Parents are reportedly struggling to teach their kids basic life skills like boiling an egg or climbing a tree, with many blaming a lack of time.
In fact, according to new research commissioned by family film Swallows and Amazons, just 1 in 5 have taught their children how to put up a tent, 1 in 10 how to fish and only 12 percent how to repair a puncture.
This is DESPITE the fact that 77 percent admit their children would like to take part in more outdoor activities.
Many of those surveyed blame a lack of time, with almost half admitting they are too stretched with punishing work schedules and mounting household chores to make sure their children are being taught essential life skills.
Sadly, with many admitting they can only find quality time on the family’s annual holiday, this leaves a huge number of parents feeling guilty that they do not have the time to teach these bygone skills, particularly fathers.
But it's not just teaching skills that kids are missing out on. When it comes to spending time together as a family, 76 percent of parents feel the family relationship would improve if they did more together; going for a walk, eating a meal and cosying up to watch a film together were considered the top things to do as a family.
Other than time, the survey of 2,000 parents found that children’s modern interests and safety were also considered barriers to outdoor fun.
One in ten surveyed said their children weren’t interested in learning these skills, preferring to play computer games. In fact, a huge percentage described their children as tech savvy, with just under half saying this made their children less able or willing to try more traditional pastimes.
When quizzed about safety fears, two-thirds said their child never or only very occasionally plays outside without their supervision; despite the fact 93 percent had been given that freedom themselves as children.
Younger parents are most unlikely to allow their children out alone, with almost half of 16-29 year old parents NEVER allowing it.
“Swallows and Amazons celebrates outdoor adventure and freedom traditionally enjoyed by children of a bygone era. The Walker children build dens, sail, explore the lakes land on a deserted island ad catch and cook their own dinner," Swallows and Amazons Director, Philippa Lowthorpe commented.
"Sadly few children today are encouraged to embrace the adventure of the big outdoors. With time and guidance there is no reason why families can’t enjoy these kinds of exciting activities today. We hope that our film will inspire and encourage children and adults to leave their screens behind and explore the great British countryside this summer”.
Swallows and Amazons makers STUDIOCANAL have teamed up with Visit England to create a free online guide offering parents easy inspiration and advice to help them teach their children these skills.
The new website gives tips on all the activities you see in the film and more - the best places to sail, picnic and camp, where to walk barefoot, climb a tree, build the best sandcastle and even where and how to track wild animals – all the ingredients you need to embark on your own family adventure this summer.
Swallows and Amazons is in cinemas Friday, 19th August.
