Let your children learn to have fun — for free
SO The cost of keeping a child happy over summer is £389 (Mail)? What tosh! Try consulting your own parents for much cheaper, and ultimately happier, ways of ‘keeping your children entertained’. In fact, this phrase alone begs the question: Why do so many of today’s parents think that it’s their duty to do so? Children have all the natural resources to keep themselves entertained. My two sons were brought up to ‘go and amuse yourselves’, and they have turned out to be two independent, happy and well-balanced young men. Of course, this was in the days before the internet, mobile phones, tablets, iPods and social media. Today’s children are too used to being glued to some screen or another. Their natural talent and ideas are being suppressed — a very dangerous position to be in. I realise that most mothers these days return to work after having a family. I chose to stay at home, even if it meant cutbacks, but the rewards you reap are immense and are irreplaceable. You can never bring back a childhood. We took our children to the local library for a constant supply of books, had picnics in the parks, bike rides, nature walks, holiday diary-keeping with a particular theme each year, flying kites, jigsaws, museums, skipping ropes, footballs, paddling pools, camping overnight in the back garden while noting down the pet rabbits’ nocturnal activities — all free activities then and now. Charity shops are a great source for children’s toys and games, and you’re contributing to a worthy cause. Swimming is a relatively cheap pastime, as is fishing. In this day of the two-car family, take your children on a local bus or train ride for a change (remembering to turn off your mobile phone first) and they will love the experience. There is also a wealth of activities provided by your local council, for a small fee, over the summer holidays. The list is endless for ensuring that your child will grow into a self-reliant adult. Surely, as parents, this is our most important role? JANET E. LITTLEWOOD, REDDITCH, WORCS.