Majority of parents say children want more family time with more play time high on the wish list

Half of Irish parents believe that they don’t spend enough time together as a family and over 85% of parents would like to spend more time together, according to the results of a survey released today.
 
The results of the survey carried out on parenting website rollercoaster.ie to mark the launch of National Game Playing Week (NGPW) also showed that 83% of parents thought their children would like to spend more time together as a family. Playing together ranked highly on the list of things parents thought their children would like to do as a family.
 
52% of parents said that they spend two hours or less as a family on a mid-week evening. Much of this time is taken up with eating dinner, watching TV and doing homework, leaving only a short amount of time for quality play time.
 
Father of two Keith Duffy, who with the help of his family is supporting National Game Playing Week said: “Hectic schedules can make it difficult to spend as much time together as a family as we might like but it’s important to try and set aside good quality family time. Playing time in particular is beneficial for all of us and a great de-stresser for me after a day’s work. The kids love playing board games so we try and play as much as possible - even if we don’t follow the rules exactly we always have good fun!”

Dr Celine Mullins, child psychologist says that spending time together as a family and especially playing together is extremely important for a child’s development but understands that this critical time is often lost in the buzz of activity.
 
“Children crave time with parents. It makes them feel special. Parents are encouraged to find time to spend playing with their kids on a regular basis. Playing with kids builds a bond that will last forever and lets the child know that he or she is loved and appreciated. It opens the door for sharing problems and concerns when the need arises as well as being a great stress reducer for overworked parents,” she said.
 
The survey also showed 98% of parents think that board games are a good activity for the family and 96% feel that their children would enjoy a games night. “Board games are a great way for parents and children to have fun together. Setting aside one evening a week for a games night will help to strengthen the family bond and build intimacy. In the world of play, parents and children get to know each other in a different way” continued Dr Mullins.  
 
The survey was commissioned by Hasbro to launch National Game Playing Week which in the last five years has raised over €350,000 for children’s charities. NGPW runs this year from 26th October – 2nd November and is a time when parents and children are encouraged to have fun playing together.
This year’s funds will help provide special play therapy for children with autism, which will be run by Irish Autism Action. Log onto www.ngpw.ie  for more information.
 
Tips from Dr Mullins for holding a games night

• Start the Games Night early before family members become too tired
• Set aside appropriate time for playing games so you do not have to rush play
• Plan your Games Nights in advance and include a selection of games and healthy snacks
• If your children fall within different age groups here are some tips to over-come potential problems:
• Play games with each child separately
• Choose games that are simple enough where kids can play using the same rules.
• For games like Monopoly or Game of Life divide the family into teams and give each child a job he can do well
• Alter the rules to accommodate younger children if required
• Be patient and go over the rules carefully so everyone understands
• Choose the right game for the child’s age - look out for games with the appropriate age on the box
• For 3-4 years games like Elefun are fun and help develop coordination, while Lucky Ducks helps with developing knowledge of colours and shape
• For 4-5 years games like My First Monopoly, Frustration and Loopin Louie are great fun
• For 5-6 years Mouse Trap and Ker.Plunk will keep the family entertained while Jenga helps refine motor skills
• Play fair at all times so children learn to follow the rules
• One-to-one time in addition to group play is beneficial for children
• Help children if they make a mistake
• Stay calm and friendly even if you are losing!

Photo Caption: Pictured at the National Game Playing Week Launch are Keith Duffy with his daughter Mia, son Jordan and wife Lisa.