The onset of the summer holidays has left parents throughout the UK grappling with the challenge of keeping their kids amused for six long weeks. A recent survey reveals that a staggering seven out of ten parents are wracked with guilt about how bored their kids get during the long break.
Screen time emerges as a particular worry, with 22 percent of parents feeling ‘uncomfortable’ about their reliance on electronic devices to keep their kids occupied, as a third admit to using screens more than they would like over the summer.
It comes after a poll commissioned by HP Inc., found that a fifth of parents with school-aged children see their children get bored as early as 10am, with peak boredom hitting at 11:41 during the summer holidays.
As an alternative to screen time and spending money on days out – which can add pressure due to costs – parents have tried getting their kids involved in baking something, going on a walk or heading to free museums and galleries.
Others have resorted to setting up paddling pools or crafting home cinemas to maintain a sense of enjoyment.
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. 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.”
The study also found that 38 per cent of parents worry that other mums and dads are better at entertaining their kids than they are.
Nevertheless, a third express pride in the activities they come up with and take pride in the small victories.
When creative ideas become do start to run out, 44 per cent of parents confess they end up spending more money then they intended. In fact, families typically spend £487 throughout the summer holidays just to keep boredom at bay.
In an effort to cut down costs, many parents have printed off crafts to provide something simple for their kids to do.
“Printable activities have become a practical and low-cost solution for parents looking to keep children entertained over the summer,” Megan added.
HP Inc. provides Instant Ink, a smart subscription service that automatically delivers cartridges directly to your door when your printer is running low.
“When the ink runs out, those plans quickly fall apart,” she said.