Are we SPOILING OUR KIDS?
WOMAN - UK|July 31, 2023
The summer holidays are finally here, but in an age of iPads, Netflix and endless action-packed activities at our fingertips, there's more pressure than ever to keep our children entertained
VERONIQUE HAWKSWO
Are we SPOILING OUR KIDS?

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.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 31, 2023 من WOMAN - UK.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 31, 2023 من WOMAN - UK.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من WOMAN - UK مشاهدة الكل
How to avoid a cold when partying
WOMAN - UK

How to avoid a cold when partying

Burning the candle at both ends might seem fun at this time of year, but it can spell disaster for your health and wellbeing...

time-read
2 mins  |
December 16, 2024
ASK US ANYTHING
WOMAN - UK

ASK US ANYTHING

SUZIE HAYMAN AND SUSAN QUILLIAM CAN HELP

time-read
2 mins  |
December 16, 2024
MOWED DOWN after a Christmas party
WOMAN - UK

MOWED DOWN after a Christmas party

Anna-Louise Bates has finally allowed herself to enjoy the festive season again

time-read
4 mins  |
December 16, 2024
A weekend in...VILNIUS
WOMAN - UK

A weekend in...VILNIUS

A dreamy couple of days in Lithuania's captivating city can be easy on the purse

time-read
2 mins  |
December 16, 2024
The letter that SAVE YOUR
WOMAN - UK

The letter that SAVE YOUR

Why do a third of women miss their breast cancer screenings?

time-read
3 mins  |
December 16, 2024
New love in 2025 WOULD BENICE
WOMAN - UK

New love in 2025 WOULD BENICE

Growing up in Bradford, West Yorkshire, to Punjabi Indian parents, Anita Rani says her household ‘didn’t really do Christmas’ – but boy, is she making up for it now!

time-read
4 mins  |
December 16, 2024
'2024 has been DREADFUL'
WOMAN - UK

'2024 has been DREADFUL'

Prince William admits that this year has been the hardest' in his life. Is blood thicker than water in times of need

time-read
3 mins  |
December 16, 2024
The dark side to your CHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT
WOMAN - UK

The dark side to your CHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT

Do you know what’s in your glass this party season?

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
IS THERE ANYTHING MORE NOSTALGIC THAN CHRISTMASES PAST?
WOMAN - UK

IS THERE ANYTHING MORE NOSTALGIC THAN CHRISTMASES PAST?

Do you remember the anticipation before the big day, pondering endlessly about what should go on your Christmas list? I would lovingly write two or three things down, pop it into an envelope and leave it by the fireplace to be wafted up the chimney like something out of Mary Poppins.

time-read
1 min  |
December 02, 2024
The Christmas that CHANGED OUR LIVES
WOMAN - UK

The Christmas that CHANGED OUR LIVES

We speak to three women about their most wonderful time of year

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024