Parents fear a loss of connection following kids’ return to school
PARENTS fear their kids have ‘closed up’ following their return to school, after months of open conversation at home.
A study of 1,000 parents of 6-16 year olds found more than half of them (64%) felt their children spoke about their feelings more than ever during the lockdown period. More than two thirds believed family discussions were more open and honest than they previously were.
Following the return to school, despite some parents being worried about spending less quality time with their youngster, 48% were determined to keep these meaningful conversations going.
But 16% of parents feel they have fewer conversations with their child now they are back at school, with 44% believing their youngster is too tired. The research, commissioned by frozen food company McCain as part of its Nation’s Conversations report, also found 38% of parents now feel mealtimes are more important than ever to talk to their child.
Child psychologist Laverne Antrobus says: “As the everyday routines in British households continue to adapt to ever-changing circumstances, it’s unsurprising that families across the nation are worried about how to hold onto quality time together.
“Now more than ever, mealtimes
provide moments of stability and normality amidst so many changes to everyday life.
“If children are less vocal following their return to school, then dinner is the perfect time when parents can sit down with them and discuss their thoughts, feelings, hopes and fears. “The research shows that the majority of parents are determined to keep meaningful conversation going, and mealtimes provide the perfect opportunity to sit together around the dinner table and facilitate this.”
The study also found that during lockdown, parents spent 16 hours of quality time each week with their child. But this has dropped to 12 hours since the return to school. Popular topics of discussion while they were at home together included their children’s hopes and fears, their hobbies and the pandemic with more than half of parents talking about it with their kids.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, also polled 1,000 6-16 year olds and found 61% have missed spending time with – and talking to – their parents since being back at school.
A further nine in 10 said they enjoy their family mealtimes and 80% look forward to using the time to catch up with their parents and siblings.