Have your say

The family that stays together plays together

Before launching our new class playground pump we did some research. And according to that research it seemed that many parents are too exhausted by modern life to find the energy to play with their children.

Take a look at our results and if it strikes a chord with you then have your say below...

Almost half (46%) of parents questioned said that the stresses of everyday life left them lacking any energy to play actively with their kids.

And on average, almost two thirds (64%) spend less than an hour each day in energetic activity with their child.

We carried out the research after finding an increasing number of our members were complaining about not having the energy to keep up with their children.

More than a quarter (26%) of the parents interviewed said they spent less than 20 minutes a day exercising with their children and just over half (51%) of those described their home life as "unhappy". But if parents can find time for play it could be worth it for the family life.

The report found that those who take part in physical activities with their under-10s sleep better, are less likely to feel stressed out and have better-behaved children.

"Parenting is an exhausting task at times," said Dr Nicky Ridgers, a researcher into children's activity and health from Liverpool John Moores University.

"The best solution is to find an activity that all of the family can enjoy and engage in together.

So what do you think? Have your say...

"Have your say" is launched!

Welcome to the first ever "Have your say" post. If you're reading this then lucky you. You were here when it all began. Thanks for taking the time to find out what we, and more importantly the public, has to say.

We have our say all the time. That's the beauty of having your own website. But it's no fun unless there's someone to talk to and that's where you come in. So stop reading and start writing. We want you to have your say.

Each month we'll kick things off with a new topic of discussion so keep an eye out for anything that might take your fancy.