Entertaining kids at Easter puts parents under pressure 
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Entertaining kids at Easter puts parents under pressure
New research has found that the spiralling costs of entertaining kids puts parents under pressure over Easter holidays
Families across the UK are set to spend a staggering £3.6 billion1 over the Easter holidays according to new research released today (28 March 2013) by children’s charity, Action for Children. But more than one in four (27%) parents are concerned about the cost of the family break and 1 in 10 admit to finding Easter stressful. Of those, more than half (52%) say they are worried about how to keep children entertained.
However, stressed out parents can breathe a sigh of relief as the findings of the research coincide with the Lindt Big Egg Hunt, supporting Action for Children, which is at London’s Covent Garden over the Easter holidays until Sunday 7 April. The hunt is a great family day out and all money raised will go to Action for children, who help more than 250,000 of the UK’s most vulnerable and neglected children and young people each year.
The research, carried out by Action for Children who spoke to 2,000 parents, reveals that parents across the country will spend £2282 over the Easter school holidays on family costs that include: activities (£66), childcare (£63), food (£51), and transport (£48). However, more than one in four parents (27%) say they are concerned about the cost of the break and many are changing their spending in the following ways to ensure they have enough money this Easter:
• Staying at home and not going on holiday (15%)
• Cutting back on paid for activities (13%)
• Cutting back spending on food (10%)
• Getting into debt (4%)
The research also shows that a further 1 in 10 parents find the Easter holidays stressful, due to worries over:
• Keeping children entertained (52%)
• How to pay for the cost of Easter break (27%)
• Not being able to get time off work (24%)
Andrew Harris, Director of Fundraising at Action for Children, said: “The school holidays are a great time for families to get together and spend time with each other. But with the average cost of a family ticket3 to some of the country’s top attractions set at £133 per family4, it’s no wonder parents are feeling the pinch and pressure about how to keep their kids entertained.
“Easter doesn’t have to cost the Earth though – there are tonnes of low cost options available to families across the country. For the cost of a hunt book (£3) and train fare, egg hunters are promised a great family day out at the Lindt Big Egg Hunt, including some Lindt chocolate treats, with all proceeds going to Action for Children. There’s also a chance to meet some of the nation’s best loved children’s characters including, Ben 10’s Humungasaur, SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, The Fat Controller from Thomas the Tank Engine & friends, and Peppa Pig.
“So this Easter, don’t let the children push you into going on expensive days out, have a look in your local area to see what’s happening, there’s bound to be plenty of events going on that will keep the kids entertained and won’t break the bank. For parents who are pulling their hair out, we also have lots of resources on our website, including advice on painting eggs, making Easter bonnets and creating the perfect Easter egg hunt. Visit the hunt section on the website for more information.”
Annabelle Delorme, Marketing Director at Lindt, added: “We are delighted to be supporting Action for Children with The Lindt Big Egg Hunt, a great way to raise money for this very worthy charity. Lindt believes in the magic of families which is why the iconic Lindt Gold Bunny has been hopping across the UK helping out busy hunters, offering up tasty treats and fantastic chocolate prizes. So hop down to Covent Garden this Easter weekend to have some fun and help support this fantastic cause.”
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