By David Saunders, Health Editor | UPDATED: 08:28, 26 June 2020
A survey of more than 7,600 UK adults published by Decathlon in the Decathlon Activity Index 2019 has revealed that UK mums and dads spend an average of 9.7 hours per week on their children’s sports and fitness-based hobbies.
According to the data, British parents spend an average of 2.6 hours every week on transporting children to and from venues where they practice or play sport.
Many parents also end up getting involved in their children’s active hobbies themselves – with the average parent spending an 1.8 hours helping their children maintain and further their skills – by actually practicing together at home each week.
2.9 hours per week are spent on the sidelines, actually watching their children participate in sport.
Despite the amount of time this involves, this is far from a chore for many parents. The majority (62%) of parents surveyed said that they enjoy the extra quality time they get to spend with their children as a result.
Joshua Gutteridge, team sports manager at Decathlon commented: “It’s fantastic to see just how many parents are passionate about supporting their children playing sport. The time that needs to be invested in these activities can be quite difficult to juggle into a busy family week, especially if children have multiple sporting hobbies, or if parents have multiple children – and so i. It’s heartwarming to see just how many parents appreciate the extra quality time spent with their children that this involves. It’s particularly good to see just how many actively get involved, by helping them to practice at home. Sport is a great way to bond – and parents can benefit from the exercise this provides, too.”
The sheer amount of preparation and support needed to maintain children’s sporting habits means it is a family affair – with almost half (45%) of parents saying children’s grandparents are sometimes called in to help.
Meanwhile, almost 1 in 5 (18%) said they ask a family friend for support.
The Decathlon Activity Index tracks rates of participation in sport and other physical activities across the year through a national survey repeated every month throughout the year.
Decathlon has 45 stores in the UK and sells a variety of sports equipment, clothing and accessories perfect for those want to get active or excel their performance.
For more information, visit www.decathlon.co.uk