Summer holiday burnout is real – new data shows UK parents are at breaking point by mid-August
There are still weeks to go before school gates reopen – but new research shows many UK parents are already running on empty.
A new study from Tommee Tippee has found that 54% of parents are feeling burnt out before the summer holidays are even close to being over, with rising childcare costs, pressure to make ‘perfect’ memories, and the sheer weight of the parenting mental load pushing families to their limits. And, according to the research, 12th August is the day it all comes to a head as kids reach peak school holiday boredom.
The survey of 2,000 UK parents also revealed that 72% believe raising children in 2025 is more difficult than it was for previous generations. Almost two-thirds (63%) say they feel overwhelmed by the expectation to “do it all” – and the summer break is intensifying the strain.
Between stretching already maxed-out childcare favours and dealing with activity prices that have soared, many parents say the fun of summer has been replaced by stress and exhaustion.
The top worries keeping parents up at night
At the heart of the anxiety is a deep concern for children’s futures. The study found:
67% cite the rising cost of raising children as their number one financial worry.
35% regularly feel anxious or stressed about their child’s mental health.
52% say they can’t keep up with the fast pace of new parenting trends.
The online world is adding pressure, too. While 55% of parents feel they manage screen time fairly well, 49% struggle to set consistent boundaries, and 41% admit they’re not always sure what their child is seeing online.
How parents are coping this summer
It’s not all doom and gloom. The research also highlights the ways parents are adapting to modern pressures:
40% turn to relatives for childcare and emotional support.
37% are making self-care a priority, whether that’s exercise, hobbies, or simply time alone.
Many are letting go of unrealistic ideals and parenting in ways that feel right for their own family, rather than what social media says they “should” be doing.
Anna Howes, Chief Marketing Officer at Tommee Tippee, says today’s parents deserve recognition for rewriting the rulebook.
“Today’s parents are doing more than ever, but they’re also rewriting the rules. They’re rejecting perfection, leaning into intuition, and supporting each other in new, meaningful ways. That’s something to celebrate.
As we mark 60 years of championing real parenting, we want every mum and dad to feel seen, supported and strong enough to parent their way.”
A call for more realistic expectations
Tommee Tippee says its mission is to meet parents where they are – with products and emotional support that help take some of the load off, rather than adding to it. To mark its 60th anniversary, the brand has launched a limited-edition Heritage Collection, blending nostalgia with practical design for modern families.
So if you’re feeling drained with only half of the holidays accounted for you’re far from alone – and you don’t need to be doing everything to make the summer holidays magical. Sometimes “good enough” really is perfect.