Are summer school holidays too long?

Three out of four British parents wish summer school holidays were four weeks rather than six, the Daily Express newspaper has claimed. The parents feel that the Government should legislate to cut the holidays, saying they are left exhausted and out of pocket by the end. The survey of 2000 parents found keeping children entertained costs the average family an extra £1,400, the newspaper added. Across the long break, parents face an average of 48 cries of “I’m bored”, 24 temper tantrums, four hours stuck in traffic – and only three lie-ins. Paul Keenan, of Benenden Health, said: “It’s clear parents are often put under a great deal of strain during the holiday period, economically and physically.”