HOLIDAY HAPPINESS

PLANNING a family holiday? It could be the glue that keeps you all happy. Ireland’s first Family Togetherness Index by Center Parcs Ireland found that 78% of parents cite the holiday break as the thing that brings their family closer together.

Developed in collaboration with child psychotherapist Dr Colman Noctor, the survey found time away from the daily slog significantly contributes to family closeness.

Commenting on the research findings, Dr Noctor said: ‘The children and parents involved in this study referred to the busy nature of their schedules as a barrier to family time. Occasions such as family holidays allow for fun experiences to be shared between parent and child, thereby providing an opportunity for real quality time to be spent and increased closeness amongst the family unit to be enjoyed.’ But there’s a catch — the findings revealed our kids enjoy these holidays 15% more than we do!