1 in 5 parents think coronavirus lockdown has been beneficial for their children
A fifth of parents have said they believe the coronavirus lockdown has been a positive thing for their relationship with their children.
The slower pace of life with less demands on both the parents and the children has led to this realisation, despite many children having to have months off school because of COVID-19.
The study by McCain as part of its Nation’s Conversations campaign, spoke to 1,000 parents during the lockdown.
78% of those surveyed said that they’ll be taking some aspects of their new life with them after lockdown restrictions are eased.
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One of the unexpected positives to come out of a bad situation has been the amount of exercise families are doing together.
According to the RCPCH, one in five children are overweight as they start primary school. The prevalence of childhood obesity in the UK is clear, but with parents having more time on their hands to exercise with their children, there’s a chance this rate could decrease.
Similarly, the way children are fed has changed since lockdown begun.
Without the pressures of the rushed pick-ups and work meetings, parents have been able to spend more time cooking nutritious meals for the family to enjoy.
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With some children now back at school and others not returning until September, two third of parents surveyed said they believed their children have enjoyed this impromptu time off.
With time spent learning new things about their children - including which topics they find most challenging at school - it’s unsurprising that so many people want to keep up this routine post lockdown.
Although many parents think it has been a positive thing for them, it’s interesting to note that four in five parents have struggled with the adjustment or haven’t found it beneficial for their children.
This is likely down to the lack of routine, difficulty dealing with what the pandemic means to the family and struggles to maintain working from home full-time whilst also bringing up children.
There are elements of the “new normal” that parents plan to slot into their everyday lives, though.
The top 10 list includes:
1. More quality family time
2. More family walks
3. More family meals together
4. To spend less money
5. Less rushing around
6. More outdoor time with their children
7. More laughter with their family
8. More conversations with their children
9. Less driving
10. More free time for their children
