Time away with parents helps 42% of children take their ‘bravery steps’
An independent study by leading short breaks provider, Center Parcs revealed how children often take their ‘bravery steps’ whilst on a family break. Overall, 42% of parents said that taking time out together has caused a young child’s confidence to come into its own, with 47% also citing that key developmental milestones including crawling (11%), standing up for the first time (10%), walking (10%) and feeding themselves (9%) have been hit while on holiday.
The survey of 2,000 parents from across the UK, discovered that breaks don’t just represent treasured time away together but are when families really find their feet. Preschool children become increasingly keen to try things for themselves - 3.8 years is the average age they’re happy to do activities without parental supervision - and over half (51%) of parents admit to feeing more relaxed and more confident with their children having spent a few days away with them.
Children also feel brave enough to try a whole host of activities for the first time such as building a sandcastle (37%), swimming (29%), going down a waterslide (19%) and kicking a football (10%). Parents put this increased daring down to interaction with other children (61%), quality time spent with family (57%) and being in a completely new environment (54%).
However, it’s not just children who are up for branching out when on holiday. Parents too feel inspired with more than two thirds (67%) admitting to feeling more confident whilst away with their families leading them to also try different things. Popular new pursuits include swimming for the first time (32%), going down a water slide (23%) and even rock climbing (10%) and zip wiring (10%).
Jo Hemmings, Behavioural Psychologist comments: “Quality time away from the hustle and bustle of daily lives is so important for families. It provides an opportunity for parents and children to learn and explore new things together which is critical to building confidence. As such, parents and children alike often take their ‘bravery steps’ whilst away – real firsts in both development and family excitement – which can often set them up for a more fearless future.”
On average, families first venture away from home when their babies are just 4 months old with over half (54%) opting to stay within the UK. The majority (54%) preferred to go on their child’s first holiday with just their partner while a fifth (18%) took grandparents along for the extra support - a bond which is not lost it seems as kids grow up, with 43% of preschool parents claiming to trust grandparents to take their children away without them.
Colin Whaley, Sales & Marketing Director at Center Parcs says: “Families are becoming more confident at taking breaks away from the very beginning of parenthood and, whether they’re looking to relax and refresh or be active and adventurous, there are great benefits of time out together. At Center Parcs we have activities suitable for all ages and whether it’s for those learning their first few steps through to the bigger ‘kids’ wanting to also experience something for the very first time, families can create their very own tailor-made break just a short drive away from home.”