Jupiter
Four in ten mums are dreading the school summer holidays because of difficulties juggling work and childcare and having to entertain their kids for six weeks.
With most schools breaking up tomorrow, if they haven't already, mums will have to call on friends and family to look after their children and face packed local attractions on days out, according to a survey of 2,000 mothers.
Other concerns include having to return to a mounting workload after taking time off with children, and bad weather meaning kids are stuck in the house all day.
Catriona Marshall, CEO of Hobbycraft, which commissioned the research, said: "For most children, the summer holidays are the best part of the year, six weeks without school or homework!
"For parents, grandparents and child minders it can be a challenge to keep them occupied, especially in rainy weather.
"School summer holidays prove to be a re-occurring issue for working mums.
Not only does it mean they have to find six weeks' worth of childcare or take time off work, but they also have to find various ways to keep their children happy and entertained for the entire break.
The study revealed that 40 per cent are dreading the start of the school holidays, with the extra childcare and juggling it around work named as the biggest issue for 48 per cent of those.
More than a third even said they still hadn't got childcare arranged for the full six weeks, despite the start of the holiday being just days away.
A third fear the house will be a constant mess with their kids at home all day; 22 per cent aren't looking forward to the overcrowded local attractions;; 31 per cent worry about how they'll keep the kids entertained; and 35 per cent dread the inevitable bad weather will keep the kids indoors.
The survey also found that 42 per cent of mums think the school summer holidays are too long.
Are you dreading or looking forward (or a bit of both) to the six week break from school?
More on Parentdish: Our summer section dedicated to ideas and inspirations for holidays.