Parents say too much time on digital devices was the biggest barrier to children’s creativity – but admit they’re also to blame.
Three quarters of parents say their children’s imaginations are being stifled by screen time, homework and jam-packed schedules.
A survey of 2,000 parents revealed youngsters spending excessive time on digital devices (49%) was the primary obstacle to them being more creative. Alongside homework (47%), hectic morning and evening routines (29%) and insufficient free time after school (20%).
However, 62% admitted their own work obligations frequently interfere with helping their child with creative pursuits. Half of parents put it down to their own tiredness, and 40% pointed to household chores, with cooking the evening meal cited by 39%.
Parenting expert Sue Atkins has joined forces with Ben’s Original, which commissioned the study, to help parents take the pressure off mealtimes and allow families to find more time to be creative together.
Sue Atkins said: “Creativity doesn’t have to mean expensive toys, elaborate activities or hours spent making things.
“Some of the loveliest opportunities for children to use their imaginations happen in everyday moments – helping prepare dinner, inventing stories or simply chatting around the table.
“When children are invited to join in, experiment and have fun without worrying about getting things right, they’re building confidence, curiosity and connection.”
The results emerge as Ben’s Original partnered with BBC Children in Need, releasing limited-edition Pudsey microwaveable rice packs and launching its “Do Something Great with Every Plate” campaign, committing £200,000 to help children and young people confronting difficulties throughout the UK.
The research revealed 84% of parents reckon children are under greater pressure than ever before, and 56% confessed their youngster shies away from making things through worry of ‘getting it wrong’.
School examinations and marks (57%), demands from grown-ups (49%) and anxiety about being mocked (48%) were amongst the contributing elements to this.
Nevertheless, 41% of parents are eager to participate in more imaginative pursuits with their children.
Those wanting to foster creativity do so to boost their child’s confidence and self-expression (75%), happiness and mood (68%) and mental health and emotional wellbeing (64%).
With parents observing their children are happier (31%), calmer (23%), and more confident (20%).
Celebrity Ashley Banjo joined members of Devas Youth Club to help unleash their creativity by painting custom designs onto plates, followed by a DIY dinner.
Ashley Banjo said: “As a dancer, you quickly learn that you’re not going to get every move right the first time. You have to give it a go, get things wrong and keep going; that’s all part of the fun.
“I loved seeing the kids at the youth club this week, seeing them lose themselves in creativity, then sit down for a meal together.
“It was a reminder of why spaces and wider initiatives like this are so important in local communities.”
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TOP 10 THINGS THAT HOLD KIDS BACK FROM BEING CREATIVE:
- Screen time
- Schoolwork or homework
- Busy evening routine
- Busy morning routine
- A busy schedule of lessons or structured activities
- Not enough free time after school
- The cost of activities or materials
- Not having friends nearby to play with
- Safety concerns
- Not enough space at home