Parents want more time with their kids, new survey finds

Almost half of Australian parents would like to spend more quality time with their children, a new survey has found.

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and Sweeney Research online survey of 500 participants - released as part of the Foundation’s Children365 initiative - found 46 per cent of parents want more time with their children.

Sixty-six per cent of parents reported work commitments as the main barrier to spending time with their children.

“The survey results show just how hard Australian parents are working to support and care for their families, while also highlighting some of the significant challenges many are facing,” said The Alannah and Madeline Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Judith Slocombe

The survey found those parents who spend less than two hours with their children each day were more likely to feel this time was not enough (70 per cent).

“Two-thirds of parents in the survey who spent more than five hours with their kids each day felt this was a good amount of time. But, perceptions of ‘quality time’ naturally vary from family to family.

“In our hectic modern lifestyles, both work and social pressures can significantly impact the amount of time we spend with our children,” Dr Slocombe said.

The Foundation also facilitated a focus group of children to investigate those activities they enjoy doing the most with their families.

“We found children enjoy simple things such as gardening, going to the movies, swimming, playing sport, arts and crafts, going on holidays and even playing board games together,” said Dr Slocombe.

As part of Children365, the Foundation will release a 12-month calendar to inspire simple and inexpensive ways for families to spend time together.

The Foundation is also partnering with the Victorian State Government to host a fun day out for families at Melbourne Museum on Sunday 1 November. The event will feature kite and puppet making workshops, celebrity guests, children’s book author appearances, sport and games, arts and crafts.

The event will offer free adult admission to Melbourne Museum on 1 November 2009 with a voucher available in the Sunday Herald Sun on the day. Melbourne Museum offers free admission for children all year round.

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation research also found:
•    Parents want their children to have a happy and fulfilled future, and for their kids to remain safe from harm.

•    Finding love, living a healthy life and financial security are among parents’ top hopes and dreams for their childrens’ future.

•    Society pressures, the environment and finance are among they key areas of concern for Australian parents when thinking about their childrens’ future.

•    Children worry about a range of subjects from things like being bossed around by adults, their families being embarrassing and getting lots of homework to some big issues like their families getting hurt, dying and what the future holds.