Parents embarrass children twice a day

Parents embarrass their children 14 times a week, a study has revealed. Researchers found that the average youngster is left red-faced twice a day by their parents’ comments, fashion sense and even the car they drive.

An unlucky one in ten even claim they have to put up with their mum or dad’s embarrassing behaviour at least five times per day.

In fact, one in five are so ashamed of their parents that they avoid inviting friends over when they know mum or dad are at home, while one in ten completely ignore them when they are out in public together.

It also emerged that Katie Price, who has just given birth to her fourth child Jett Riviera, has been named the most embarrassing celebrity mum.

Prime Minister David Cameron was also among the most embarrassing dads, coming second behind Ozzy Osbourne.

A spokesman for Comedy Central UK, who commissioned the survey to mark the premiere of The Millers on Monday 14th at 9.30pm, said: ”I’m sure every child has been left embarrassed by their parents’ behaviour at some stage, but it’s staggering to see that it’s such a regular occurrence.

”In many cases, mum or dad aren’t trying to be embarrassing, but it is surprising that some believe their parents are actually going out of their way to embarrass them, particularly when they are in front of their friends.

”While it may leave you squirming now, in a few years’ time, hopefully you will look back and be able to laugh about it with your mum or dad.

“The chances are, the youngsters who are red-faced now will one day be doing the same things that embarrass them to their own children.”

The study of 2,000 children aged 10-17 found that 71% often feel embarrassed by their parents, with the things they say most likely to leave their offspring red-faced.

A third of children cringe at their parents’ music tastes, while another one in three is ashamed by their dance moves.

One in four can’t stand their parents’ dress sense, while 16% are embarrassed at how strict they are.

Their mum or dad’s age, hairstyle, and even how much money they have also feature among the embarrassing traits.

Other actions that leave youngsters hiding their faces include parents kissing or cuddling them in front of friends, telling stories of their early years, being told off in public and using a wet finger to clean their face.

Using childhood nicknames, uploading photos to Facebook and wearing old-fashioned clothes are also on the list.

But while some find their embarrassing parents funny or endearing, a quarter are so ashamed of their mum or dad that they make them drop them off around the corner so their friends don’t see.

16% even refuse to be given lifts at all.

One in twenty have even pretended they don’t know their parents if they go out in public together.

And more than a third admit they used to, or still do, refuse to be seen in public with one or both of their cringe-worthy parents.

It also emerged that 72% reckon their parents enjoy embarrassing them, with 65% believing their mum or dad will only continue their awkward behaviour as they grow older.

But 41% admit it works both ways, as they admit to times where they have left their parents red-faced instead.

The Millers premieres on Comedy Central Sky 112/ Virgin 132 on Monday 14 October at 9.30pm.

Top 10 most embarrassing things about our parents

1. The things they say
2. Music tastes
3. Dance moves
4. The way they dress
5. Generally uncool
6. How strict they are
7. Their age
8. Their hairstyle
9. They don’t have much money
10. Their hobbies

Top 20 things parents do to embarrass their children

1. Kiss/cuddle me in public
2. Tell stories about me as a child
3. Say ‘don’t show off’ when I’m with my friends
4. Sing in public
5. Shout/sing with the car window open when they drop you off somewhere
6. Lick their finger and wipe dirt off their face
7. Dance in public
8. Shout or tell me off in public
9. Try to wear cool clothes
10. Complain in shops/restaurants
11. They treat me like a child, even though I’m an adult
12. Use baby/nicknames in front of others
13. Wear old fashioned clothes
14. Try to be cool in front of my friends
15. Hold my hand in public
16. Upload pictures of me to Facebook
17. Hang around at home when I have friends over
18. Love shopping in charity shops
19. Try to haggle in shops
20. Show friends/partners my baby photos

Top ten most embarrassing celebrity dads

1. Ozzy Osbourne
2. David Cameron
3. Jonathan Ross
4. Peter Andre
5. Jeremy Clarkson
6. Elton John
7. Bruce Forsyth
8. Liam Gallagher
9. Richard Madeley
10. Prince Charles

Top ten most embarrassing celebrity mums

1. Katie Price
2. Denise Welch
3. Sharon Osbourne
4. Kerry Katona
5. Kim Kardashian
6. Tess Daley
7. Madonna
8. Carol Vorderman
9. Lily Allen
10. Stacey Solomon