Credit, Collections & Insolvency News
New research commissioned by subscription lender Creditspring found that more than three quarters of mothers (77%) have worried about money in the past three months because of child-related costs such as birthday parties, activities, clothes and days out. That compares with 70% of fathers.
The research also suggests many mums feel responsible for managing these decisions. Over half (56%) say they mainly take the lead on spending choices such as school uniforms, clubs, gifts and kit, compared with 40% of dads.
For many families, the costs quickly add up. On average, mums estimate their household spends £209 per month on child-related extras such as parties, entertainment and clothing – excluding housing and normal grocery shopping. Over a year, that totals more than £2,500.
Spending varies significantly across the UK. Parents in Brighton report the highest monthly spend at £330, followed by Manchester (£262) and London (£247). Birmingham (£246), Glasgow (£236), Nottingham (£220), Edinburgh (£210), Liverpool (£207), Cardiff (£205) and Belfast (£201) also report monthly spending above £200.
Financial worry is particularly high among younger parents. Nine in ten (91%) parents aged 18-24 say they have worried about child-related costs recently, compared with 78% of those aged 25-34 and 74% of those aged 35-44.
Parents aged 25-34 are the most likely to spend heavily on extras, with 77% saying they spend more than £100 per month and 12% spending over £400.
The research suggests the pressure is not just financial, but social. Nearly half of mums (46%) say they feel pressure to keep their child’s birthday or celebrations at the same level as other children’s. A similar proportion (47%) worry their child will feel left out if the family doesn’t spend like others, while 39% say they feel judged by other parents based on spending on gifts, celebrations or trips.
Social media and school messaging groups can add to that pressure. Almost half of mums (46%) say social media makes them feel they should do more for their child’s celebrations, while 42% say parent WhatsApp groups increase expectations around parties, gifts or activities.
As a result, three quarters of mums (76%) say they feel guilty about what they can afford for their children, with one in five (20%) saying they feel this guilt all the time.
In the past six months, mums say they have spent £74 more than intended on a child-related celebration, compared with £66 among dads.
For some families, this pressure spills into wider financial strain. In the past year, 25% of mums say they have used a credit card in response to child-related costs, 22% have cut back on food shopping and 22% have used buy now pay later.
Money worries can also affect relationships, with 38% of parents saying spending on things like birthday parties, days out or holidays has caused disagreements with their partner or co-parent.
Tamsin Powell, Consumer Finance Expert at Creditspring, said “Being the one making everyday spending decisions for your children can feel like a constant balancing act between what you’d like to give them and what your household can realistically afford. For many mums, that responsibility also carries an emotional weight – especially when social media or school groups make it seem like everyone else is doing more.
“That pressure can quietly turn into worry, guilt or spending more than planned. Setting clear limits and focusing on what really matters to your child can help families stay in control of their finances.”
