A child psychology expert is urging parents not to overspend on summer holiday activities, as new research reveals that some families spend upwards of £100 per week on children's entertainment during the school break.
The study of 1,000 parents across Scotland, commissioned by ScotRail, found that three-quarters feel the school holidays are more financially challenging than term-time, with more than a quarter spending an extra £600 over the break. Dr Rebecca Johnson, a child psychology expert specialising in children, young people and mental health, says children build core memories from experiences with people who matter to them, not from expensive activities.
Children's Brains Prioritise Emotional Experiences
Dr Johnson explained: "Children's brains are still developing, working hard to organise everything that happens to them, a bit like a library. That part of the brain - the amygdala - influences which experiences are 'sticky', as in the ones that will be remembered. Experiences are more likely to be tagged as important if there's an emotion attached to them, such as excitement, laughter or wonder, and that's even more likely when they're shared with family and friends they care about."
She added: "That's why something as simple as a day at the beach, exploring a museum or visiting somewhere new can stay vivid for years. Those experiences don't need to cost the earth, because children remember the feeling much more than the price tag."
ScotRail's Budget-Friendly Bucket List
To help ease the financial strain, ScotRail has unveiled a budget-friendly bucket list of 47 days out, all easily reached by train with Kids for a Quid tickets. Up to four children can travel for just £1 return each with a paying adult, and the ticket also offers discounts and free child tickets to selected attractions across Scotland.
Top Tips for Building Core Memories on a Budget
Dr Johnson offers five key tips for parents:
1. Don't chase the "perfect" summer. "Parents can put enormous pressure on themselves to fill every day with exciting activities, especially when social media makes it feel like everyone else is doing something bigger and better. Try not to compare your family to someone else's highlights. Children don't need a perfect summer, they just need opportunities to enjoy their childhood - a trip to the beach, a walk in a forest or a simple kids go free museum can all do this."
2. Focus on shared experiences, not expensive ones. "Research shows children and young people want to spend their summer spending time with family and friends, trying new experiences, taking a break and having some choice over what they do. Those shared moments are far more valuable than spending lots of money."
3. Choose experiences that spark excitement, laughter or wonder. "Children's brains are more likely to hold on to experiences that are connected to positive emotions. It also helps if there is something 'new', because children and young people are more open to new experiences than adults. Whether it's spotting wildlife, exploring a castle, paddling at the beach or visiting a museum, those moments of excitement and curiosity are what help create lasting memories."
4. Give children some choice. "Children and young people enjoy having some choice over how they spend their holidays. Term time is very structured, which often doesn't allow them to really follow their passions and hobbies. Being able to choose what they actually want to do is often one of their favourite parts of summer. It doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Simply letting them choose between a few different activities helps them feel involved and makes the experience more meaningful."
5. Remember the journey can be part of the adventure. "The experience doesn't only begin when you arrive. Travelling somewhere together by train, for example, gives families valuable time to talk, laugh and build excitement before they've even reached their destination. Instead of sitting up front driving all day, parents can spend time playing games, asking questions, and bonding with the family. Those shared moments all contribute to the memories children take away."
Dr Johnson concludes: "The biggest thing I'd encourage parents to remember is that memories aren't made when you open your wallet, but when children get to have fun with the people they care about, doing things that genuinely interest them. If we can take the pressure off trying to create the 'perfect' summer and instead focus on spending meaningful time together, that's what children are most likely to remember long after the holidays are over."
