So, THIS is the key to a happy family (and most of us are already doing it)
Work, school, hobbies and a long to-do list means that it can be tricky finding the time to spend together as a family.
However, as one study shows, it's not the amount of time that parents and kids are together, but rather how active you are.
A nationally representative study issued today by Center Parcs Ireland in collaboration with Child Psychotherapist Dr. Coleman Noctor, found that very active families experience 48 percent stronger family togetherness than inactive families.
"The research strongly suggests that collective physical activities as a family create moments for shared experiences, which in turn positively contribute to togetherness," Dr. Colman Noctor said.
"One in three families in Ireland described themselves as inactive as a family. The Index found that these families enjoyed a far lower level of family togetherness or happiness as a result."
And being active doesn't have to involve anything too strenuous – it's more about the simple things in life.
For instance, walking the dog emerged as the top activity that families enjoy, followed by going to a beach and swimming together as a family.
Commenting on the research findings, Dr. Noctor said: “The research shows a direct correlation between how happy a family is and the amount of quality time they spend together. Irish families seem to be doing well when it comes to family togetherness, but with the pressures of contemporary life and the challenges it presents, they feel that they can do better.
"The good news, particularly for working parents, is this is relatively easy to address as an abundance of time is not what’s required, it’s merely quality time or time well spent."
More than half of the time that parents in Ireland spend with their children is considered quality time, however, their satisfaction levels with the amount of time clearly indicates that they would like more quality time with their children, particularly during the work week.
Over half (51%) of those surveyed revealed that they are less than satisfied with the amount of quality time they have with their children during the week and one in five admit that they are dissatisfied.
When asked what the biggest challenge they experience as a parent is, ‘a busy life schedule’ was cited as the top challenge.
Despite the difference in time spent with children, working parents experience a similar amount of quality time with their children as stay at home parents, proving the struggle to balance time exists for all parents.
Center Parcs Ireland will open in Longford Forest in summer 2019, offering a new, luxury destination for families to spend quality time together. For more information, visit www.centerparcs.ie.