You are NOT failing! Your children are housed, fed and clothed. You are doing amazing. Enjoy these days while they are little. Those of us with adult children can testify that one day you will look back and be amazed how fast the years went by.
You are doing so well, you have all the bills paid and the children are secure in your love and well fed and clothed. Many people would see that as a total victory. Do go easy on yourself Nicola, what you are doing is amazing in these difficult times.
Picnics are your friend I the summer holidays . Food , snacks and drinks out are a ridiculous price these days o take them with you. Cool box is great . Maybe one day out a week as a treat. Otherwise play at home, go for a walk, Those are all things I did when my son was little.
🎉 Hi Nicola, I don't have much that I can pledge or donate, but I did watch 30 minutes of adds to support your channel. I'm now armed with a plethora of facts on aging skin and Chuck Norris's gut health program, and I sincerely hope the add-cents makes it's way to you!😅 You're doing what not many of us can do, and I hope you know that we greatly appreciate it. You keep me motivated 😊 thank you ❤
Hi honey, I have been following your channel for years and when you were putting £600/800 a month away for investing it was inspiring, however being a single mum it was unachievable for me. I appreciate your honesty and Im proud of how you have got through this chapter of your life. Keep going xx
Hi Nicola 👋 I used to be a Nanny in London years ago. There's plenty of free things to entertain children in your local park, library etc. Going to a friends house for play dates and visa versa. It gives the children a chance to catch up with their friends. Plus you can catch up with your friends too. Obviously they'll be trips out etc. Though you don't need to spend a lot of money to have fun. The children will benefit from having you at home and not being in childcare which costs a fortune. Quiet days at home are good for the children to recharge their batteries. Fun in the garden with the padding pool on sunny days. Plenty of cold drinks and ice pops. The children will have a great summer as will you. You're doing a great job as a single parent. I really enjoy watching your videos & reading your blog. I've been following you for years. You've helped me tremendously with my financial journey. Having a budget is essential as I'm useless without one. Good luck and enjoy the summer. Hopefully the sun will shine all of the school holidays 😎 x
I make snack baskets for my son's over summer holidays. Once they've eaten what's in them that's it. I put a mixture of fresh fruit, treats, yogurts etc
With the help of your budget planner, meal planner & top budget tips I am now on track to try your penny saving challenge. Your doing good Nicola NOT failing. Just block & delete the negs they feed of youtubers responses because they are SAD! Keep up the good work 😊xx
children tend to eat more during the holidays simply because they are bored/out of routine. The easiest way to deal with this is to pack them a lunchbox, with snacks and lunch. Set specific times for morning and afternoon tea, and lunch - just as they would have at school. Requests for snacks outside of those times are answered with 'it's nearly morning tea time/ lunchtime/afternoon tea/dinner' or 'you've just had morning tea/lunch/afternoon tea'. You can secure their long term health by not letting them associate boredom/lack of routine with snacking.
something I used to do with my children when they were little - and was surprised at how much they enjoyed it, is take a basic picnic lunch and go their school so they could play on the playground without hundreds of other kids. Works best if you live within walking distance, or a short drive, and if your school allows access. We would take balls, tennis racquets - they loved having total access to everything when they wanted.
Just to flag up to watchers your local library has loads of stuff available online. You are paying for it so please use it. You can pick up the kids summer reading challenge online as well as in the physical building .
Had to chuckle at the end of your blog….have to go out or they will end up fighting. Oh, remember that well. Hope you all have fun making memories this summer 😀
Do you have free adventure playgrounds in the UK? That’s my go to when we need a break from the house and the budget is low, also the beach, nature walks and the library. It’s fun to mix in some paid activities as well if I can get the budget to work.
I hope you will have some really lovely times over the holidays with your children. I know how hard it is as a single mum to 2 boys, I did the holiday/childcare juggle for 10 years with mine but now they are 15 and 19 and pretty much self sufficient during the day so I don’t have that anymore. I am here as much as I can, but I can go to work part time and not have that stress of who can have them and what if they are ill how can I be off work etc etc quite as much. I regret not being able to do more with them as children - we did a fair bit but certainly not holidays full of activities as I suffer with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome I do feel they missed out in some ways and I feel guilty but do you know what my sons don’t feel that at all - they say they have done lots of things and feel lucky. Maybe try to check out some activities closer to home so you don’t feel so anxious about spending lots of money on every trip, there are some nice fun days, fetes and community events around us over the holidays. You could also reach out via the internet and facebook to some other mums and maybe arrange a picnic and games at a local park, or a walk by the river etc nice things but not high costs. Thanks for sharing the journey with us and hope you will enjoy the next few weeks
But in 2024 you have bought a house, rennovated and been on holiday to disney! Your kids are so lucky! Dont forget the free summer reading challenge at the library and trips to library are free and the pool is cheapish
Over 800 children have joined the summer reading challenge at our local libraries (I work there so I know) they enjoy it and there are often craft and story events, or a Lego club etc running as well during the holiday.
I'm sad that this is such a hard time for you :( I love learning from your channel and have purchased some of your Christmas bits before. I am hopeful that the summer holidays won't be too stressful for you. Can food banks or feed you children for a £1 help? I would do lots of low cost things, which you probably are. Different parks, the woods, bike parks, lakes, duck feeding etc (not sure the age of your children). 🩷
How is your budget looking for August? ☺️
You are NOT failing! Your children are housed, fed and clothed. You are doing amazing. Enjoy these days while they are little. Those of us with adult children can testify that one day you will look back and be amazed how fast the years went by.
Thank you 💜
You are doing so well, you have all the bills paid and the children are secure in your love and well fed and clothed. Many people would see that as a total victory. Do go easy on yourself Nicola, what you are doing is amazing in these difficult times.
Thank you 🥺
Picnics are your friend I the summer holidays . Food , snacks and drinks out are a ridiculous price these days o take them with you. Cool box is great . Maybe one day out a week as a treat. Otherwise play at home, go for a walk, Those are all things I did when my son was little.
Picnics sound like a great idea 💜
🎉 Hi Nicola, I don't have much that I can pledge or donate, but I did watch 30 minutes of adds to support your channel. I'm now armed with a plethora of facts on aging skin and Chuck Norris's gut health program, and I sincerely hope the add-cents makes it's way to you!😅 You're doing what not many of us can do, and I hope you know that we greatly appreciate it. You keep me motivated 😊 thank you ❤
Thank you so much for watching the ads 💜
Hey Nicola! I absolutely love the penny a day savings challenge! Good luck! You'll get there.
Thank you!
Hi honey, I have been following your channel for years and when you were putting £600/800 a month away for investing it was inspiring, however being a single mum it was unachievable for me. I appreciate your honesty and Im proud of how you have got through this chapter of your life. Keep going xx
Thank you 💜
Hi Nicola 👋
I used to be a Nanny in London years ago.
There's plenty of free things to entertain children in your local park, library etc.
Going to a friends house for play dates and visa versa. It gives the children a chance to catch up with their friends. Plus you can catch up with your friends too.
Obviously they'll be trips out etc. Though you don't need to spend a lot of money to have fun.
The children will benefit from having you at home and not being in childcare which costs a fortune.
Quiet days at home are good for the children to recharge their batteries.
Fun in the garden with the padding pool on sunny days. Plenty of cold drinks and ice pops.
The children will have a great summer as will you.
You're doing a great job as a single parent. I really enjoy watching your videos & reading your blog. I've been following you for years. You've helped me tremendously with my financial journey. Having a budget is essential as I'm useless without one. Good luck and enjoy the summer. Hopefully the sun will shine all of the school holidays 😎 x
Thank you so much 💜
I make snack baskets for my son's over summer holidays. Once they've eaten what's in them that's it. I put a mixture of fresh fruit, treats, yogurts etc
I’ve just seen a TikTok on these!
With the help of your budget planner, meal planner & top budget tips I am now on track to try your penny saving challenge. Your doing good Nicola NOT failing. Just block & delete the negs they feed of youtubers responses because they are SAD! Keep up the good work 😊xx
Thank you 💜 good luck with the penny challenge!
You’re doing an amazing job! ❤
children tend to eat more during the holidays simply because they are bored/out of routine. The easiest way to deal with this is to pack them a lunchbox, with snacks and lunch. Set specific times for morning and afternoon tea, and lunch - just as they would have at school. Requests for snacks outside of those times are answered with 'it's nearly morning tea time/ lunchtime/afternoon tea/dinner' or 'you've just had morning tea/lunch/afternoon tea'. You can secure their long term health by not letting them associate boredom/lack of routine with snacking.
This is such a helpful comment, thank you 💜
Good Afternoon friend. Here listening while working! 💙💙
Glad to have you here 💜
something I used to do with my children when they were little - and was surprised at how much they enjoyed it, is take a basic picnic lunch and go their school so they could play on the playground without hundreds of other kids. Works best if you live within walking distance, or a short drive, and if your school allows access. We would take balls, tennis racquets - they loved having total access to everything when they wanted.
Oh wow, that sounds wonderful. The schools here don’t do that but it sounds so good!
Just to flag up to watchers your local library has loads of stuff available online. You are paying for it so please use it. You can pick up the kids summer reading challenge online as well as in the physical building .
Ooh yes! Thank you for the reminder ☺️
Im a new subscriber.Im enjoying your videos & I think your doing amazing so just keep doing what youre doing.
Thank you 💜
Had to chuckle at the end of your blog….have to go out or they will end up fighting. Oh, remember that well. Hope you all have fun making memories this summer 😀
Keeping it real over here 😅
Do you have free adventure playgrounds in the UK? That’s my go to when we need a break from the house and the budget is low, also the beach, nature walks and the library. It’s fun to mix in some paid activities as well if I can get the budget to work.
Yes, we’ll be going to those ☺️
I hope you will have some really lovely times over the holidays with your children. I know how hard it is as a single mum to 2 boys, I did the holiday/childcare juggle for 10 years with mine but now they are 15 and 19 and pretty much self sufficient during the day so I don’t have that anymore. I am here as much as I can, but I can go to work part time and not have that stress of who can have them and what if they are ill how can I be off work etc etc quite as much. I regret not being able to do more with them as children - we did a fair bit but certainly not holidays full of activities as I suffer with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome I do feel they missed out in some ways and I feel guilty but do you know what my sons don’t feel that at all - they say they have done lots of things and feel lucky. Maybe try to check out some activities closer to home so you don’t feel so anxious about spending lots of money on every trip, there are some nice fun days, fetes and community events around us over the holidays. You could also reach out via the internet and facebook to some other mums and maybe arrange a picnic and games at a local park, or a walk by the river etc nice things but not high costs. Thanks for sharing the journey with us and hope you will enjoy the next few weeks
We’ve been so busy! Can’t believe how quickly the holidays are going 💜
You got this xx
💜
Life will always trump math😢 You are doing great. Very few creators have been so honest.
Thank you 💜
But in 2024 you have bought a house, rennovated and been on holiday to disney! Your kids are so lucky!
Dont forget the free summer reading challenge at the library and trips to library are free and the pool is cheapish
Over 800 children have joined the summer reading challenge at our local libraries (I work there so I know) they enjoy it and there are often craft and story events, or a Lego club etc running as well during the holiday.
Have you looked on line for free things to do with children , there's lots of ideas.
I’ve got a list 💜
Ignore the negativity, they do not have anything better to do x
💜
I'm sad that this is such a hard time for you :(
I love learning from your channel and have purchased some of your Christmas bits before.
I am hopeful that the summer holidays won't be too stressful for you.
Can food banks or feed you children for a £1 help?
I would do lots of low cost things, which you probably are. Different parks, the woods, bike parks, lakes, duck feeding etc (not sure the age of your children). 🩷
Thank you for watching 💜 got lots of free things planned ☺️