Summer should feel like freedom. Long days, time together, a break from the routine. But for millions of families in the UK, the school holidays bring a different kind of pressure – and if you’re feeling it right now, you’re not imagining it.
Save the Children’s Big Summer Survey 2026 found that 88% of UK parents feel financial and emotional pressure during the school holidays – and three in five say it’s the hardest time of year, ahead of Christmas. Free school meals stop. Childcare costs rise. The support that helps families through the rest of the year quietly disappears for six weeks.
“Summer automatically brings that extra financial and mental stress. I know I feel the strain of it for months in advance. As a parent you do your best to give your kids the summer experiences and memories they deserve, but it’s so much pressure on my shoulders.” – Louise, mum, East Belfast
There’s no such thing as a perfect summer, and getting through it will be enough. Which is why Save the Children has created a new online space for practical help – whether you need to know where to find free activities, what financial support you’re entitled to, or how to talk to your kids when things are hard. No judgement. Just useful.
Check out our new School Holiday Support Hub:
Things to do with Kids for Free | Save the Children UK
Help With Costs During the School Holidays | Save the Children UK
How to Talk to Your Child About Money and Not Having Enough | Save the Children UK
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. Our new web resources are live now and we hope you’ll find them useful over the summer break.”
Image credit: Alice Bowsher/Save the Children
