What to have for dinner, what to watch on TV, and where to go out to eat are some of the top family decisions – that parents have their little ones have a say in, a study has found.
Nearly half of mums and dads (49%), of 5-16-year-olds, allow their youngsters to have an input in household decisions – with 62% even involving them on where to go on holiday.
The poll of 2,000 parents found that 47% let their children have a say on how they decorate their bedroom, while one in three (34%) give their children control of what music to play in the car.
And three in ten (31%) say they do so simply for a “quieter life” – although 89% feel it is important that kids are involved in family matters.
The research was commissioned by Haven Holidays as part of its campaign to recruit a a team of “kidfluencers” to dream up their ultimate summer holiday, and turn their best suggestions into reality.
Sarah Chapman, chief customer officer for the holiday park company, said: “Parents who “pick and choose battles” tend to find that this helps everything else around the home run smoothly.
“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”.
“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.”
The research found that culinary decisions are also influenced by kids, with 43% of parents consulting their offspring about the weekly grocery list, and 22% asking for their meal of choice.
More than half (54%) think involving children like this makes them more independent, while 52% believe it makes them feel like an equal member of the household.
But 88% admitted to being impressed by their children when it comes to their decision-making ability in these fields.
And 52% have even changed their minds on something they’d previously decided, due to input from their little ones.
Nearly half of parents (47%) believe that giving children the platform to speak their mind encourages critical thinking, according to the OnePoll data.
Sarah Chapman, from Haven Holidays, 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:
- How to decorate their bedroom
- What to have for dinner
- What to watch on TV
- What board games to play
- What to watch at the cinema
- What toppings to add to a pizza when ordering a takeaway
- What treats to buy when food shopping
- Where to go out to eat
- What to listen to in the car
- What presents to buy other family members
- Where to go on holiday
- What should go on the weekly shopping list
- Whether to stop on the way home for fast food
- Whether they're old enough to watch a movie with an older age rating
- What time they should come home after being out with their friends
- What time they should be going to bed
- Whether to add more of something when cooking
- What plants to buy for the garden
- How to decorate the house
- What TV to buy in the family home
