1 in 8 parents struggling to buy basics like suncream amid financial pressures 

As we enter the school summer holidays, one in eight families say they would struggle to buy even basic summer essentials such as suncream and sunhats for their children. Only 16 per cent say they can definitely provide their child with a similar summer experience to the one they had when they were younger.  

These findings come from Save the Children’s Big Summer Survey of 2000 parents. It also revealed 88 per cent of parents think that the summer holidays puts both financial and emotional pressure on families. Three in five parents say the summer holiday is the most challenging of the year – ahead of the Christmas break (32 per cent). 

In an effort to help, Save the Children is supporting children across the UK through its partners during the six week break. It will give families access to free food, activities and support. It will also provide a new online advice hub for parents.  

Dan Paskins, Save the Children’s executive director for UK impact, said:

“No parent should be facing a summer of stress and worry, and no child should dread holidays. But sadly our survey has shown cost of living pressures are whittling down family budgets and aspirations, even for high earners. And for those on the very lowest incomes, it is clear there is no summer break from poverty. 
 
“Save the Children is playing its part by providing cash grants, advice, support and holiday activities and food for kids. But there is a chance now with the incoming Prime Minister to keep children’s needs front and centre of any new plans for the UK and commit to further reducing shameful poverty levels.” 

Summer holiday emotions

Parents had positive emotions about the holiday period, with excitement (44 per cent) and joy (36 per cent). However, they also cited stress (40 per cent), feeling overwhelmed (31 per cent), anxiety (29 per cent) and worry (25 per cent). One in five parents described feeling guilty as they approach the holiday.  

Parents who described themselves as financially worried are much more likely to associate the holidays with stress (45 per cent), compared to those who are not financially worried (26 per cent). They were more likely to feel overwhelmed (35 per cent) compared to those not worried about their financial security (21 per cent). The same trend was evident in feelings of anxiety (35 per cent vs 14 per cent). Conversely, it’s the parents who are not financially worried who are much more likely to feel excitement about the school break (55 per cent vs 39 per cent). 

Financial pressures

On average one in five parents worry about childcare and holidays club costs. This is a concern across all income brackets. The same number also worry about struggling to feed the whole family over the break.  

Save the Children’s 2026 survey findings suggest parents and carers will feel a similar pinch to last year in order to provide the basics for their families.  

The poll asked how parents prepare for the summer holidays. They admitted that as well as reducing their own spending (36 per cent), many save money throughout the year (29 per cent). Over a quarter even use their savings (28 per cent). That’s increased to a third of parents with a household income over £100,001 a year (33 per cent). One in five borrow money or use credit ahead of the holidays.  

Missing out on childhood experiences

The survey also found that a quarter of parents didn’t feel as though they were able to give their children the same or similar summers compared to what they experienced as a child.

Parents were asked what they would struggle to afford the most this summer. Holidays (47 per cent) and family days out (42 per cent) were top of the list. 15 per cent of parents also worried that they would not be able to spend quality time together as a family. Parents are most worried that their children will spend too much time on screens (54 per cent) or on their own (27 per cent) during the break. Though 71 per cent thought their children associate summer holidays with excitement. 

Julie Wilson, Children’s Community – Tameside in Greater Manchester, which runs activities for children in the holiday said:

“For many families, summer isn’t just about six weeks off school, it’s six weeks of trying to make stretched budgets go further while making sure children don’t miss out. We hear from parents who avoid trips to the park because they can’t afford an ice cream or worry about saying ‘no’ to the small things that make childhood special. 

“Through our Summer Together programme, we’re creating more days, where children can play, families can connect and make memories together, and every child feels they belong, regardless of their family’s circumstances.”

Real stories from real parents

Mother-of-three Thea, who lives in London and works full time, said:

“I dread summer. I work five days a week and I do struggle with the extra costs. Sunscreen, replacing outgrown shorts and sandals for three growing children is expensive. I have no budget left for an after-school club for my 11-year-old, and if I’m honest, he’s probably going to end up with more screen time than I am comfortable with.” 

Mother-of-one, Rebecca, from Norfolk, said:

“The summer holidays are always a struggle. The holiday programmes available are either booked way in advance or too far away or I’m unable to access by public transport. The cost of which is crippling. A trip to the beach 30mins away is £28 in travel alone. Everything is prohibitively expensive.” 

Tariq Khan, project coordinator at Newport Support Network, a baby bank supported by the Baby Bank Alliance, said:

“Summer can place extra pressure on families, especially when routines change, children are at home more, and household costs rise. Through referrals from health visitors, midwives, social workers, family support workers and community partners, we are seeing families needing practical baby essentials such as nappies, wipes, toiletries and hygiene items. 

For many parents, it is not one big crisis but lots of small costs building up at once. Baby banks help bridge that gap with dignity, making sure families can access the essentials they need without feeling judged.” 

Save the Children’s findings highlight the growing pressure many families face during the summer holidays, with rising costs affecting everything from essential items to family days out. While support from charities and community organisations will provide a lifeline for some, the survey suggests that many parents continue to worry about giving their children the experiences and opportunities they associate with a happy childhood. As schools break up for the summer, the challenge for policymakers, charities and local communities will be ensuring that no child misses out simply because of their family’s financial circumstances.