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Just as my mother warned me only days after I'd given birth, one of the main feelings that stays constantly with you as a parent is guilt.
My own big guilt thing during term-time is that we never have enough time after school just to have some fun. There are few things my kids like more than helping me with my work, so this week I asked my daughters to help write this article for me! I wanted to find out what they thought were the most fun things you can do without spending any money – rather than me trying to guess myself.
After a few false starts ("Does Legoland cost money?" from the youngest one and "Duh, Nellie. A picnic isn’t free," from the oldest), I was delighted to discover just how excited they became at the thought of some of the activities they suggested. Far from being a generation who just want to play video games and watch telly, our kids still love the simple pleasures, outdoor fun and getting their hands dirty.
Here's a list of the Top 10 activities my girls thought would make for brilliant fun this summer:
1. "Junk modelling" - I have to admit that my heart sank at this one. Junk modelling to me is when you send a carrier bag of rubbish into school and get it back two days later, all glued together and covered in paint that flakes all over the carpet. But if you’d seen how the little one’s eyes lit up when she said it, you’d know why we will be doing it. I’m hoping to keep it to small puppets and rabbits made out of loo rolls. But if they want to recreate the Death Star or Oxford Street in the living room (check your home insurance policy covers damage to your carpet...) then so be it. You can get a great free e-book here. The Crayola website also has some wonderful ideas.
2. "Making pom-poms" - If you or a grand-parent have some old wool at home, then this will keep them happy for hours. All you need is two identical circle-shapes of cardboard with a hole in the middle so they look like doughnuts. You can find full instructions and inspiration online at sites like Moms and Kids or Kid Craft Central.
3. "Having a picnic by a lake" - "Just don't invite any boys," says my oldest.
4. "Playing board games" - There must be something magical about board games, because my kids love a game of Monopoly or Pop to the Shops just as much as I did as a child. And if the rain keeps up over the summer, we may actually get round to finishing a game, for once!
5. "Have friends round for sleep-overs" - This is another one that made me wince, I'm afraid – fear of sleep-overs being another of my maternal failings. But again, you should have seen how their faces lit up when they said it. Steel yourself and send out an invite.
6. "Go exploring in the woods" - Now, here’s one that does make me very happy. I remember spending hours making my own Wildlife Field Guides as a child, and have the vain hope that they may wish to do the same. The main aim, however, is to have lots of outdoor fun and to get very muddy!
7. "Watch a movie at home with popcorn" - There was a bit of a debate over whether this one should be included, because it could potentially involve having to buy a new movie. Then the oldest one came up with the idea of having a DVD swap with some friends, and they both felt very clever and virtuous.
8. "Going to the park on your bike" - Reminder to myself after a similar trip this weekend: don't forget the antiseptic wipes, a bottle of water, and something to read, this time.
9. "Playing that fun story game" - We have been playing this game in the car for months now, and they always love it. The aim is to tell a story in relay, everyone taking turns to say the next word, one word at a time. It can, if you're clever, last for ages.
10. "Find out what children play in other countries" - I thought this idea sounded particularly lovely and found some great ideas on this Topics magazine website, from countries as far afield as Colombia, Mexico, China, Germany, Switzerland and Korea.
While you're having fun with your kids at home, you may like to find time to tidy up your finances and review your home insurance policy.
When your home insurance needs are taken care of, you can enjoy peace of mind and devote some quality time to spend with your children.
And don't forget our competition! Click the link below to send us your best moneysaving tips, ideas, photos and video clips* for a chance to win Sainsbury's vouchers for the best tip of the week – and remember, the best overall tip of the month will win an iPad!
http://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/moneymatters/articles/houseandhome_competition_best_money_saving_tips.shtml
Rebecca Ash, author of The Spend Less Revolution, studied philosophy, French and psychology, then spent the first years of her working life in China living on £80 a month. She moved back to London where she became a copywriter and spent the next ten years living a life of long hours, long lunches and little spare time. Rebecca has now quit that job, quit London and downsized her life. She is a freelance writer who is raising her two daughters away from the city.
*Please see terms and conditions of entry to the competition
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All information correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change. Any views or opinions expressed in this article are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any part of the Sainsbury’s Group of companies.
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