By Zoya Gervis // SWNS
NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO + INFOGRAPHIC
More than three in five parents believe they spend more time with their child than their own parents spent with them growing up, according to new research.
A new survey of 2,000 Americans with children revealed that parents spend an average of almost 5 hours per day with their kids, with one in 10 saying they spend eight hours or more.
Parents are able to get the most time with their youngsters during meals (32%), while watching TV or movies (30%) during playtime (27%) bedtime (27%) and bath time (26%).
The poll, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Baby Magic, found that while new technology may seem to make parents’ lives easier, 74% of parents polled think it is more challenging to raise a child now than it was when they were growing up.
The top factors that make modern parenting a tougher job than it used to be was found to be the emergence of social media (66%), more parents working full-time jobs (64%), and, perhaps surprisingly, technology (58%).
In fact, 68% admit that they feel like they lean too much on iPads and other tech devices to keep their kids occupied, while even more parents polled (72%) say they value electronics-free time with their kids the most.
But it’s no secret that kids grow up. So it’s no surprise that almost three-quarters (74%) of parents agree that as their child gets older, they miss them needing their help.
The top three activities parents miss helping their children with turned out to be bath time (41%), getting dressed (38%) and brushing their teeth (36%).
For those parents who find themselves spending less time with their children as they grow up, 36% believe it is because they don’t need as much help.
However, 45% believe it is because their child is becoming more independent.
Almost three-quarters (72%) of respondents agree that seeing their child go from their best friend to more independent is painful.
“We all know lifestyles have changed over the years. Our days are busier than ever with more information, choices, and distractions at our fingertips. We believe in the importance of slowing down and creating bonding moments that connect us with our children'' stated a spokesperson for Baby Magic.
Seven in 10 parents believe bath time is just as relaxing for them as it is for their child.
However, it doesn’t appear that bath time was always a serene activity. Seventy-four percent of parents agreed that bath time was challenging at first, but it became easier over time.
Sixty-two percent of parents believe that they bathe their children more frequently than their parents bathed them. More than one-third of parents (35%) bathe or bathed their children daily.
And that’s not the only difference. Almost three in five (57%) of parents feel that the method of bathing has changed, such as using the sink vs the tub.
“Those little laughs don’t stay little forever. That’s why it’s important to create a simple routine that allows parents to make the most of their time with their child. It’s those everyday bonding moments, like bath time with your favorite baby washes and lotions, that create cherished memories that last a lifetime. By using consistent products and scents, these memories can be strengthened between parent and child” stated a spokesperson for Baby Magic.
WHAT DO PARENTS MISS HELPING THEIR KIDS WITH THE MOST?
- Bath time - 41%
- Getting dressed - 38%
- Brushing their teeth - 36%
- Mealtime - 36%
- Reading - 36%
- Doing their hair - 34%
- Homework - 33%