Dads! You may be at fault if your children lack imagination and creativity and find it hard to express themselves at playtime. Only 10% of UK dads really get down with the kids it seems. A survey conducted by Novotel hotels makes it clear that Dads across the UK need to up the ante at playtime and overcome that famous British reserve. Just one in ten get involved in imaginative play. In contrast one in three mums claim to have super powers including eyes in the back of their heads and the ability to see through walls with their x ray vision.
Inge van Ooteghem, SVP Operations Novotel hotels UK said: “Families are at the heart of everything we do at Novotel, which is, why we are continuing our Super Heroes Day this summer after the huge success of last year. It is so important that we nurture our children’s creativity with imaginative play and we hope that our family day will allow kids across the UK to enjoy a world of fun and imagination.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly the survey found that technology had a way of distracting children from imaginative play – with 40% of parents in the North East particularly concerned with this development. More encouragingly parents do seem to be making an effort to make their children enjoy playtime. More than half use funny voices to amuse children when reading them stories; 1 in 5 UK dads dress up as Santa at Christmas of course but also 1 in 20 dress as princesses to make the little ones laugh.
Lying is supposed to be frowned upon – but who doesn’t smile with parents who tell their children that the sound of the ice cream van meant that the van was out of ice cream, that carrots make you see in the dark, that if they make a stupid face and the wind changes they will look like that for ever. And more than 60% explained that if they misbehave Santa wouldn’t be coming around with the presents. Maybe a white lie is permitted if it’s funny and stimulating.
This survey of over 1000 British parents was conducted by family friendly hotel chain, Novotel. Over 33 Novotel hotels throughout the UK will be staging a fun and free family event on June 4 for all Super Heroes. Novotel’s Super Heroes Day features fun and educational activities for children aged 5-11 years old. Places are limited so make sure you secure your space today by registering at www.novotelheroes.co.uk
If you are looking for your next family getaway don’t forget that kids stay and eat breakfast for free at Novotel hotels in the UK. Most Novotel hotels also feature a dedicated kids corner to help keep kids entertained. Families can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi so they can share their photos and holiday stories with friends and loved ones, or even send a digital postcard home from the Concierge virtual concierge in the Novotel lobbies.
