School holidays come around a lot quicker when you aren’t the one in school.

Every time you blink, there seems to be another break, bank holiday or inset day.

No one notices the school holidays more than those with children and parental responsibilities.

Amidst the rising cost of living affecting us all, everything gets more expensive when you have children to entertain for six weeks – but there are things we can do to get around that...

 

Try free days out

Out in the country, time flies when you’re on some of the scenic walks or playing games with the kids. Just try to keep up with their energy!

And in the city, where everything gets more expensive, there are usually some free museums and exhibitions on offer.

No young mind is too old for the wonders all over the UK.

For some local ideas you can find what’s on offer on the Fermanagh Lakelands website: (https://tinyurl.com/earyycav). Wherever you’re based, there’s history and activity waiting.

 

Have a clear-out

With the kids at home during the day, you might find the space seems tighter than normal.

Having a clear-out is a great way to teach children valuable lessons of charity and recycling, while making more room.

You might even find your next family project when you go to the charity shop to donate...

 

Get the kids involved

After your clear-out, when dropping off your donations at the charity shop, you might find some affordable furniture for sale that you’ve needed – just begging for a makeover.

‘Upcycling’ is a great project to occupy the kids and make the hours fly.

And by the end of the holidays, you could have a brand-new chest of drawers. (Just don’t let the kids pick the colour!)

 

Learn something new

After weeks of cramming for exams, children of all ages will need a break. Some down-time is the perfect opportunity for them to learn something they actually want to!

That could be a new game, activity or skill. Who knows – maybe someone you know has an old instrument for your kids to borrow?

Then check out some free online tutorials and watch them become a pro.

 

Playing can be cheap or free

Kids don’t need a screen to have fun – particularly younger children. These days, spending money on the latest tech isn’t an option for many families.

But play doesn’t have to be expensive – your child’s boredom might go just as quickly with a fun game and a little imagination, whether that’s a board game you haven’t played for a while, or a game of hide and seek. The sky’s the limit!

 

Connect with your family and friends

The people we have around us are a blessing. It’s easy to take them for granted – or to just forget they’re there.

Whether it’s calling on them for inexpensive childcare or just having a catch-up, school holidays are a great time to connect with those you haven’t seen for a while.

So give yourself an hour to meet another parent in the park while the kids run around.

 

Finding things difficult? At Christians Against Poverty (CAP), we see the balance that people have to strike between providing for their families and keeping sustainable finances.

This is getting increasingly difficult, as prices rise from the tills to the pumps.

With CAP’s latest client report showing more than one in three new CAP clients have parental responsibilities, it’s clear that managing money is getting harder for families across the UK.

If you or someone you know is struggling with finances, please know you’re not alone. CAP is only a phone call or click away. Our services are open and free to everyone.

If you’re ready to take the first step, you can reach us at 0800 328 0006 or find us online at https://tinyurl.com/ykp2rf44.

 

Jonathan Hayward is the manager of the West NI Debt Centre operated in partnership with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) which is a UK charity with more than 580 services across the country delivering free debt counselling, money management and life skills groups to people of all faiths or none. All these services are available in Enniskillen. Visit capuk.org to find out more.