A WOMAN has revealed that she nabbed a £3 buy from Primark and it kept her daughter entertained for hours.
So if the thought of keeping your child busy for the next six weeks is sending shivers down your spine, then fear not, you’ve come to the right place.
A content creator named Katie, who is from the UK, explained that thanks to her cheap high-street purchase, her youngster not only got out of the house, but was kept amused.
Posting on social media, the influencer shared her savvy parenting hack, leaving many open-mouthed.
Katie explained that she took her daughter Luna, three, litter picking – yes, you heard that correctly.
She said: “Let’s be honest, we are all desperately trying to think of ways to entertain our children right now in the summer holidays which isn’t gonna cost any money and is getting us out of the house.
“So today I decided to take my three-year-old litter picking.”
Katie confirmed that she bought a crab grabber, for just £3, for the activity, as she added: “Now yes, I did pay for the £3 claw grabbers from Primark, but you don’t have to buy those, you can just use gloves.
“I know some of you are probably sat there thinking ‘wow, what a great day out, litter picking’, but you actually have no idea how much my child enjoyed this.”
Katie shared an adorable clip of her young girl using the grabber to collect rubbish from pathways and the side of the road, as she continued: “Every time she saw a bit of rubbish she ran towards it at full speed and was so excited to pick it up with her grabbers.”
The savvy mum then advised other parents: “So here’s your sign – take your child litter picking.”
As she held up a plastic bag bursting at the seams with rubbish, she beamed: “Look how much we actually got!”
Katie later wrote: “Having fun in the sunshine while helping the environment at the same time!
“The amount of beer cans we picked up is insane.”
You don't need to spend a penny to keep your kids entertained this summer...
Museums – Some museums offer free entry to some exhibits, and also host events for kids.
Parks – Head to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, games areas, courts and splash pads. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy.
Beach – It doesn’t have to be sunny to enjoy the beach, you can go rock pooling, crabbing, make sandcastles, or enjoy a walk along the headland.
Library – If the weather is awful, head indoors and borrow books, audiobooks, dvds.
Cooking – Have your own mini bake-off, or Come Dine With Me challenge.
Playdates – Invite friends over for an afternoon of socialising.
Boardgames – Enjoy a little sibling rivalry with rounds of Monopoly or stretch your brain with Scrabble.
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @katieandbabyluna, has clearly impressed many, as parents rushed to the comments to share their thoughts on the affordable activity.
One person said: “That’s such an amazing way to teach about the importance of putting rubbish in the bin!”
I think this is amazing, she’s looking after the environment and also enjoying herself all at once
TikTok user
To this, Katie replied and explained: “She has done this with her pre-school too and I think it’s so lovely.
“Whenever she sees any rubbish on the floor now, she shouts “NAUGHTY BOYS AND GIRLS FOR LITTERING!”.”
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.”
Another added: “Absolutely love this, your girl is so lucky you’re such a good mummy.
“Nothing wrong with helping the environment and keeping your girl entertained at the same time.”
A third commented: “I think this is amazing, she’s looking after the environment and also enjoying herself all at once.”
Whilst someone else beamed: “What an amazing idea.”
Not only this, but another user wrote: “Such a lovely thing to teach little ones!”
