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You can tell by the rain that festival season has begun which is the perfect time to introduce some basic economics to your teenager. The first lesson is Motivation, motivation, motivation. Never is a 16 year old more interested in carrying out a few extra household chores than when she has a ticket in three figures to pay for. Introduce them to the minimum wage and then point out that in two years’ time they could well be living on their own some. I know we shouldn’t hold their hand completely but I’ve found that just fixing them up with one regular external babysitting gig a week can bring in about £20 a week and often snowballs.<\/p>\r\n
It might sound daft, but attending a festival is an economic lesson in itself. In the two hour drive home from a rain-splattered Download festival in Derbyshire last night my daughter proved yet again, that, so long as there are teenagers who forget to pack bottles or water or extra phone batteries, hippies and crusites will never starve. Horrified at the blatant prices being charged for essentials (£2 for a 500ml bottle of water) she not only vowed to be even more self sufficient next time (apparently there will be a next time…) but has already begun sourcing wellies to sell from a wheelbarrow. That’s my girl. <\/p>\r\n
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Meanwhile – here are my three money-saving tips to surviving festivals::
Take as much water as you can carry (in plastic bottles) most provide free drinking water but you have to have something to carry it in<\/p>\r\n
Take the cheapest phone you can and spare batteries – check out the sponsors before you go – if it’s a phone company they may offer free charging and other perks to their customers<\/p>\r\n
If time is no object register as a cleaner upper – you can earn back at least the cost of your food<\/p>\r\n
Again if you don’t have to rush back for something tedious like A levels, stay as long as you can – the salvage opportunities are incredible, especially after the rain – last year my mate Vix picked up an entire four man tent – take extra binbags to carry your booty in.<\/p>\r\n
What have I missed? Festival veterans please share! <\/p>\r\n