Follow for more talkers

Kids in command when it comes to dinner, vacations and even decorating

“Parents who ‘pick and choose battles’ tend to find that this helps everything else around the home run smoothly."

Avatar photo

Published

on
(Photo by Jimmy Dean via Unsplash)

By Rich Jenkins via SWNS

Kids rule the roost when it comes to what families are having for dinner, where they go on vacation and even how to decorate the house.

A poll of 2,000 parents, with children from 5-16, found 49 percent claim their little ones usually have an input in the big household decisions - as 31 percent think it makes for a "quieter life."

While 34 percent said their children have control over what plays on the car radio, and 47 percent allow youngsters their say on decorating their bedroom.

Culinary decisions are also not exempt from the kids’ control - as 43 percent consult their offspring about the weekly grocery list, and 22 percent ask for their meal of choice.

And when it comes to vacations, 62 percent said family trips are improved when the children are involved in the decision-making process.

The research was commissioned by Haven Holidays, as part of its campaign to recruit 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 vacation 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 study also found 89 percent of parents consider it important their youngsters have a say in family matters.

More than half (54 percent) think it makes children more independent, while 52 percent believe it makes them feel like an equal member of the household.

via GIPHY

But 88 percent admitted to being impressed by their children when it comes to their decision-making ability in these fields.

And 52 percent have even changed their minds on something they’d previously decided, due to input from their little ones.

For 47 percent of parents, 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:

  1. How to decorate their bedroom
  2. What to have for dinner
  3. What to watch on the TV
  4. What board games to play
  5. What to watch at the cinema
  6. What toppings to add to a pizza when ordering a takeout
  7. What treats to buy when food shopping
  8. Where to go out to eat
  9. What to listen to in the car
  10. What presents to buy other family members
  11. Where to go on vacation
  12. What should go on the weekly shopping list
  13. Whether to stop on the way home for fast food
  14. Whether they’re old enough to watch a movie with an older age rating
  15. What time they should come home after being out with their friends
  16. What time they should be going to bed
  17. Whether to add more of something when cooking
  18. What plants to buy for the garden
  19. How to decorate the house
  20. What TV to buy in the family home

Stories and infographics by ‘Talker Research’ are available to download & ready to use. Stories and videos by ‘Talker News’ are managed by SWNS. To license content for editorial or commercial use and to see the full scope of SWNS content, please email [email protected] or submit an inquiry via our contact form.

Top Talkers