​Children's charity survey reveals pressure on parents at Christmas

More than half of Scottish parents cut back on spending on themselves at Christmas in order to buy gifts for their children.

Meanwhile, more than one in three also struggle to make their money last until the end of the month, the survey by Action for Children found.

It also discovered that 46% struggle to buy essentials like food, clothes and transport for their children, making Christmas one of the toughest periods for them.

When so many parents already struggle to make their money last with everyday living costs, Christmas can spark a crisis of stress, bills and debt.

Paul Carberry, director of children’s services at Action for Children Scotland, said many parents feel the pressure over the festive season.

“Parents want to give their children a magical Christmas and this places a lot of pressure on them to spend,” he said.

“When so many parents already struggle to make their money last with everyday living costs, Christmas can spark a crisis of stress, bills and debt.

“Parents worried about their money situation should seek help now to prepare for Christmas and to avoid the dreaded day in January when the credit card bills land on the mat.”

Scottish parents were no different from the rest of the country, the poll, which spoke to 2,000 people from the UK, showed.

UK wide 37% of parents regularly struggle to make their money last until the end of the month.

Action for Children Scotland used the survey to highlight that it provides money advice at many of its 90 services that the charity currently runs north of the border.

Carberry continued: “Making and sticking to a budget, prioritising your most expensive debts and ensuring you’re claiming the benefits and tax credits you’re entitled to all help.”