Salsaga Blog

LONDON, March 29 /PRNewswire/ — Families remain strong and functional according to a report out todaywhich paints a different picture from that of a “toxic childhood” so commonlydescribed in the press. Stories of childhood obesity, increase in violenceand crime, falling academic results, couch potato teenagers are rife andcontribute to a sense of doom when thinking about our children and families.But given the opportunity, families describe a very different scenario. With over 40% of families spending 8 hours or more a weektogether and 68% of parents agreeing that quality family time is about ‘justbeing together’, a new study suggests that, actually, families like eachother and want to spend time together. Families are finding a modern, 21stcentury way of maintaining family life that may be different from previousgenerations, but is no less valuable or enjoyable for it. The report, commissioned by Center Parcs and published byParent Focus, looks at how modern families spend time together: how they havefun, what they enjoy doing and who takes part. Based on discussions withdifferent parents across the country, it shows how parents are blending theold and new activities, creating a more democratic, participatory familylife. Commenting on the report, Mary MacLeod, Chief Executive of theFamily and Parenting Institute said,”In a climate of anxiety and negative comment about familylife, it is both salutary and heartening to be reminded that the picture isnot so bleak as one might believe. Family life is not without its challenges,but on the whole parents do want to do their best for their children and mostare doing a good job. Families appear to have embraced the huge range of activities availableto them including playing electronic games together alongside some of themore traditional activities like board games and going to the park.” Creating good memories for their children was uppermost inparents’ minds and was often the driving force behind the energy given overto making sure the family could spend leisure time together. Center Parcs commissioned the report to better understand apicture of modern family life. Martin Dalby, Chief Executive of Center Parcssaid, “At Center Parcs we see families enjoying spending time together. Infact our most popular activities are the ones where all members of the familycan participate. Our experience conflicts with many predictions of thecollapse of family life and we were keen to investigate just how realfamilies interact in the 21st century.” Justine Roberts, founder of Mumsnet welcomed the reportsaying,”It’s refreshing to read a report on parenting which captureshow hard most parents try to do the right thing for their children. Onmumsnet.com we frequently encounter parents planning and working out ways tospend time with their family, despite the pressures of modern life that areput on them.” All of which provides a refreshing contrast to thedoom-mongers intent on characterising the family as a failing institution onthe brink of collapse. Note to Editor: - Set in the beautiful locations of Sherwood Forest,Nottinghamshire, Elveden Forest, Suffolk, Longleat Forest, Wiltshire andWhinfell Forest in Cumbria, Center Parcs is the perfect woodland escape. Asthe leader in the UK short break holiday market, it occupies a uniqueposition after 20 years of operation in Britain, enjoying enviable annualoccupancy rates in excess of 90% and welcoming over 1.5m guests each year. Inthat time, the name Center Parcs has become synonymous with the provision ofan exceptional short break experience in a forest location. - Parent Focus is an independent company specialising inunderstanding parents. They conduct research with parents and develop familyfriendly policy. - The qualitative element of the research consisted of sixgroups and four couple interviews with children present. In total 44 parentswere involved. A discussion guide led the groups but free-running discussionwas allowed to take place. The groups were recruited to reflect ageographical spread, with an ethnic and social class mix. - This was backed up with quantitative research carried outonline by Research Now to a sample of 1000, taken from their 370,000 UKValued Opinions panel. All participants were required to be from the UK, overthe age of 18 and have one or more child under the age of 18. The surveyconsisted of 17 questions and was carried out online. - To download a full copy of the report visithttp://www.parentfocus.org.uk http://www.centerparcs.co.ukCenter Parcs Ltd

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