Nearly two-thirds of parents say children discussed feelings more openly during lockdown, poll claims

Nearly one in three parents worry about not spending enough quality time with their child

Nine in 10 children said they enjoy their family mealtimes (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

One-fifth of parents feel their children are discussing their feelings less since their return to school, following months of meaningful conversations at home, according to a poll.

A survey of 1,000 parents of children aged between six and 16 found 64 per cent felt their offspring spoke about their emotions more than ever during the lockdown period.

It found that more than two-thirds believe family discussions were more open and honest than they previously were.

Following the return to school, despite 30 per cent being worried about spending less quality time with their child, 48 per cent were determined to keep these meaningful conversations going.

But 16 per cent of parents feel they have fewer conversations with their child now they are back at school, with 44 per cent believing their child is too tired, it is claimed.

The research, commissioned by McCain, also found 38 per cent of parents now feel mealtimes are more important than ever for talking to their children.

Child psychologist Laverne Antrobus said: “As the everyday routines in British households continue to adapt to ever-changing circumstances, it’s unsurprising that families across the nation are worried about how to hold onto quality time together.

“Now more than ever, mealtimes provide moments of stability and normality amidst so many changes to everyday life.

"If children are less vocal following their return to school, then dinner is the perfect time when parents can sit down with them and discuss their thoughts, feelings, hopes and fears.

“The research shows that the majority of parents are determined to keep meaningful conversation going, and mealtimes provide the perfect opportunity to sit together around the dinner table and facilitate this.”

The survey also found that during lockdown, parents spent 16 hours of "quality" time each week with their child, but this has dropped to 12 hours since the return to school.

Popular topics of discussion while they were at home together included their children’s hopes and fears (27 per cent), their hobbies (36 per cent) and the pandemic (52 per cent).

Although following their children’s return to their 9am-to-3pm routines, 57 per cent of parents think the nature of their talks has changed.

Respondents said conversations are now likely to take place at the dinner table, according to 64 per cent, while 57 per cent catch up with their children at the weekends.

It also emerged 28 per cent of parents feel their child has formed better bonds with their siblings in recent months, while 24 per cent of adults now speak more openly with their other half.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also polled 1,000 six- to 16-year-olds and found 61 per cent have missed spending time with – and talking to – their parents since being back at school.

A further nine in 10 said they enjoy their family mealtimes and 80 per cent look forward to using the time to catch up with their parents and siblings.

One-fifth feel sad about having fewer conversations with their parents, but 70 per cent had missed talking with other children and 79 per cent were excited to catch up with their friends.

SWNS