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As kids, we couldn’t wait for those glorious six summer weeks to arrive. Endless days of garden water fights, picnics in the park and getting muddy on bike rides. The beauty of our summer holidays was in the simplicity… Mum lying on a towel reading the latest Danielle Steel, sitting next to her with an ice pop, or listening out for the ice-cream van.
Now it’s all go-karting, theme parks and week-long sports camps. When our children aren’t being spoilt by high-energy activities with hefty price tags, they’re demanding endless screen time, slobbed on the sofa, turning into TikTok and YouTube zombies.
Yet nearly one in five parents hates the idea of their kids having a ‘disappointing’ summer, even though entertaining them, or getting them out in the sunshine feels harder than ever.
Then there’s the financial pinch, with 62% of parents of four to 16-year-olds struggling under rising costs. So what’s the answer? We speak to one mum who’s going back to basics…
'WE EMBRACED BOREDOM - THAT'S WHAT CHILDHOOD WAS ABOUT'
Writer Shona Sibary, 52, is married to Keith, 56, and lives in Chichester with her daughter, Dolly, 13. She has three older children, Flo, 24, Annie, 22, and Monty, 20.
Esta historia es de la edición July 31, 2023 de WOMAN - UK.
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Esta historia es de la edición July 31, 2023 de WOMAN - UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
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Worried about ringing in the ears?
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WHY CHARLES IS DETERMINED TO CELEBRATE
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Anything but FOOTBALL!
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Here’s how to get your 40 winks, whatever the weather
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Is National Service A GOOD THING?
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plans for all 18-year-olds has left the country divided
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Does RED make you more attractive?
After years of wearing black Rowena Becker decided to see just how much of an impact colours have on how we are perceived
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RUTH & EAMONN - What's really going on?
Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes’ divorce may be about to get messy, according to insiders.
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Despite his extremely rare condition, Ufuoma Anighoro's son Ruky is a true inspiration
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'Piers HELPED ME'
Susanna Reid on leaving Good Morning Britain, gaining confidence and putting family first