A £1.50 Primark buy is a lifesaver for the summer holidays – it stops the kids moaning for snacks every 15 minutes

The Sun

a day ago

A SAVVY mum has revealed the £1.50 Primark buy that's saving her sanity this summer and parents are rushing to copy the idea.
She shared her summer holiday struggle, trying to keep on top of her kid's "moaning" and endless snack requests.
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The TikTok mum, known as @foodiefunwithus, now preps snack boxes for her kids each morning using the store's mini collapsing crates.
Her clever trick seems to have put a pause on the children asking for snacks as they are now allocated a single box and have to responsibly control their portions.
The crates cost just £1.50 each in Primark, making them cheaper than Dunelm's £3 version.
They also come in pretty pastel shades including mint, cream and light pink.
Posting online, the mum wrote: 'Now the summer holidays are here, so are the constant snack requests.
'Six small snacks. Their choice. Their timing. And if they want to eat them all before 10am, that's fine. But once they're gone, they're gone.'
And it's not just a hack for cutting down the snack moaning, it's also teaching kids a little independence.
'It stops them nagging at you for more snacks,' she added.
'But it is also teaching them independence and decision-making.'
Parents in the comments were obsessed with the idea.
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One user wrote: 'I make lunch boxes just like school – it's the best!'
Another said: 'This is such a good idea! Low cost too, trying not to overspend this summer."
While a third added: 'I did this, it worked really well!'
The handy crates have proved such a hit that they're flying off the shelves and at just £1.50 a pop, it's no wonder.
It comes as Primark recently announced big changes to its kids' clothing range after months of feedback from parents.
The budget retailer revealed it's ditching neck labels across its children's clothing and nightwear lines, after parents said the tags were uncomfortable, particularly for kids with sensory issues.
The move will be rolled out across t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and pyjamas, with seamless socks also being introduced.
So while you're stocking up on pastel crates to keep the snack moaning at bay, you might want to check out the new tag-free clothes too.
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.'