Parents find themselves blushing with embarrassment due to their ‘spirited’ children almost every day, according to a survey carried out amongst 1,000 parents of children aged between 2-13.
This research showed that they’ve often had to scramble after their adventurous young ones who have strayed or they’ve cringed when their offspring have made loud, uninhibited comments about other people nearby.
According to this study, an overwhelming two thirds of parents admit their kids’ embarrassing behaviour can spike their stress levels. Several hotspots where parents often experience these awkward moments include supermarkets, cafes or restaurants, and public transport.
However, nine out of ten parents prefer using euphemisms such as ‘energetic’ and ‘spirited’ to tactfully describe their ‘wild child’.
Chessington World of Adventures, which commissioned the research, has formed a partnership with South Western Railway to solve this issue.
They are launching a novel ‘Noisy Carriage’, especially for families visiting the park – filled with DJs and dancing, toys, games, and other entertaining activities.
Ramesh Ganeson, a representative from the adventure park, admitted: “Our research shows that parents can feel embarrassed about their kids being noisy in public.”
He added, “We always have parents’ backs, so creating a dedicated space where kids can let loose on the train from London Waterloo made perfect sense.”
This study further revealed that a third of the parents struggle to calm their restless children down and keep them quiet while commuting on trains or buses.
Also, 27% of the participants expressed their wish for more public spaces where their children could run wild without fear of judgement.
Lastly, the survey brought to light that 23% of parents have received unsolicited remarks about their child’s misbehaviour in public. Which is perhaps why 28% resort to ‘bribery’ – like sweets and screen time – in a bid to keep kids quiet.
The research, via OnePoll.com, found kids were most embarrassing between the ages of two and four, followed by the next age group up, five to seven.
Other top ways children leave parents wishing the ground would open up include needing to be carried off during a kicking and screaming tantrum (23%).
The same amount hate it when they spill food or drink everywhere in a restaurant or cafe, and 21% get wound up when their own kids are being horrors – but all the others nearby are behaving like perfect angels.
And one in ten said their offspring singing at the top of their lungs is a source of embarrassment for them.
The ‘Noisy Carriage’ will depart from Waterloo from 9.17 on Monday 29th July and Wednesday 31st July, arriving at Chessington South 36 minutes later.
Ramesh Ganeson, from Chessington World of Adventures, added: “All parents recognise ‘the fear’ of a pending trip on a bus, train or plane.”
“Our results found this is a particular pain point when it comes to embarrassing behaviour, so we’re happy to be able to offer a safe space for mums, dads, grandparents and any other guardians.”
“With any luck, with that and a full day at a theme park, at least the journey back will be quiet – because kids will be fast asleep.”
