Do you know what makes your kids happy?
When it comes to keeping the children happy and entertained it’s easy to think that the advances of technology will bring a huge smile to their faces and keep them busy.
However, children of 2013 are happiest when they are spending quality time with their family.
A study by IKEA has revealed that 55% of UK children and teens admitted spending time with their family makes them happiest of all.
29% of the children surveyed revealed that they also enjoy having family dinners rather than playing with their mod-cons and a further 20% admitted that they hare happiest when being read a story by their Mum or Dad.
Surprisingly, helping parents around the household makes 14% of children happy.
The study also revealed children’s happiest moments of the year and ‘learning to ride a bike’ and ‘birthday parties at home’ were amongst what brings a smile to their face.
Parents who took part in the study were asked about their own childhoods and 43% of them said that they had less quality time with their own parents than they do with their children today.
The kids bedroom proves to be their temple as 73% say it’s their favourite place in the family home. Not only do they like to escape to their humble abode, but half of the children surveyed said they like to have an input into the way their bedrooms are decorated.
Other favourite places in the household are the living room with 44% and the garden proving popular with 20% being happy when outside.
IKEA spokesperson, Gemma Arranz, said: “Spending more time together as a family is the main concern for parents, with three quarters (75%) believing this is the key to a happy family life. Parents should be encouraged by the findings, 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.”
As part of the research, IKEA has been working 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 overpraise.”