Is "Fun" Disappearing From Our Kids" Lives?
An Ipsos global survey report, sponsored by the Oreo brand of Kraft Foods Inc.
, released February 12, 2012, shows that all around the world the chances to enjoy simple carefree moments are disappearing.
The survey report says that most parents surveyed believe that kids are growing up faster than previous generations.
Seven out of ten parents worldwide feel that children should have more time to be 'just kids.
' Some of the findings show that 84% of parents around the world agree that kids today grow up much more quickly than previous generations.
Close to half of all parents ( 49% ) surveyed said they would trade part of their salary for more time with their children.
Nearly a quarter of parents ( 23% ) said that they communicate more with their children through technological devices than in-person.
In fast-growing countries, such as China and India, this number increases to more than 52% and 42% respectively.
More than 7000 parents from 20 different countries participated in this study.
Although the report suggests that the Spirit of Childhood appears to be at risk, three out of five parents ( 63% ) say that spending time and having fun with their kids is more important than it was to their own parents, when growing up.
80% ( 4 out of 5 parents ) surveyed in 20 countries say 'having fun' as a family is more important than anything else.
Although 67% of parents agree that technology helps the family stay connected, it does come at a price.
During time spent as a family, 48% of parents said that families are distracted by technology.
Even though families are faced with pressures and distractions regarding spending time together, 88% of parents said they are committed to ensuring that kids don't miss out on childhood.
Parents have to get theirs kids interested and involved in things that are not driven by technological devices.
Kids should be enrolled in walking, hiking, biking, sports, gymnastics, camping and other physical indoor or outdoor activities.
Technological devices may provide some mental fun, however, there is a real need to engage the kids' physical involvement for their enjoyment, as well as their physical development and overall health and wellness.
Physical activity is not just the responsibility of the school system, parents must exercise their responsibility in getting kids involved in physical activities.
In addition to fun and physical benefits, kids will gain team spirit, communication and social skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
, released February 12, 2012, shows that all around the world the chances to enjoy simple carefree moments are disappearing.
The survey report says that most parents surveyed believe that kids are growing up faster than previous generations.
Seven out of ten parents worldwide feel that children should have more time to be 'just kids.
' Some of the findings show that 84% of parents around the world agree that kids today grow up much more quickly than previous generations.
Close to half of all parents ( 49% ) surveyed said they would trade part of their salary for more time with their children.
Nearly a quarter of parents ( 23% ) said that they communicate more with their children through technological devices than in-person.
In fast-growing countries, such as China and India, this number increases to more than 52% and 42% respectively.
More than 7000 parents from 20 different countries participated in this study.
Although the report suggests that the Spirit of Childhood appears to be at risk, three out of five parents ( 63% ) say that spending time and having fun with their kids is more important than it was to their own parents, when growing up.
80% ( 4 out of 5 parents ) surveyed in 20 countries say 'having fun' as a family is more important than anything else.
Although 67% of parents agree that technology helps the family stay connected, it does come at a price.
During time spent as a family, 48% of parents said that families are distracted by technology.
Even though families are faced with pressures and distractions regarding spending time together, 88% of parents said they are committed to ensuring that kids don't miss out on childhood.
Parents have to get theirs kids interested and involved in things that are not driven by technological devices.
Kids should be enrolled in walking, hiking, biking, sports, gymnastics, camping and other physical indoor or outdoor activities.
Technological devices may provide some mental fun, however, there is a real need to engage the kids' physical involvement for their enjoyment, as well as their physical development and overall health and wellness.
Physical activity is not just the responsibility of the school system, parents must exercise their responsibility in getting kids involved in physical activities.
In addition to fun and physical benefits, kids will gain team spirit, communication and social skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
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