Can you keep the kids entertained with a card game?
Remeber the days when a family game of charades could entertain the parents, the children and the grandparents for hours on end? Those were the days, the days when technology teamed with a busy lifestyle was scarce and families looked forward to games night.
Now, over a third of parents believe it’s a must to pay out for family fun rather than staying in as most parents admit that they just don’t know how to entertain the kids for free.
Skipping, elastics, juggling and paper planes are just as much fun for children today – and cost virtually nothing. Many of these games have been around for centuries..."
New research from Morrisons revealed that the average family now spends over £30 a week more per child in the school holidays than term time and with just two weeks into the summer break, families are already sliding into debt.
The research into family summers identified that the free and low cost games that filled parents’ childhoods are on the verge of extinction today with 93 per cent of mums and dads surveyed regularly played free games in their youth, yet 27 per cent of their children have never played the games, which include hopscotch, leapfrog, blind man’s bluff, jacks and tiddlywinks.
Despite almost half of parents wanting their children to have similar childhood experiences to theirs, nearly a fifth don’t feel confident on how to share this fun with their offspring.
Sonia Whiteley-Guest, Director of Brand Development at Morrisons, said: “With two children of my own I am constantly looking for fun but low cost solutions to keep the boredom at bay. Our wider report into summer spending highlighted that parents expect to be in the red as a result of the school holidays, with the average parent predicted to end up £126.95 in debt over the course of the holiday. Eight per cent will accrue a debt of between £250 - £500.
In response to the research, Morrisons has hit the roads of the UK with the M Savers Summer ‘Pop-Up’ Play Park in partnership with Play England, the leading charity that promotes the importance of play. Launching in Plymouth today, the park will tour the country throughout the summer holidays teaching such games and creative activities absolutely free.
“Entertaining children with these games and the ones we all remember from our childhoods needn’t cost a penny. Those who want to remember the fun and how to play traditional games should head down to the free Summer Play Parks to refresh their memories,” Sonia added.
Catherine Prisk, Director of Play England, said: “Outdoor and indoor play is essential for children's health, well-being and happiness. It is also important for their future development, to help build vital life and social skills.
"Skipping, elastics, juggling and paper planes are just as much fun for children today – and cost virtually nothing. Many of these games have been around for centuries; hopscotch for example has been a staple child’s game since the 17th century. We need to ensure they are passed on to future generations,” she added.
Visit www.morrisons.co.uk/msavers/summer to find a host of helpful information for parents to help keep summer costs down.
FemaleFirst @FemaleFirst_UK
Shabana Adam @Shabana_FAM