If you though sending them to school was expensive, try keeping the kids at home during the holidays: Irish parents expect to spend an average of €547 per child on entertainment this summer.
Costs include extra toys, books and computer games, day trips, play dates and summer camps throughout the two month break. Those who rely on crèche or childminders to take care of the kids while both parents work during the summer months will pay significantly more, although 31 per cent of Irish Mums and Dads get by with help from grandparents or other relatives.
A
Bank of Ireland survey found that
summer camps are the most popular activity with 53 per cent of kids attending and most parents expecting to pay around €178 for the pleasure. 30 per cent of parents plan to send their little ones to two camps this year, while a further 11 per cent predicted their child would attend three summer camps.
Worryingly, 71 per cent of those surveyed responded that they didn’t put money away to cover the extra costs of the summer months and 44 per cent said they felt under pressure to pay for activities, trips and outings to keep their children entertained.
It isn’t all fun and games however: nearly 70 per cent of parents claim the kids will be responsible for helping out with household chores this summer and 43 per cent of teens will be working to pay their own way through their summer fun.
Stuck indoors with your own gang of hell raisers? Here are three ways to amuse them for free.
