In an age where our lives are becoming increasingly more hectic, spending quality time with our families has never been more important or soothing.
From enjoying a meal together, to catching up on the day’s events and sharing a cuppa; quality time spent with loved ones is like balm to the soul.
According to new research, however, the ‘family night in’ as we know it is dying out – and our busy routines are to blame.
The research, carried out by the fine folk at Cadbury Ice Cream, was based on data collected from more than 1,000 adults.
In a survey, they shared their experiences of, and thoughts on the family night in.
According to the study findings, a whopping 70 percent of British families do not have a weekly family night in. And for another 15 per cent, it only occurs once a month.
This is at major odds with the high number of people who would actually like to have a regular family night in every week.
So, if people actually want to have a regular family night in, why isn’t it happening? Well, apparently, we just don’t have the time.
According to the survey respondents, 31 percent of people are too busy with their jobs to enjoy some quality time with their loved ones.
Social media is also impacting the quality of that time spent together, with 10 percent admitting that it has led to more distractions during scheduled family time.
Of course, it makes us all the more appreciative of those rare nights spent together – and survey respondents had some gorgeous insights into how a great family night in should go down!
Over half of the respondents favour a movie night, with Harry Potter and Despicable Me topping the list of favourites. Others, meanwhile, enjoy playing games (15 percent).
Treats are a big part of the success of the night, but there are some rules of etiquette to follow! Noiseless goodies are preferable, meaning ice cream is a sure-fire hit – just make sure you’re not picking out the best bits or double-spooning!
Helen Coatsworth, of Cadbury Ice Cream, commented on the importance of the family night in.
“Autumn is the perfect time to take advantage by staying home and spending an evening together, complete with your favourite film and treats,” she said.
“Whilst modern life is getting busier, and we have the added pressures of social media and an increasingly demanding work-life balance; taking the time to spend one evening a week together as a family is an easy way to boost our moods and remember the simple pleasures of family life.”
We couldn’t agree more!
