KEEPING the kids entertained for a solid six weeks over the summer holidays is no easy task.
But one mum has been hailed a ‘genius’ for sharing her hack to keep her tot busy without spending money .
Caitlin, from the US, took to social media to share her money-saving trick that she’s been using for the past year.
In the clip, she said she took her kid to the arcade to ‘play’ on the machines last year and it kept him entertained for hours.
But the mum didn’t spend any cash on the games, letting him pretend play instead.
She said: “Take your toddler to the arcade. He’s having a great time.
“I’ve spent zero money. He doesn’t know what the hell is going on.”
Now a year on, Caitlin is proving the hack still works.
“A year ago, I got 12 million views and posted to take your toddler to the arcade because you don’t have to spend any money,” she explained.
“They just climb on and off the stuff, push all the buttons, and even if you tried to put money in, they wouldn’t stay on the machine long enough. And a year later, it’s still tried and true.”
“We’re at the same arcade, and I’m still not spending any money on him. Because he doesn’t know! As soon as he climbs on, he climbs off. And he’s having a great time just pushing the buttons.”
While she did say she bought a drink for herself to support the business , the hack was practically free and worked wonders over the summer holidays .
The clip went viral on her TikTok account @ caitlin.emmaline with over 2.3 million views and 388k likes.
People were quick to take to the comments thanking the mum for her clever hack.
One person wrote: “Shout out to that arcade for being open early for when kids are actually awake!”
Another commented: “Basically like a giant enrichment room full of fun music and buttons to push. I approve.”
How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays
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.”
“Dude, every day I am amazed at how smart people get s**t done in a vastly more efficient way,” penned a third.
Meanwhile a fourth said: “People got annoyed at this?? It is GENIUS.”
“I’m a nanny and I’ve been doing this for the last year because of you,” claimed a fifth
Someone else added: “I’m babysitting my niece soon, and this is definitely on my list of things to do!”
