Parents rethink family routines after lockdown
A FIFTH of parents believe the lockdown restrictions have been beneficial for their kids due to the extra ‘family time’ it has given them.
A study of 1,000 mums and dads with children living at home found more than a third are now rethinking their entire routines after enjoying having more quality time together during the lockdown.
As a result, 78% have pledged to retain some aspect of their current regime even when restrictions are lifted.
The research, commissioned by McCain as part of its Nation’s Conversations campaign, found 48% have seen the amount of exercise they do as a family change – increasing to an average of four times a week compared to three previously.
The research also found 28% of parents believe their new routine has bought their family closer together.
Meanwhile, the time saved by not commuting or rushing around to after-school clubs has meant more space in the schedule for family meals. This has meant the new typical routine also includes eight meals together a week, compared to seven previously.
Mum-of-three Myleene Klass has teamed up with McCain to encourage parents to join the McCain Family Pledge.
Myleene says: “As our fantastic front-line workers have worked to keep us safe and the country running during lockdown, the experience has been quite different for those families at home.
“Whilst the whole experience has been a rollercoaster of emotions, I, like many other parents, will be trying to take something positive out of the experience. I have been able to reflect on both my experience and those of other families across the UK, brought to life in the Nation’s Conversation research.
“It has definitely moved me to see what families across the nation have enjoyed about lockdown – the slower pace of life, and how quality family-time, especially at mealtimes, has become so important for many. And while there is no doubt that we have all struggled at various points over the weeks, I’ve embraced being at home more with the girls, Apollo, and Simon.
“We will be continuing to ensure we keep our precious time together as a family going, whether cooking together, sitting round the table or just walking the baby around the garden. As long as we’re together.”