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When school lets out, kids jump for joy, but for parents, the real summer challenge begins
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From camps to child care, the price tags add up fast, pushing families to make tough decisions
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and even take on debt to keep the fun going. A new LendingTree survey found 60 percent of parents
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with kids under 18 are struggling to afford summer child care. For families who need it
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the cost runs about $900 per child. To cover costs, 48% cut back on going out for dinner
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and entertainment, while others skip vacations or delay bills. Many parents want to give their
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kids more summer fun, but say money and options fall short. 86% say they would sign their kids
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up for more if they could afford it. 44% receive help like subsidies, but 36% say there's just not
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enough affordable options near them. The gap between wishes and reality often hit hard
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with 71 percent saying their household expenses rise in the summer. Nearly two-thirds have taken
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on debt just to keep up. Summer costs are a real strain for many families, but 91 percent say it's
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an investment worth making for their children. For more on this story and others, download the
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Straight Hour News mobile app or head to san.com. For Straight Hour News, I'm Kaylee Carey
