I’M SO TIRED OF THIS HUMDRUM LIFE

My husband and I have been married for 10 years and have two children, aged four and six. Our life has become so boring and difficult because of the high cost of living. It feels as if we’re both just working, going home to take care of the kids, eating and sleeping – only to start the cycle again the next day.

We no longer do fun things because everything costs money, Even inviting friends over for a braai costs money! Is this what life is about – just surviving? Jacky, email Life is about balance – we all need time for work, family, socialising and exercise and, most important, we all need “me-time” when we can feed our soul. When things are out of balance and you get into a rut, it can seem difficult to get out of it and it’s easy to tell yourself it’s because of the cost of living. But this isn’t necessarily true.

Having money does make things easier, certainly, but not having much of it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. It does require a bit of planning and effort, but it’s possible to have fun – both with the children and as a couple.

Find out about places you can visit that don’t cost a lot – nearby parks or botanical gardens, for example, where you could have a picnic. Consider walks or hikes you could do as a family or with friends. Organise games nights with friends – kids love games even if they’re played in the backyard. You need to be innovative. When you have a get-together, ask everyone to contribute food so it’s not just one family or couple carrying the cost.

Don’t let work and chores take over your life. Household chores should be shared equally, and while your children are still quite young you can start getting them to understand that they also need to do their bit by giving them small tasks.

Don’t be tempted to vegetate in front of the TV because you can’t think of anything else to do. Screens easily chip away at valuable face-to-face time. You’d be surprised how much you can manage without when you change your perspective on things.