Mums Spend on Tots Activities

A new survery by pre-school activity group Talking Tots has found that 90 per cent of parents would rather go without themselves than let financial restraints affects their young children's lives for the worse. Britain might be in the middle of a credit crunch, but the overwhelming majority of parents would rather spend less on new clothes or eating out than cutting back on their children's activities.

The survey of 1,000 parents revealed that half of parents expect to increase spending on activities such as toddler classes, swimming and baby yoga next year. A further 40% of respondents said they intend their spending to remain the same. On average parents spend £650 a year on pre-school classes and activities, with 10% spending more than £1,000 a year.

Tracey Park, founder of Talking Tots, says, ‘Mums see toddler classes as a really important way to help children learn new skills, as well as providing an opportunity to socialise and make friends.'

Sue Aitkins, parenting coach and author of Raising Happy Children agrees, ‘Activity classes provide important benefits to children. Classes are more than just a way to entertain the kids for an hour. They have a real impact on children's development, and are a wonderful way to bond, build confidence and learn social skills such as taking turns, listening and sharing.'

The survery found that;

90% of parents attend at least one organised activity with their children each week.
The most popular pre-school activities are swimming, attended by 60% of toddlers, communication and development classes, attended by 40% and singing groups, attended by 35%.
81% of parents would rather stop eating out, 75% would reduce spending on toys and presents, while 64% would spend less on new clothes rather than ditch their children's activity classes.

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