Divorced and on a Budget? 8 Cheap Things to Do Labor Day Weekend
For most American’s Labor Day is the last big three-day weekend of the summer. Between cookouts and camping, you can keep your family busy through the holiday. But if you ‘re one of the millions of single parents in the United States, it’s just another holiday you have to plan for. And if your divorce has left you on a budget, it’s not always easy to find something fun to do with the kids.
According to “Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support: 2005,” released by the U.S. Census Bureau in August 2007, there are 13.6 million single parents in the United States, and those parents are responsible for raising 21.2 million children (approximately 26 percent of children under 21 in the U.S. today). About 84 percent of all custodial parents are mothers, and 16 percent are fathers.
Of the mothers, 44 percent are divorced or separated Of the fathers,57 percent are divorced or separated. A total of 79 percent of custodial single mothers are employed — 50 percent work full time, 29 percent work part-time. A total of 92 of custodial single fathers are employed — 74 percent work full time,18 percent work part-time.
Divorce360 asked its community members what fun — and cheap — tips they had for making this holiday special, no matter which parent the kids are spending their time with. Here are eight tips for single parents on a budget.
TIPS FORSINGLE PARENTS ON A BUDGET
1. Take a day trip.
Divorce360community memberDebbie Trevino, who writes a blog called “Infidelity Sucks,” makes this suggestion for single parents: “Why not pack up a picnic luncheon, something you know they will like, go to a park with lots of swings and toys and take your radio. If the park has a pond with ducks, even better, take along some old bread. Doesn’t cost much and it’s some quality time with you and the kids.”
Divorce360 member DK Simoneau, author of “We’re Having a Tuesday,” suggested something similar: “There is nothing better than packing up a picnic lunch, snacks, and drinks to head to the local outdoor swimming pool on what is traditionally the last weekend of summer. It’s fun, it’s inexpensive, and it’s a great way to spend time with your kids.”
2. Show some charity.
Divorce360 expert Dr. Mark Goulston, author of “Get Out of Your Own Way,” suggests volunteering on your extra day off. “Helping others less fortunate than us and seeing thanks and appreciation is one of the best ways to feel good about yourself. When you give to make the world better, you earn the right to feel happy. If you have two or more children have each pick a favorite charity to help out — could be zoo, visiting hospital, soup kitchen, etc. Don’t think of it as trying to make them appreciate what they have (although that wouldn’t be a bad side effect). Think of it as tapping into their and your humanity and feeling the genuine and deserved appreciation of those with less.”
“I remember visiting the Los Angeles Juvenile Hall (where children age 11-17 were kept for felony crimes such as murder, rape, etc.) with my good friend, Kathleen Doheny, a Los Angeles Times writer to talk about the value of keeping a journal. They all looked so young as each group filed into the library in their orange prison clothes with their hands behind their backs. After each group we asked if there were any questions. From the youngest group and little boy raised he hand and timidly said, “Can we have your autographs?” I said, “Sure, but we’re not that famous or special. “Then without missing a beat he said, “You came here to spend time with us, that’s pretty special.”
3. Go to Dollar stores.
Divorce360 community member flagirl suggests: “If you have kids 10 or under, each kid gets $3 and gets to spend it the way they want at the Dollar Store. If they settle on something right away, ask them ‘Are you sure?’ Usually, they’ll go back to the toy aisle, just to make certain. This usually lasts more than an hour or so before they make a selection or three. If you build anticipation the night before by talking about what they plan to look for, this seems like a “real” outing for the kids.”
Flagirl also suggests: “If you’ve got girls of a certain age and some old dresses and purses and hats and stuff, let them play dress up and join in. Have a tea party with cookies and fruity tea. Set up a table with a pretty cloth in the living room and pretend you’re in a fancy hotel. This was a real winner with my stepdaughter.”5. Take a short vacation.
Divorce 360 single parenting expert Jodi Seidler, founder of makinglemonade.com, said: “As a single parent on a tight budget, there are three-day vacations you can create for yourself and make them memorable for your children. There are wonderful places to visit within your own state, which means less travel time and long distance expenses. You can also visit family for a reasonably priced vacation, especially if there are same-aged children close by for them to play with.””I love traveling with another single parent family; I’ve taken many trips with another single mom and our sons — which is a win-win for everyone and it helps to share expenses. Taking three-day cruises is a great vacation for everyone as well, cruise ships have tons of activities for children of all ages, and prices are cheap during certain time periods, add another single parent and their child along with you and you’re ready for a great all-expenses-included vacation!”
6. Go camping.
Divorce360 community member Trisha9054 suggests: “Borrow a tent and camp out in the backyard for a night or two. No tvs, just books.”
7. Find free events.
She also suggests: “Find things that are free in your local area and take them to those things that might be of interest to you as a family. Any craft fairs, festivals, etc. The zoo is always good. But I don’t know how expensive that could get. Try calling your chamber of commerce or read the local newspaper to see what is available in your area that is low cost.”
Another good place to find help:Find free attractions around the U.S. at Free-Attractions.com.
8. Go for brunch.
Divorce360 community member Jackson says: “To get everyone up and out of the house, I like to go to a pancake place for brunch — it’s cheaper than eating out at lunch or dinner. Brunch is good cause you skip a meal. My kids love waffles/pancakes/etc. Afterwards, I throw ’em in a swimming pool for a few hours. I make Dad’s special, amazing grilled cheese (ok, not really that amazing, I add Munster as my “super secret cheese”) and watch a rented movie on TV. Everyone sleeps well that night (swimming helps!). Cost for family of five:$30 breakfast, $4 movie, $5 for grilled cheese and chips.$5 for suntan stuff. Total: $44.”
