The Family-it's not toxic-it's thriving
Families remain strong and functional according to a report out today which paints a different picture from that of a “toxic childhood” so commonly described in the press. Stories of childhood obesity, increase in violence and crime, falling academic results, couch potato teenagers are rife and contribute to a sense of doom when thinking about our children and families. But given the opportunity, families describe a very different scenario.
With over 40% of families spending 8 hours or more a week together and 68% of parents agreeing that quality family time is about 'just being together', a new study suggests that, actually, families like each other and want to spend time together. Families are finding a modern, 21st century way of maintaining family life that may be different from previous generations, but is no less valuable or enjoyable for it.
The report, commissioned by Center Parcs and published by Parent Focus, looks at how modern families spend time together: how they have fun, what they enjoy doing and who takes part. Based on discussions with different parents across the country, it shows how parents are blending the old and new activities, creating a more democratic, participatory family life.
Commenting on the report, Mary MacLeod, Chief Executive of the Family and Parenting Institute said,
“In a climate of anxiety and negative comment about family life, it is both salutary and heartening to be reminded that the picture is not so bleak as one might believe. Family life is not without its challenges, but on the whole parents do want to do their best for their children and most are doing a good job.”
Families appear to have embraced the huge range of activities available to them including playing electronic games together alongside some of the more traditional activities like board games and going to the park.
Creating good memories for their children was uppermost in parents' minds and was often the driving force behind the energy given over to making sure the family could spend leisure time together.
Center Parcs commissioned the report to better understand a picture of modern family life. Martin Dalby, Chief Executive of Center Parcs said “At Center Parcs we see families on holiday enjoying spending time together. In fact our most popular holiday activities are the ones where all members of the family can participate. Our experience conflicts with many predictions of the collapse of family life and we were keen to investigate just how real families interact in the 21st century. ”
Justine Roberts, founder of Mumsnet welcomed the report saying,
“It's refreshing to read a report on parenting which captures how hard most parents try to do the right thing for their children. On mumsnet.com we frequently encounter parents planning and working out ways to spend time with their family, despite the pressures of modern life that are put on them.”
All of which provides a refreshing contrast to the doom-mongers intent on characterising the family as a failing institution on the brink of collapse.
ENDS
Note to Editors:
• Set in the beautiful locations of Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, Elveden Forest, Suffolk, Longleat Forest, Wiltshire and Whinfell Forest in Cumbria, Center Parcs is the perfect woodland escape. As the leader in the UK short break holiday market, it occupies a unique position after 20 years of operation in Britain, enjoying enviable annual occupancy rates in excess of 90% and welcoming over 1.5m guests each year. In that time, the name Center Parcs has become synonymous with the provision of an exceptional short break experience in a forest location.
• Parent Focus is an independent company specialising in understanding parents. They conduct research with parents and develop family friendly policy.
• The qualitative element of the research consisted of six groups and four couple interviews with children present. In total 44 parents were involved. The groups were led by a discussion guide but free-running discussion was allowed to take place. The groups were recruited to reflect a geographical spread, with an ethnic and social class mix.
• This was backed up with quantitative research carried out online by Research Now to a sample of 1000, taken from their 370,000 UK Valued Opinions panel. All participants were required to be from the UK, over the age of 18 and have one or more child under the age of 18. The survey consisted of 17 questions and was carried out online.
• To download a full copy of the report visit www.parentfocus.org.uk
• For further information contact :
Vicki Shotbolt on 07795 047 469
Vicki@parentfocus.org.uk
• For further information about Center Parcs contact:
Alex Dehnert or Hannah Burden on 0207 3492513/12 or centerparcs@halpern.co.uk
Or visit www.press.centerparcs.co.uk