A Lost Social Life Is the Mother Of All Parental Sacrifices

19/3/2009

New research from Yorkshire Bank has revealed that the thing most mothers miss is their social life, with 62% highlighting girls’ nights out as their greatest sacrifice.

This is closely followed by lack of sleep and less spending money on themselves and their partner. More than half (55%) of those surveyed said it was those elements of their lives which had changed the most since the arrival of children.

The survey also revealed the current economic situation is having an impact on women planning to start a family. A total of 32% of those surveyed said they would put off having children until the economic climate improved and a further 28% stated that it may make them reconsider.

What mothers feel they have had to give up:

• Social life                                                 62%
• Sleep                                                        54%
• Spending money on myself/partner   54%
• Spur of the moment activities              43%
• Impromptu holidays                              37%
• Watching normal TV                              27%
• Work                                                         26%
• Fancy car                                                14%
• Drinking                                                  14%
• Smoking                                                  7% 

However, the vast majority of mothers feel the joy of having children is worthwhile with 78% stating it is worth all the sacrifices. Just less than 4% disagreed.

Gary Lumby, Yorkshire Bank’s Head of Retail, said: “Having children has a major impact on their parents’ lives but planning ahead can help to reduce the financial burden.

“For those planning to start a family saving money every month can provide a nest egg to help you through the first few years and as well as helping to buy all those baby essentials there could even be enough left to allow parents to treat themselves.”