10 Easy Ways to Make This Summer Count. Bond with your child & grow their money confidence
Summer is here, and with it comes longer days, less routine, and a big chance to create special memories with your kids. You don’t need a luxury holiday or endless time off work to make it meaningful.
What if this summer could also be the time your child starts learning how money works - in simple, fun ways that don’t feel like a lesson? Here are 10 practical things you can do, even on a tight budget or while juggling work.
1. Make a family summer budget
Get your kids involved in planning what you’ll spend over the summer.
Write down or draw three categories:
Fun Days
Treats
Savings
Ask your child how they’d like to split the money. You’ll be surprised how sensible they can be when they’re included.
2. Let them help plan the holiday
If you’re going away, give your child a small job:
Find a free event to do while you’re there
Compare prices for ice cream or snacks
Choose one souvenir within a set budget
They’ll feel proud to be trusted and learn real money decision-making.
3. Make a stay-at-home adventure jar
Not travelling this year? No problem.
Create a “fun jar” where you save small amounts - coins, spare change, even supermarket savings.
Use it for stay-at-home treats:
Local splash parks
DIY treasure hunts
Library activity days
Let your child pick how to spend the jar. It’s a great way to show that small amounts add up.
4. Try a mini business
Summer’s a great time for a tiny hustle. Support your child in trying:
A lemonade stand
Selling crafts or toys they’ve outgrown
Washing neighbours’ cars
Let them work out what to charge and what they’ll do with their earnings. It’s not about the money - it’s about confidence.
5. Play money games
Turn learning into play.
Dust off Monopoly Junior or make your own shop game using toy food and coins.
Talk about the choices they make during the game. Keep it light but meaningful.
6. Talk about 'wants vs needs' while shopping
Next time you're in the supermarket, say:
“Do we need this or do we want it?”
“Could we find it cheaper?”
Simple questions spark big thinking. It’s how kids learn the value of choice.
7. Cook and budget a meal together
Let your child help plan, shop, and cook a family meal.
Show them the receipt and work out how much each portion cost.
Then compare it to ordering takeaway.
Big lessons, small steps.
8. Have a no-spend challenge day
Pick one day a week where you don’t spend anything.
Get creative:
Make blanket forts
Play board games
Do backyard science experiments
Show them that fun isn’t about spending - it’s about togetherness.
9. Set a family savings goal
Choose something exciting:
A day trip
A new game
A big family treat
Create a tracker - use a jar, draw a thermometer, or stick up stars on the fridge. Let everyone contribute, even with pennies.
10. Share your money stories
Your kids want to know about you.
Tell them about your first job, a time you saved for something, or even a money mistake.
They’ll learn more from your real stories than from any textbook.
Bonus Tip: Use what’s already available
If you’re working or watching every penny, check what help is out there:
Tax-Free Childcare (gov will top up what you pay)
30 hours free childcare (expanding in September!)
HAF programme – free meals and clubs in many areas over summer
Your local council or gov.uk can tell you what’s available.
You don’t need a perfect summer
You just need to show up.
These small moments - sharing money choices, cooking a meal, laughing during a game—are the ones your child will remember.
Let them see how money works in real life. Let them feel included. That’s how confidence starts.
