ARTICLES

The school holidays are almost here. For most parents, that means a sharp rise in daily spending — from summer camps and daycare to outings, ice creams, and extra groceries. But if you haven’t planned for it financially, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and it’s not too late to get a grip.

Do a Quick Reality Check

Grab a pen or open your notes app. Jot down the top 3–4 big-ticket expenses you expect over the next few weeks:

• Summer camps or classes

• Travel or staycations

• Daily kid-related expenses (meals, activities, outings)

This is not about exact numbers — it’s about building visibility. Many parents feel stressed simply because they didn’t expect how fast the costs would add up.

Reallocate, Don’t Panic

You may not have set aside a seasonal fund in advance — and that’s okay. Instead, take a quick look at your current month’s budget. Can you temporarily reduce or pause non-urgent spends like dining out, shopping, or subscriptions? Reallocate that money toward summer-specific needs.

This is a form of dynamic budgeting — adjusting for seasonal peaks without touching your emergency savings.

Prioritize Smartly

If you're considering multiple activities or camps, weigh value over brand. A ₹500 local workshop may offer just as much engagement as a ₹5000 camp. Look for community programs, online resources, or even neighborhood activity groups that are lower cost but still enriching.

Also, not every day needs a structured activity. Unstructured play, creativity at home, or theme-based weeks (art week, story week, science week) can be both affordable and fun.

Watch the Drips

It’s often the little things — like daily snacks, outings, app purchases — that drain your wallet. Set a soft daily limit (say, ₹200–₹300) for incidental spends and stick to it. This lets you manage your spending while still keeping things flexible.

You don’t need a perfect plan, just a conscious one. Even last-minute tweaks can bring financial sanity to the summer break. The goal isn’t to spend less — it’s to spend better