Nearly two thirds of British people (62%) feel that families go on fewer days out now than they did 20 years ago, our poll for national children's and family charity 4Children has shown.
The survey, which was undertaken at the end of last month, asked British adults whether they thought that today’s families go our more, less or about the same amount of days together than families did 20 years ago.
- 62% feel that families go on fewer days out than nowadays than they did 20 years ago
- Only 16% thought that the number of family days out has remained the same over the time period
- While just over one in ten people, 12%, considered the amount of days out taken to have increased
‘Spending time together strengthens bonds’
The poll comes as family charity 4Children launches its new campaign, entitled Give Me Strength, which aims to strengthen family rapport and help families, especially those who are more vulnerable or disadvantaged, to overcome problems before they become crises.
Anne Longfield OBE, Chief Executive of 4Children said: ‘Hectic work schedules and competing demands on time can take their toll on the amount of time families spend together. A day out offers parents and children a chance to get away from both internal stresses within the family and external pressures. A short break away from the domestic routines allows children and parents to reconnect. Quality time means strengthening bonds and building a bank of shared family memories.’
4Children helps disadvantaged families through Children and Family Centres, and during National Family Week (30th May – 6th June 2011), many of them will be holding free parties and picnics open to all families to attend. National Family Week aims to encourage families to spend days out together.
