Seven in 10 mums and dads wish their youngsters would go outside more during the warmer months – but a third of kids will do so for less than an hour a day
Half of parents are bracing themselves to argue with their kids this summertime – about spending more time outdoors, a study has found.
Nearly three-quarters of mums and dads (71%), with children aged between five and 15, wish their offspring would spend more time out of the house during the longer, warmer days.
And they typically bicker with their kids about this twice a week – as one in three youngsters go outside for less than an hour a day during the summer months.
In fact, over a fifth (22%), of the 2,000 parents polled, say that their little ones will spend at least four days in a row indoors – opting to chat to friends online, play on games consoles, or watch TV, rather than going outside.
And while 73% of parents feel that getting out and about is good for their children’s health, they say the top reasons for not doing so include their child putting up a fuss about the weather, and not having appropriate clothing.
The research was commissioned by TK Maxx, which has children’s activewear and equipment available in-store.
A spokesman from the brand said: “Everyone knows the importance of getting kids playing outside – and with the Easter holidays in full swing, parents across the UK are encouraging their kids to embrace the outdoors.
“According to our research, parents say that having access to sporting equipment, at better value, encourages kids to spend time outside.”
The study went on to find that four in 10 mums and dads, who wish their kids went outside more, feel this way because they remember doing so when they were children, and it did them good.
And 35% believe it helps kids build real and lasting friendships – while 17% worry their children are overweight for their age.
Parents also say when children spend more time outdoors, their overall mood improves (48%), they sleep better (46%), and they’re more positive (34%).
Nearly two-thirds of those polled (65%) believe they spent more time outdoors when they were children, than their own offspring do now. But just under seven in 10 (68%) reckon they set a positive example by spending time outside, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
