Parents are increasingly turning to screens to keep their children entertained during school holidays, a recent study has found. The pressure to ensure children are constantly engaged and having fun during breaks from school is a common struggle for parents. According to the research, nearly every parent faces the challenge of finding exciting and stimulating activities for their kids during holiday periods. With a lack of inspiration for planning activities, many parents resort to using screens as a convenient way to entertain their children. The study reveals that 65 per cent of parents rely on screen time to keep their kids occupied during school breaks.
The study also highlighted that four in ten parents admit they would feel more comfortable planning fun activities for their children if they had better access to information about potential destinations. Additionally, 25 per cent of parents identified improved access to transport as a crucial factor in organizing holiday activities. To address this challenge, Marc Pell, managing director of Tempcover, advised parents to explore new day trip options near them instead of relying on traditional activities like soft play centres and parks during the half-term break. Tempcover has developed a ‘micro adventure’ generator tool to help families identify exciting day trip options by entering their postcode and preferences.
Day trips were identified as the top method for creating meaningful memories during school holidays, followed by beach outings and visits to swimming pools or water parks. Marc Pell emphasized the importance of using the half-term break as an opportunity for families to bond and create lasting memories. He recommended that families consider embarking on a road trip together, even suggesting the use of temporary car insurance to borrow a car for the day. By focusing on spending quality time together and making memories, families can make the most of the school holidays and escape from their daily routines.
While the majority of parents engage in some level of planning for school holidays, many also appreciate moments of spontaneity. The ‘micro adventure’ generator tool offered by Tempcover caters to parents who prefer a flexible approach to holiday planning. By suggesting new and exciting activities within a short distance of their homes, the tool enables families to have a hassle-free and enjoyable break. Identifying certain locations as “Top Micro Adventure Locations,” the generator aims to inspire families to explore unconventional day trip options and create memorable experiences for their children.
In conclusion, the study’s findings shed light on the challenges parents face in keeping their children entertained during school holidays. By leveraging innovative tools like the ‘micro adventure’ generator, parents can discover fresh and engaging activities to make the most of the half-term break. Encouraging families to break away from routine activities and explore new day trip options, the study emphasizes the value of quality time spent together and the memories created during school holidays. Through a combination of planning and spontaneity, parents can ensure that their children have a fulfilling and enjoyable break from school.