I'm a single mum of 3 & go on holidays multiple times a year with my kids – I work 16 hours a week, here's how I do it

The Sun

21-05-2025

A SINGLE mum of three has revealed how she still manages to go on holiday multiple times a year despite only working 16 hours a week.
The woman, who has three boys aged two, four and five, is not on any benefits except Child Benefits of £200 a month.
But she believes anyone can do it, and it's simple.
Taking to her TikTok page ' 3kids3andunder ', the mum explained that she manages to afford the holidays as she makes it a priority.
She explained that she doesn't stay in a 'big fancy house', 'drive a brand new car' or wear designer clothes 'all the time.'
The mum acknowledges that eventually, they'll need to move into a bigger house, but right now, 'when the boys are happy and I'm happy there's no point.'
This means she can keep their monthly expenses as low as possible and have more disposable income.
However, she also explained that this doesn't mean her boys go without.
They do swimming lessons, football, gymnastics, scouts and taekwondo.
But she tries to save money on materialistic things, like not buying physical items, and instead saves for experiences.
She said: 'The boys have caught onto that and they're 100% up for that as well.
'If you ask them if they want to go for a day out or get a new toy, they'll always choose a day out.'
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The mum explained that she was 'lucky' and managed to travel a lot before she had the boys, which is why she wants to be able to show them that there's more to the world than just their hometown.
The mum understands that some people are struggling and won't be able to do the same but said: 'if you can cut your expenses and go on more holidays, I 100% recommend it.'
Her video received 39.3k views and 256 comments after being shared for six days.
One asked: 'Do you live with your parents because there is no way you can live on 16 hours a week wage.'
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To which the mum replied: 'No, I have my own place.'
Another said: 'No, if you work 16 hours with children you can still get universal credit, plus if you're in a council property they pay your rent and council tax as well.'
But the TikTok mum replied: 'I have my own mortgage and don't qualify for UC.'
Someone else said: 'This literally all comes down to how much you earn. To not qualify for any UC, you are earning a certain amount and I assume you have a lowish mortgage.
'Good for you for making it work, working part-time. Interested to know what your job is.'
How much is child benefit worth?
THERE are two child benefit rates, one for the eldest child and another for younger children.
You get £21.15 per week for your eldest or only child (£1099.80 a year)
You get £14 for each of your other children (£728 per year, per child)
You get the money for each child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training)
If families split up, how much you'll get for each child depends on how you claim.
If you have 2 children and one stays with you and the other stays with your ex-partner, you'll both get £21.15 a week for each child.
If one parent claims for all the children, you get £21.15 for the eldest and £14 for each younger child.
Only one household can claim for each child