter? Tell us over on Twitter now.
TOP 10 MOST-USED PHRASES OVER SUMMER HOLIDAYS
1. Because I said so
2. You're pushing your luck
3. Money doesn't grow on trees
4. I've told you a thousand times
5. You and I are going to fall out
6. I want never gets
7. What did your last slave die of?
8. Wait until dad gets home
9. I'll turn this car around
10. Ask your mum
