I'm spending just £200 on the six-week summer holiday with my two kids – here's how & we're even doing a theme park day

The Irish Sun

05-08-2025

Plus, our top tips to surviving the summer holidays
QUIDS IN I'm spending just £200 on the six-week summer holiday with my two kids – here's how & we're even doing a theme park day
A MUM has set aside just £200 to get her through the six-week summer holiday with her two kids.
Mercedes Smithson might have a small budget, but that doesn't mean she'll be stuck in her house all summer long.
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Mercedes Smithson may be on a budget this summer, but has lots planned for her two kids
Credit: Jam Press/@mumlifewithmercedes
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From beach days, to theme parks, the mum has a £200 budget for the six-week holiday
Credit: Jam Press/@mumlifewithmercedes
She revealed that she wasn't fussed if other parents judged her for the small budget as she was in the middle of sorting her finances.
The mum from Norfolk hit rock bottom earlier this year, borrowing money from her mum, using credit cards and cashing out her wages early just to get by.
Despite working full time, soaring bills have meant Mercedes' finances were out of control.
The wake-up call pushed Mercedes and her husband, Joel, 35, to take control of their finances – starting with the summer holidays.
With money tighter than ever, the parents set a strict budget to cover all activities, days out and treats for their children.
'I knew something had to change – we couldn't keep living in our overdrafts every month,' she told What's The Jam.
'Setting a £200 budget for the holidays felt scary at first, but it's actually taken a lot of pressure off.
'The kids don't need expensive trips – they just want time with us [my husband and me] and a bit of fun.'
The NHS assistant practitioner says, although £200 doesn't sound like much, there's actually a lot to do for free or cheap if you're creative.
So far, she's ticked off swimming at the local leisure centre for £16, beach days with homemade picnics and a bargain £1 kids' meal at Pizza Hut.
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The mum has a whole list of free days out you can do for the summer
Credit: Jam Press/@mumlifewithmercedes
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She's also taken the kids paddling in the river, visited the library for the summer reading challenge and met up with friends in local parks.
She said: 'I've had to get a lot more creative, but it's actually been fun finding cheap ways to keep the kids busy.
'They've not once complained or asked for anything expensive – they're just happy we're spending time together.
'It's easy to feel guilty as a parent, like you're not doing enough, but I've realised memories don't have to cost money.
'So far, I've had nothing but lovely messages from other parents saying they're doing the same or thinking of trying it.
'And if anyone is secretly judging me, I honestly don't care – this is the smartest thing to do right now with how expensive everything's got.'
Local events have been a lifesaver; they're often free and give the kids a chance to meet others.
Mercedes Smithson
Mercedes says living just 30 minutes from the coast helps keep the kids entertained, and the family have been making the most of local splash pads.
They've also been baking with what's in the cupboards, doing treasure hunts with a free geocaching app and joining council events.
She said: 'The kids love the simple things – even just baking cakes or hunting for treasures nearby.
'Local events have been a lifesaver; they're often free and give the kids a chance to meet others.
'It really brings the community together.
'We've had days full of laughter without any big price tags, and that's what counts.'
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.'
Mercedes has promised the kids one big day out at a theme park, using £40 in Tesco Clubcard vouchers and her Blue Light Card discount.
She plans for one paid activity a week, sometimes none, and says the kids are just as happy with free, simple fun.
She said: 'It's a bit of work to plan everything, but I actually enjoy the hunt for bargains and free fun.
'It's like a little game for me now.
'The satisfaction of making the budget stretch and still seeing the kids happy is worth every minute.
'It's taught me a lot about what really matters, and that's priceless.'
And while social media is often full of extravagant holidays and flashy outings, Mercedes says she's found huge support online after sharing her real-life approach to parenting on a budget.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with people thanking her for her tips and saying they're in the same boat.
She added, 'I wasn't expecting so many messages from parents saying they feel the same way. It's comforting to know we're not alone.
'People have been really kind, sharing their own tips and encouragement – it's a reminder that we're all doing our best.
'Being honest about money struggles can be hard, but it's helped me connect with others and feel proud of what I'm doing.'