Summer expenses: Who pays when grandchildren stay with grandparents?

Grandparents frequently bear the financial brunt of grandchildren's summer visits, covering costs for food, transportation, outings, and even new clothing. Without clear prior agreements, these expenses can significantly deplete grandparents' pensions or savings, as they often hesitate to refuse requests from their grandchildren.

“

If these costs are not agreed upon in advance, it can happen that grandparents cover a large part of the summer expenses from their pension or savings. For example, the costs for ice cream, a bus ticket, or a single outing do not seem large. But if a child spends several weeks in the countryside and wants to go to the beach, a cafe, the city, the cinema, or a fair, the expenses quickly add up. Grandparents often do not want to refuse their grandchild, even if it means they have to limit their own expenses.

These situations typically arise not from ill intentions but from a common assumption that small, everyday costs are not worth discussing. However, these seemingly minor expenses can accumulate rapidly, especially if a child spends several weeks with grandparents or if multiple grandchildren visit. This period often coincides with preparations for the new school year, adding to parental expenses.

To prevent unnecessary financial strain, experts recommend families openly discuss and agree on cost responsibilities before the summer. While the conversation need not be overly formal, clear arrangements help avoid misunderstandings and unmet expectations. One simple solution is for parents to provide children with a set amount of money or to transfer funds to grandparents in advance to cover daily expenses.

“

One of the simplest solutions is to give the child a certain amount of money or to transfer funds to the grandparents in advance to cover daily expenses. For example, 'Citadele' data shows that in May, the average amount transferred in one payment to a child's account was about 27 euros.

Data from "Citadele" bank shows an increase in accounts opened for children under 18, with an average transfer of around 27 euros per payment in May. Experts suggest agreeing on a weekly budget for the child, defining what they can decide independently and when they should consult parents before making purchases. This approach not only aids in expense planning but also instills a sense of financial responsibility in children, making summer holidays a practical lesson in financial literacy.

“

If a child has a certain amount of pocket money, they learn to make decisions – spend it immediately or save for a larger purchase. Such an experience helps to understand the value of money much better than theoretical talk about saving. Moreover, summer is a suitable time for children to acquire their first budgeting skills and to understand the connection between money, choices, and responsibility.