HALF term can be a fun time with your kids but it also can be a financial pressure, with expensive days out and activities.
One mum who admitted the week would leave her struggling in her overdraft has revealed how she turned to to plan the entire week for just £200.
Mum-of-three Emily turned to AI to help her stay within a budget for half termCredit: tiktok/@emilykate1508
Emily, who posts under @emilykate1508 , has three kids aged nine, 11, and 15, on the , and shared how wrote her a plan that would cost just £50 a day.
She shared: “Doing things a little bit differently this half term.
“Half term always puts me in my overdraft and literally like stress. Never budgeted, I’ve never saved for it.
“But this year pressure isn’t there to make memories, to make it magical, to not just survive the week but turn it into some worthy childhood highlight reel.
“The is doing its own thing. Activities aren’t just £10 anymore. A quick day out somehow costs £60.”
She admitted she also has “mum guilt” and wants to say yes to the cinema, soft play and snacks, but also wants to pay off her debts before she turns 40.
ChatGPT plan
The mum-of-three shared how the exact prompt she used was “Please create me an itinerary for half term on a £200 budget on the Isle of Wight, it’s for children aged (ages)”.
Emily shared how the virtual assistant was able to suggest a number of free local activities that her kids would enjoy, without her paying a penny.
These included country parks, picnic spots, beach walks, playgrounds, and rock pooling spots – and it spread them out over the week.
The platform also shared affordable attractions and activities in the area that would be cheap and keep her children entertained, from indoor sessions to animal centres.
All of these were scheduled so no day would take her over £50.
ChatGPT planned out each day so it would stay within budgetCredit: tiktok/@emilykate1508
First up was a local castle, which ended up costing £8.60 for the entire day thanks to her mum having a membership and her son having an access card.
They skipped the gift shop, took their own snacks and had fun for hours “running through the grounds.”
She added: “I wouldn’t have chosen this as I made a prediction that they would be bored but funny enough they made their entertainment and actually really enjoyed the day out.
“The biggest difference I wasn’t internally stressing about every tap of my card.”
The AI advised her to alternate high-energy and chill days to keep things interesting for the kids.
It also suggested doing swimming to break up outdoor days, and doing beach and parks for a “free mood reset.”
It added that the plan means “older children don’t feel bored” and Emily can “stay in control of spending.”
People were quick to comment on her tips, with one saying: “Ooo this is such a good idea!”
Another added: “Brilliant idea thanks for sharing. Mine suggested some play areas I didn’t know about.”
A third commented: “I save £40 per month in a save pot for school holiday extras. I do only have one child now.”
How to survive the school holidays
IF you are struggling with the 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.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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