Kids rule the roost when it comes to what families are having for dinner, where they go on holiday – and even how to decorate the house. A poll of 2,000 parents, with children aged 5-16, found 49 percent claim their little ones usually have an input in the big household decisions – as 31 percent think it makes for a “quieter life”.
And 34 percent said their children have control over what plays on the car stereo, while 47 percent allow youngsters their say on decorating their bedroom.
Culinary decisions are also not exempt from the kids’ control – as 43 percent consult their offspring about the weekly grocery list, and 22 percent ask for their meal of choice.
And when it comes to holidays, 62 percent said family trips are improved when the children are involved in the decision-making process.
The research was commissioned by Haven Holidays as part of its campaign to recruit a a team of “kidfluencers” to dream up their ultimate summer holiday, and turn their best suggestions into reality.
Sarah Chapman, chief customer officer for the holiday park company, said: “Parents who “pick and choose battles” tend to find that this helps everything else around the home run smoothly.
“It’s encouraging to see parents of children as young as five are empowering their young ones to help make family decisions, both big and small, without them feeling that children are “ruling the roost”.
“When it comes to making holiday plans, consulting with children can help conserve spending, too – as you won’t waste money on destinations or activities they don’t enjoy.”
The study also found 89 percent of parents consider it important their youngsters have a say in family matters.
More than half (54 percent) think it makes children more independent, while 52 percent believe it makes them feel like an equal member of the household.
But 88 percent admitted to being impressed by their children when it comes to their decision-making ability in these fields.
And 52 percent have even changed their minds on something they’d previously decided, due to input from their little ones.
Nearly half of parents (47 percent) believe that giving children the platform to speak their mind encourages critical thinking, according to the OnePoll data.
Sarah Chapman, from Haven Holidays, added: “Letting kids have their say is clearly very important to parents, and it’s wonderful to see this in action on holiday.
“With the research revealing just how much influence children have over family decisions, we want to give youngsters the power to imagine their ultimate holiday activities.
“That’s why we’re recruiting a team of “kidfluencers” to make their mark on our park activities this summer – the more family fun, the better.”
