How are you affording the school holidays?

[User6363827373]

I believe we are very much a middle ground income family. Not a high income (i bloody wish) and not low either so we don't get help with much - although DS does get DLA but that is not income based. Also get maintenance from ds's dad. Dp is the main earner and I'm not working at this time.

we are struggling financially ad many people are, I know it's not just us!

I am just not sure how I'm going to do it. My kids don't do well staying in (one has autism, anxiety and adhd and the other has some degree of sen too). We live in a village where there's nothing to do, a tiny little park they get bored of, no decent or safe walking routes so everything involves driving - used to cost me £50 to fill my car, now about £80. A full tank lasts 2 weeks in the holidays!

we have passes to a local theme park but they get bored if we go too much and it's so busy in the holidays!

it's the cost of food too. I usually spend £100 PW. I've booked a slot and it's already £150! Ds is picky with food, Dp needs plenty of work food (he is doing 12 hour days atm), they eat non stop. Dd was getting free lunches being an infant... DS usually goes school dinners (paid for with his DLA), he's so fussy and I found he would try more at school so it was worth the cost. I'm spending more than I would on his dinners in the holidays now!

how are you managing it?

Dp is going try get some OT in for some extra £££ but I feel guilty he'll be tired from all the extra hours! I am not working at the mo!

so many of my friends are going on holidays, weekends away, I don't want to do this but it seems we can't afford food, let alone holidays or expensive days out.

If computer games are DS’s thing, would you consider putting Pokémon go on your phone for him? Gets them both out for a walk….
similarly, the night sky app is good for identifying what you see on a star gazing walk.
Any pet shops near by? Ours are happy to let kids handle the animals and feed the fish, and it’s free!
Or feed squirrels in the park? Go bat spotting at dusk (better late August)?
Definitely camp in the garden if the weather is fine too, possibly toast marshmallows.

Have a look online on 'Pinterest' for garden games, kids crafts, water games - loads of ideas.
Obstacle course in garden
Make a garden den or tent - use sheets over your washing line.
Teach them the old games from your childhood - french skipping, clapping games, jumping over a ball in a stocking etc.
Make a scarecrow/ sculpture for your garden.

I have teens not much money and one of which has SEN and doesnt really go out on her own at 15. The other one age 14, cant be bothered. Will go out with me and tbh I do get them out everyday as they get hyper otherwise. We live in a flat. I wfh but not ft.

We go for a walk often which they moan about and I try and do a fun day now and then. Like going to the nearest city or bowling or meet friends with teens who they know.

Ideas you could try

Playdates, free museums, park, countryside especially if you can walk to a cafe and afford to buy an ice cream halfway or take a picnic.

I have found the NT membership very useful as although is a monthly fee gets you all out for a fraction of what it would actually cost.

Tesco points to go to an attraction.

You can also use Tesco points to buy EH membership.

Some councils do a scheme where SN kids and families get a discount at attractions you could see if that is something yours does.

I don't think it's your job to entertain them. By all means plan the odd day out, but I would let them get bored & then find their own fun.

I'm not. I have always been a carer for son but I'm now having to go from 4 hrs a week work to 25hrs

I have joined the local council run gym - kids can go for free on my membership once they are 11 and can also use the pool for free. I’ve opted for pay monthly so I can cancel once they are back at school, but it gives us something to do for an hr or so on days when we have nothing planned.

Thank you everyone 💗💗💗

Have a look on your council website for what assistance they are offering for help with living costs. You might be eligible.
Apply for carers allowance, if you have not already.
Have a look at Pokemon go or geo caching. Free and good to get the kids out. Bring scooters, bikes and a picnic.
Does your local leisure centre have free swimming sessions? Ours also has as inflatable session, which is very popular.
Does your region have a visit website e.g visitLondon, visitBirmingham. Great for ideas on what is going on in your local area.
Look up local museums, they often have free sessions for kids over summer, which can make a museum trip more interactive.
Do you have a local premiership football team? Some hold free sessions for kids/teens over summer.
Book trail in a library. You could grab a book, head to a park for a reading session outdoors. Some libraries rent audio books or once you have signed up you can get access to their free e-book library. You then do not have to physically go to a library, just log in wherever you are.
Grab some origami paper and use a youtube tutorial to make a 3d object.