Summer holidays spell stress for British families

Keeping children entertained causes headaches for parents

British parents are feeling the strain of keeping their children occupied and entertained over the summer holidays. In a recent survey, almost 30% of parents said that they found the final week of the holidays the most stressful, while a further 30% found the middle of the holidays the worst, after boredom had set in and their children had seen and done everything.

Almost 25% of people confessed that they simply ran out of ideas for things to do, while 75% said that worries over escalating holiday expenses were an issue in the survey carried out by David Lloyd.

Despite that, the British family summer is still very far from a washout. A third of parents with children under 18 are opting for lots of small activities this year rather than taking a holiday. Trips to the cinema and swimming head the list of the most favoured family pursuits, with cycling and other sporting activities not far behind.

Someone who knows a whole lot about being a busy mum is broadcaster and former British tennis champion Annabel Croft says, “As a busy mum I know first-hand how stressful the school summer holidays can be. The novelty of being off school soon wears off for the kids and they quickly get bored – especially if the weather lets us down. Trying to keep them busy by organising lots of different activities can end up costing the earth so finding something the whole family can do is great. Summertime is a good time to get fit and healthy, so sporting activities are a great idea and it helps burn of lots of energy too.”

For more information visit www.dlsummerfun.com