Feel like you could use more breaks from your kids? You’re not the only one. Only 14% of parents say they get enough “parenting breaks” during the day, according to new research. And they’re getting creative so they can take one.
A new survey of 2-thousand moms and dads with school-age kids (between five and 18) finds:
- Parents admit to hiding in the bathroom (40%) or pretending to be asleep (34%) in order to sneak in a break.
- The average parent says they need three “days off” from parenting a week.
- Some are lucky enough to get an extra set of hands to help. Respondents say one of their own parents (59%) or grandparents (53%) help “save the day” by taking care of their child at times.
- Things moms and dads consider absolute must-haves for taking care of their little ones include snacks (57%), toys (56%), wet wipes (55%), arts and crafts supplies (55%) and a blanket (52%). Surprisingly, these items outrank even smartphones and tablets (37%).
- The average parent runs out of these must-haves 54 times a year and spends 177 hours a year shopping for them in person.
- The items people wish they had an unlimited supply of when they were new parents include diapers and wet wipes.
- When asked to grade themselves for parenting, only 34% give themselves an “A.”
Source: SWNS Digital