When it comes to keeping the kids happy, new research reveals it's not all about a playroom full of toys and expensive holidays. The key to a happy family life is closer to home, with over half (55%) of UK children and teens saying spending time with their family makes them happiest of all.
Despite the rise of technology, family time still rates higher than playing on computers, iPads or smartphones.
The study, conducted by
IKEA, surveyed both children and their parents. Having family dinners (29%) playing in the garden (26%), and being read a story by mum or dad (20%) came out on top. Even helping their parents out around the house (14%) makes children happier than it did for their parents.
When asked about their own childhoods, nearly half (43%) of parents polled say they had less quality time with their own parents than they do with their children today.
Of all aspects of family life, eating dinner together remains important for youngsters throughout their childhood, with one in three (29%) 15-18 year olds still enjoying this tradition as they reach adult life.
Children named moments such as ‘family dinners at home’, ‘learning to ride a bike’ and ‘birthday parties at home’ - suggesting the simple things in life are still a treasured part of growing up.
And when it comes to where children most like spending time, nearly three quarters (73%) say their own bedroom is the best place in the house. This is followed by the living room (44%) and garden (20%), showing communal family areas are also a valued part of family life.
What kids really want
At a time when families are already facing increased financial pressures, the research reveals a third (33%) of parents believe having more space in the home would make their children happier.
Yet worried parents should take heart. When children were asked the same question, half (50%) said simply having an input into the way their bedrooms were decorated would make them feel happier than living in a bigger house (26%).
As part of the research, IKEA worked with psychotherapist and children's counsellor
Phillip Hodson of the
UK Council for Psychotherapy, to give advice for families wanting to make their homes a happier place.
- Here are Phillip's top tips for making your children's home life happier:
- Plan to do a proper family dinner once weekly, letting the kids help choose and prepare the food.
- Always consult the children about bedroom furnishings. You don't have to accept black walls and ceilings but their space needs to be personal.
- Often the most precious present you can give your child is your time - even if you just listen or play.
Happy children know they have a lot to learn and don't necessarily get their own way - so don't over praise.
As the study shows, it is possible to bring the family together and make everyone happy without spending a fortune. It's about finding ways to integrate children into the home and giving them a little creative control over how it looks and feels.
Despite the rise of technology, family time still rates higher than playing on computers, iPads or smartphones.
The study, conducted by IKEA, surveyed both children and their parents. Having family dinners (29%) playing in the garden (26%), and being read a story by mum or dad (20%) came out on top. Even helping their parents out around the house (14%) makes children happier than it did for their parents.
When asked about their own childhoods, nearly half (43%) of parents polled say they had less quality time with their own parents than they do with their children today.
Of all aspects of family life, eating dinner together remains important for youngsters throughout their childhood, with one in three (29%) 15-18 year olds still enjoying this tradition as they reach adult life.
Children named moments such as ‘family dinners at home’, ‘learning to ride a bike’ and ‘birthday parties at home’ - suggesting the simple things in life are still a treasured part of growing up.
And when it comes to where children most like spending time, nearly three quarters (73%) say their own bedroom is the best place in the house. This is followed by the living room (44%) and garden (20%), showing communal family areas are also a valued part of family life.
What kids really want
At a time when families are already facing increased financial pressures, the research reveals a third (33%) of parents believe having more space in the home would make their children happier.
Yet worried parents should take heart. When children were asked the same question, half (50%) said simply having an input into the way their bedrooms were decorated would make them feel happier than living in a bigger house (26%).
As part of the research, IKEA worked with psychotherapist and children's counsellor Phillip Hodson of the UK Council for Psychotherapy, to give advice for families wanting to make their homes a happier place.
