Parents would prefer shorter summer holidays

As many as 73% of those who were polled said they would ideally like a shorter break if it were possible.

The research, which was commissioned by mutual healthcare provider benenden health, found the average summer break costs nearly £1,400 in total with travels, theme parks and other days out contributing to the cost.

The average mum or dad will also cope with 48 cries of “I’m bored”, 24 tantrums, four hours in stationary traffic – and just three lie-ins.

Four in ten parents admit to getting tired just two weeks into the holidays, while 78% said they’ve usually had enough after a month.

Parents admitted they are usually exhausted four weeks into the school holidays, and more than half said they would like to shorten the six week break as the pressure on family budgets takes its toll.

Results showed the summer holidays strains the family budget by setting parents back an extra £113 a week more than normal.

This explains why 74% of parents feel it’s unfair that prices skyrocket outside of term time.

Some 52% of parents felt that the government should apply legislation to cut the holidays from six weeks to four.

During the typical six-week holiday, the average family will also get through 24 ice creams and take 30 family snaps, while enduring 12 drinks spilt in the car and seven cries of ‘are we there yet?’.

Parents will buy some quiet time by putting on 24 DVDs whilst also enjoying two drinks outdoors over the six weeks.

But the average dad will still have to threaten to turn the car around at least twice in the average summer.

Parents will also be forced to stave off 48 cries of ‘I’m bored!’ from the children over the course of the four weeks.

After entertaining round the clock, mum and dad will squeeze in just five hours quality time alone in an average week of the summer holidays.

However, six in 10 parents said they love a break from having to do the school run, while more than half said no washing school uniforms and making packed lunches was a treat.

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