Summer holiday stress reaches its peak today for mums
Research revealed today has pinpointed Wednesday 21st August as the most stressful day of the year for mums.
The dreaded date combines a number of stressful factors for parents including the upcoming GCSE results, a five week pay month drawing to a close, kids’ increased boredom as the summer holidays roll on and all the last minute panic that preparing for the new school term can bring. Parents also found it harder to cope during weekdays when support was harder to find from friends and family.
According to the poll of over 1,000 mums, the amount of women who describe the school holidays as ‘fun’ pre-break drops by a quarter from 48 per cent down to just 36 per cent of respondents come September.
The research, which was carried out as part of the Mums’ SOS (Summer of Stress) campaign for the drink brand Royal Crown Cola, also highlighted the most common causes for feeling stressed during the school holidays including, running out of things to do, over-spending and pressure to get organised ahead of going back to school.
Days out, taking an overnight trip and visiting grandparents are the survival strategy of choice for mums trying to keep children amused, while looking after other people’s children in return for them returning this favour is the least enjoyed ‘necessarily evil’.
Ally Whitehead, Brand Manager for RC Cola, said:
“The summer holidays present a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time together as a family but, while the kids are off school, it’s important that parents remember to have a well-earned break as well.
“So many of our customers are parents and, having pinpointed what looks to be one of the most stressful days of the year for this group, we hope that they not only set aside some time for themselves on this day but recognise all the work they put in to keeping a happy household too. To help support mums and dads through this time, and bring parents together to discuss this topic further, we’ll be dedicating our social feeds to the Mums’ SOS campaign until the end of summer holidays, offering advice, ideas and the occasional treat along the way!”
Celebrity mum Terri Dwyer, a spokesperson for the Mums’ SOS campaign, said:
“If you’re one of the many mums feeling the heat this summer, the most important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t feel guilty about finding the holidays stressful. As RC Cola’s research proves, you are not alone. In fact, 42 per cent of us say that our family dynamic becomes more chaotic and stressful during this time and surely this is to be expected when our daily routines are put on hold.
“As a mum, I know first-hand how hard it can be to adapt your lifestyle while the kids are off school, but there are many ways in which mums can help each other to cope. Seek advice from each other, take time out for yourself and don’t be afraid to jump online for inspiration too. The internet is full of great ideas and discussions to take part in and I know RC Cola is offering some top tips to make the most of too.”