I quit my job to claim benefits & spend the summer holidays with my kids – I'll be better off not working

The Sun

3 days ago

A BUSY mum has revealed she ditched her job to look after her kids over the summer holidays.
Loren Jade decided it would be more beneficial to stay at home rather than work, since she had no one else to help with her little ones.
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Taking to TikTok, the mum explained that she's always worked hard and still struggled as a single mum.
In the viral clip, she revealed she has no one else in the picture to lend a hand, which always left her in a sticky situation over the school holidays.
So, the mum planned and paid for her kids to spend most of their time off school at various holiday clubs.
"I had it all planned out, I knew exactly where the kids would be," she explained.
But as the time got closer, the realisation that she wouldn't see her little ones over the summer holidays and that she'd be spending all of her hard-earned money on childcare hit her "like a ton of bricks."
"I cannot force my son who has got SEN needs and a four year old to go to holiday clubs the whole of the six weeks holidays," she said.
So, Loren decided to leave her job to look after her kids, which she said worked out better for her.
In the comment section of the video, the mum noted that she doesn't currently receive DLA [Disability Living Allowance for children] which is partly why it works out cheaper for her to stay at home and help her son.
At the end of the clip, the mum said she would still need to work though, but wasn't sure what her next career move would be.
Keen for something out of her comfort zone, the mum said she would try to be a social media influencer on TikTok and asked viewers to follow her so she could give it a good shot.
After sharing her decision to quit her job other parents were quick to share their experiences in the comment section of the clip.
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One said: "Sometimes not working actually has more benefits than working. In my case, I have a child with a disability.
"I worked for 11 years, and it was exhausting – I was losing myself and my child in the process. Staying home with him turned out to be the best decision."
And another mum shared her solution for working during the summer holidays, she said: "I started up as self employed part time cleaner.
"I'm on my own basically with no help around me, my six year old SEN is not in school so she comes to work with me. She cant be with others so she cant even do holiday clubs."
And someone else said: "I'm having to send my son to holiday club every day as a single mum and I feel so bad as he does not want to go and every morning is a battle."
"It's so hard, you work to provide for your family, yet are worse off for working! Its crazy! I'm in the same situation," someone else commented on the clip.
How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place...
BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.'
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules.
'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.'
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.'
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.'
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.'