Average Parent Spends Only 5 Hours Face-To-Face With Their Kids Per Week
LONDON — The concept of a close-knit family might be becoming an old-fashioned notion, at least in Britain.
A recent survey of 1,000 British parents found the average parent spends a mere five hours per week communicating face-to-face with their children.
More than half of surveyed parents with children under the age of 18 said they feel “distant” from their kids. In all, 43% blamed their measly family time on their kids, accusing them of spending too much time in front of the television, with another 51% saying their kids spend too much time in their bedrooms.
Another 44% claimed their familial disconnect is a result of their kids logging large amounts of time on their phones during traditional “family time” in the evening.
The study, commissioned by Cadbury Heroes, also seemed to confirm the notion that the average youngster starts to avoid his or her parents around the age of 13. Not surprisingly, 73% of respondents said their relationship with their children changed once their sons and daughters became teenagers.
Nearly half (46%) of surveyed parents said they only talk to their kids for a maximum of four hours each week. Meanwhile, 54% said they would love to spend more time with their children.
To rectify this problem, over 80% of parents have taken an active interest in their children’s favorite activities in an effort to reconnect. For example, 20% of parents have learned to play the popular online video game Fortnite, while 39% said they have gotten involved with their child’s hobbies. Another 33% have listened to their child’s favorite bands or musical artists in order to bond with them.
Comically, 25% have even tried to adopt youthful slang words such as “dope” or “YOLO.”
All in all, the average British parent attempts to designate five days per month for “family time.” Regarding family time, 44% believe getting together as a family is a great way to avoid technology for a few hours. Finally, 50% of respondents said they try to encourage their kids to be more open and honest with them.
The survey was conducted and provided by OnePoll.
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