Q: We usually rent a cabin at a lake for two weeks in the summer, squeezing a family holiday into a hectic farm schedule. We can’t afford to do that this year. How do I tell the kids and make it up to them?
A: Honesty is important with children, especially about family finances. If there isn’t money available this year for things you usually have done, tell them in language appropriate to their age.
The most important things parents can give are time and attention. Look at what aspects of the time at the lake were important to you as a family. What were some of the highlights?
Read Also
Vintage power on display at Saskatchewan tractor pull
At the Ag in Motion farm show held earlier this year near Langham, Sask., a vintage tractor pull event drew pretty significant crowds of show goers, who were mostly farmers.
Make notes as a family about things you enjoyed, then look for lower cost ways of having similar activities this coming summer.
If one of the highlights was swimming, plan some pool days at a nearby town. If it was hiking and exploring, check out some of the nature trails within a day’s commute. The book Hiking Trails of Saskatchewan has excellent ideas.
Schedule family holiday times, even if just at home. Since this is garage sale season, check for some of the family board games that you may not have. Playing new games is fun for many children.
If you used to go to campfire movies or story times put on by regional park staff, find a good videotape and have a campfire or barbecue wiener roast, complete with moviesin the back yard. Summer is also often a good time for children or youth to have outdoor sleepovers, even in the back yard.
Explore day trips to places that are within a couple of hours drive. There are numerous parks and picnic spots that can be fun places to stop and explore for a few hours.
If the children are involved in choosing what foods will be involved in the picnics, they will take ownership of the event and get more enjoyment out of it.
I would like to hear from other readers about the ways they have created family holiday joys on alimited budget.
Peter Griffiths is a mental health counsellor based in Prince Albert, Sask. His columns are intended as general advice only. His website is www3.sk.sympatico.ca/petecope.
