KID YOU NOT: new research reveals kids are in charge when it comes to big household decisions
Kids Rule the Roost!
New research reveals that nearly half of kids influence big family decisions – from holidays to the weekly food shop
Kids rule the roost when it comes to what families are having for dinner, where they go on holiday – and even how to decorate the house.
A poll of 2,000 parents with children from 5-16 found 49 per cent claim their littles ones usually have an input in the big household decisions – as 31 per cent think it makes for a ‘quieter life’.
While 34 per cent said their children have control over what plays on the car stereo, and 47 per cent allow youngsters their say on decorating their bedroom.
Culinary decisions are also not exempt from the kids’ control – as 43 per cent consult their offspring about the weekly grocery list, and one in five children (22 per cent) get their meal of choice when it comes to menu planning.
And when it comes to holidays, 62 per cent say family trips are improved when the children are involved in the decision-making process.
The research was commissioned by Haven Holidays as part of its latest campaign, whereby holiday parks are recruiting a team of ‘Kidfluencers’ across the UK to dream up their ultimate summer holiday activities and turn their best suggestions into reality.
Sarah Chapman, Chief Customer Officer, of Haven Holidays, said: “Parents who ‘pick and choose battles’ tend to find that this helps everything else around the home run smoothly
“When it comes to making holiday plans, consulting with children can help conserve spending too – as you won’t waste money on destinations or activities they don’t enjoy!
“It’s encouraging to see parents of children as young as five are empowering their young ones to help make family decisions, both big and small, without them feeling that children are ‘ruling the roost’.
Nearly nine in 10 parents polled (89 per cent) consider it important their youngsters have a say in family matters.
More than half (54 per cent) think it makes children more independent, while 52 per cent say it makes them feel like an equal member of the household.
The majority of parents (88 per cent) admit to being impressed by their children when it comes to their decision-making ability in these fields. And more than half (52 per cent) have even changed their minds on something they’d previously decided, due to input from their little ones.
For 47 per cent of parents, giving children the platform to speak their mind encourages critical thinking, according to the OnePoll.com data.
Sarah added: “Letting kids have their say is clearly very important to parents and it’s wonderful to see this in action on holiday.
“With the research revealing just how much influence children have over family decisions, we want to give youngsters the power to imagine their ultimate holiday activities. That’s why we’re recruiting a team of ‘Kidfluencers’ to make their mark on our park activities this summer. The more family fun the better!”
HOUSEHOLD DECISIONS KIDS MOST OFTEN GIVE INPUT ON:
1. How to decorate their bedroom
2. What to have for dinner
3. What to watch on the TV
4. What boardgames to play
5. What to watch at the cinema
6. What toppings to add to a pizza when ordering a takeaway
7. What treats to buy when food shopping
8. Where to go out to eat
9. What to listen to in the car
10. What presents to buy other family members
11. Where we should go on holiday
12. What should go on the weekly shopping list
13. Whether we should stop on our way home for fast-food
14. Whether they’re old enough to watch a movie with an older age rating
15. What time they should come home after being out with their friends
16. What time they should be going to bed
17. Whether to add more of something when cooking
18. What plants to buy for the garden
19. How to decorate the house
20. What TV to buy in the family home
Haven is recruiting a team of ‘Kidfluencers’ to dream up their ultimate holiday activities with the aim of turning some of their best ideas into reality. To enter the competition and be in with a chance of winning a family holiday, please visit: https://www.haven.com/holidays/kidfluencer
