Making the most of the summer holidays…

“I need to get my child out the house- he is just staying in and watching tv all day, and will not help around the house, I am at the end my tether.” Parent calling the helpline

Most people look forward to summer as a time of relaxation and fun, but for some families it can be a nightmare. Every year national charity Parentline Plus receives calls to its helpline from stressed parents who dread the summer holidays as a time of conflict, financial pressure and impossible childcare arrangements. In fact, last year more calls were made to our helpline during this quarter of the year than at any other time.

There are many different reasons why the summer holidays can be a difficult time for families.

They may look forward to having time with each other, but end up feeling frustrated, bored and exasperated. An extended period off school can mean juggling with childcare arrangements that might already be on a knife-edge. Parents bringing up their children alone may find it difficult finding childcare for this long a break, and separated families in disagreement over where children will spend their time can find the situation stressful and depressing, underlining the fact that the family has changed. In addition to this, parents may feel guilty about the limited amount of time they have available with their children, or feel under pressure to take their children on holidays or days out during the summer that they can’t afford.

“It’s important to acknowledge that the summer holidays can be a stressful time for all families” says Dorit Braun, Chief Executive of Parentline Plus. “Parents may need to talk over their options, to realise that they aren’t alone in these dilemmas and that there is help at hand. Often just talking to someone about your worries can help, which is why we encourage parents to call our 24-hour, free, confidential helpline on 0800 800 2222”

In order to support parents in the run up to and over the summer holidays, Parentline Plus have produced a helpful list of tips and hints, of which the following are just a few:

• Plan childcare ahead of time and get as much variety in your arrangements as possible. That way, if one element breaks down, you have others to fall back on. Fix up days with trusted family members, friends or neighbours as well as using kids’ or youth clubs and out of school activities (check they are properly accredited with the local council). Swap days with other parents – you care for their children as well as your own for a couple of days, they then care for yours.
  
  
• Instead of both parents taking all their leave together, you might split it up into each spending time alone with your children – you extend cover and also both have a chance for quality time alone with them; a family holiday, all together; and adult time as a couple.
  
  
• Children welcome the freedom of school holidays but can actually find the lack of routine unsettling. It helps to keep some structure, asking them to do chores, get up and go to bed at reasonable times and have some purpose in what they do.

“I am a lone parent and I do not know what to do with my children now that they are on holiday” Parent calling the helpline

If you are a parent or carer and would like more information and/or support you can call Parentline Plus’ 24-hour free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 2222, or go to the website www.parentlineplus.org.uk .