Dads are more than just a taxi service
Dads drive more than 2,000 miles a year – just ferrying their kids around, it was revealed yesterday.
A new study, to coincide with the launch of the Grant’s After Hours Club, shows the average father will clock up 43 miles a week in the car running their kids to and from school, extracurricular activities, friends’ houses and childcare. Which means a total of 2,236 miles travelled every year – and a staggering 26,832 miles before their kids are able to get behind the wheel themselves.
Researchers found dads who act as the family taxi have little time to themselves – with a third enjoying less than an hour of rest and relaxation a day. In fact, three quarters of those polled, fall into the TBBBs (Too Busy with Ballet and Brownies) category and say they have no other interests or hobbies outside work and the family. And when it is time to unwind, 70 per cent of men lack the energy for a social evening out, preferring to surf the internet instead.
Harriet Knight, Brand Manager for Grant's Blended Scotch Whisky and spokesperson for the Grant’s After Hours Club, which conducted the poll of 2,000 dads, said: “It would appear the nation’s dads spend most evenings ferrying their children round from one event to another and are in desperate need for ‘He time’.”
Four in 10 dads admit they struggle for some ‘He time’ because they’re so caught up trying to balance work commitments with ferrying the children around most evenings.
The study found dads travel eight miles a week doing the school run, five miles collecting the children from the child-minder or babysitter, and seven miles going to and from sports clubs.
The average child is ferried round to friends’ houses and parties – totting up another nine miles a week, and for those who already have a part-time job, dad is responsible for the six mile round trip.
“When asked what they would prefer to be doing, 63 per cent claim they would like more time to pursue their hobbies and interests. Hardworking fellas deserve the chance for a wind down with their favourite blend every now and then and to pursue his personal interests, which is why we’ve launched the Grant’s After Hours Club”, commented Harriet Knight, for Grant’s.
“The Grant’s After Hours Club offers the perfect blend of three interests that appeal to many dads – gardening, music and whisky and members will be treated to exclusive events, offers and richer, deeper experiences.”
The study found that a quarter of dads would like more time to go to the gym, while 20 per cent would like to drink with their best mate in the local pub.
A fifth of blokes would relish the chance to play computer games with their mates, whilst 16 per cent would like to clear their heads by going for a run.
The poll shows that in the short time they have available to relax and unwind, 72 per cent of blokes put their feet up in front of the TV, while 29 per cent cook something.
Four in 10 blokes will use the opportunity to nip down the pub, and 18 per cent will opt for a bit of gardening.
Let Grant’s Whisky help you to enjoy deeper, richer experiences in everyday life by signing up to Grant’s After Hours - grantswhisky.com/afterhours. Whether you’re a budding gardener, follower of music or simply want to learn more about your favourite whisky, the Grant’s After Hours Club has something for everyone. Visit regularly for news, events and promotions, plus the chance to win ‘money can’t buy’ richer, deeper experiences.