I spent £3 at Primark and kept my child entertained for hours during the school holidays
A WOMAN told how she made a £3 purchase from Primark and her daughter was entertained for hours with it.
So if the thought of keeping your child occupied all day appeals to you, next one If you already have shivers down your spine after six weeks, don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place.
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Katie, a content creator from the UK, explains that her bargain high street purchase not only allowed her daughter to get out of the house, but also keep herself entertained.
The influencer shared her smart parenting tip on social media, which surprised many.
Katie explained that she had brought her three-year-old daughter Luna with her to help clean up litter. Yes, you heard that right.
She said: “Let’s face it, we’re all desperately trying to think of ways to keep our kids entertained over the summer holidays that don’t cost any money and still require us to leave the house.
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“Today I decided to clean up litter with my three-year-old son.”
Katie confirmed she had bought a crab claw gripper for just £3 for the activity, adding: “Yes I paid for the £3 claw grippers from Primark but you don’t have to buy those, you can just use gloves.
“I know some of you are probably thinking ‘wow, what a great day out, cleaning up litter’, but you have no idea how much my child enjoyed this.”
Katie shared an adorable video of her daughter using the grabber to collect litter from paths and along the side of the road. She continued: “Every time she saw a piece of litter she would run towards it at full speed and be so excited to pick it up with her grabbers.”
The smart mom advised other parents: “Here’s your sign: Take your child with you to pick up litter.”
Holding up a plastic bag bursting at the seams with trash, she beamed, “Look how much we actually got!”
Katie later wrote: “Having fun in the sun and helping the environment at the same time!
“The amount of beer cans we collected is insane.”
Free Summer Holiday Activities
You don’t have to spend a dime to keep your kids entertained this summer…
Museums – Some museums offer free admission to certain exhibitions and also organize events for children.
Parks – Head to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, play areas, courts and water play areas. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy.
Beach – It doesn’t have to be sunny to enjoy the beach. You can go rockpooling, crab hunting, sandcastle building or take a walk along the headland.
Library – If the weather is bad, go inside and borrow books, audiobooks and DVDs.
To cook – Host your own mini baking competition or join the Come Dine With Me challenge.
Playdates – Invite friends for a fun afternoon.
Board games – Play a game of Monopoly, a round of sibling rivalry, or rack your brain with Scrabble.
PARENTS BEAM
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @katieandbabylunahas clearly made an impression on many, as parents responded en masse to the comments to give their opinions on this affordable activity.
Someone said, “That’s a really great way to learn how important it is to put trash in the trash!”
I love it, she cares for the environment and enjoys it at the same time
TikTok user
Katie responded, explaining, “She did this with her preschool too and I think it’s so beautiful.
“Every time she sees trash on the floor she yells, ‘NAUGHTY BOYS AND GIRLS CLEAN UP!’
How to Survive Six Weeks of Summer Vacation
IF you’re struggling with the six-week summer vacation, you’ve come to the right place…
AGAINST BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining that there’s nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says, “You don’t have to plan every second of the holiday. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
“Boredom can stimulate creative and imaginative play, but you need to encourage children to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
“Away with the pleas of boredom. Respond with comments like, ‘What do you think you could do?’ and maybe put a list of ‘I’m bored’ activity ideas on the fridge.”
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It’s tempting to hire a digital sitter during the holidays, but don’t leave them staring at a screen all summer.
Liat says: “It’s unfair to expect older children to withdraw, but it’s important to set some ground rules.
“Create rules together for technology in the family. If you find yourself getting distracted by your phone, follow the rules. Maybe tell your kids that they can’t have screen time until they’ve done chores, done some sports, or played a board game.
“Are there times when you want to ban screens altogether? Maybe during dinner or when they have friends over.
“Technology is a battlefield for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Be firm and prepare to be unpopular.”
TOO MUCH COHERENCE: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Don’t feel guilty if you need some downtime.
Liat says: “When you’re juggling work, household chores and the kids, it’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed or exhausted and in need of some rest.
“If you can’t afford or don’t want your kids to go to day camp, see if there are free workshops for kids so you can keep doing your work or take a break for a few hours.
“Taking a moment of peace and quiet every now and then doesn’t make you a bad parent. In fact, it probably makes you more positive and enthusiastic when you’re with your kids.”
CONFLICT OVER PLANNING: During the holidays, your schedule can get messed up, but if you go to bed late or wake up early, your kids are often tired and unhappy.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: “Children become grumpy, test boundaries and become defiant when routines are broken.
“It’s a good idea to maintain some sort of routine during the holidays.
“We release hormones at different times of the day and when our regular meal and bedtimes are disrupted, it causes mood swings.
“The holidays are all about having fun, but going to bed early once or twice a week makes everyone happier.”
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure children get outside in the fresh air to tire them out, and to make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: “Sunshine also replenishes essential vitamin D levels, which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels are low in winter, so get children stocking up in warmer weather.
“Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to get them pumped up. Make sure they wear sunscreen, get outside and have fun.
“Encourage them to try healthy habits like biking and walking. Hopefully they’ll get hooked and want to continue when the weather gets colder.”
Another added: “I think this is absolutely amazing, your girl is lucky you are such a good mother.
“There’s nothing wrong with helping the environment and entertaining your girl at the same time.”
A third commented: “I think it’s great, she’s taking good care of the environment and enjoying it too.”
While someone else beamed: “What a great idea.”
Not only that, but another user wrote: “What a fun lesson to teach the little ones!”
