Children don’t get enough outdoor play, quality family time or nutritional snacks, according to their OWN parents

CHILDREN aren’t getting enough play time outdoors, quality family time, and healthy snacks, according to their parents. Apparently, kids aged three to 10 are missing out on a few crucial things, with time in nature being the main component. According to a new poll which surveyed 1000 parents, 29% said their children need more time in nature, 25% said more fruit and veg is needed, 27% said more focus is needed on chores and 18% said one-to-one attention was key.

As many as seven in 10 claim they struggle to make sure their child is getting the right amount of everything they need on a weekly basis - due to busy schedules and children's fussiness. The study, carried out by kids’ fruit smoothie brand, GoGo squeeZ, also found that despite the lack of these things, 59% say quality time is a key ingredient for a fulfilled child. This is followed by good nutrition (51%), laughter and fun (42%), and spending time outdoors (25%).

A spokesperson for the food company, which counts as one of your five a day, said: “We believe that nourishing kids with the right foods is key to helping them thrive. “Finding snacks they love – and that are good for them – is a small victory, but it’s an important step in supporting their growth and development. “By partnering with an insightful group of industry experts, we’ve created this report to offer practical advice and insights that make it easier for families to embrace healthy habits; supporting children as they grow up well and develop a strong sense of identity and confidence.”.

The study went on to find parents spend an average of eight mealtimes a week with their children, and around 10 hours each week of ‘quality time’. Despite this, the average 3-to-10-year-old spends just four hours each week playing outdoors – excluding PE lessons- with 31% of parents citing a preference for TV and video games (31%) as the reason for this. More than four in 10 (44%) feel they give in to their child too much, with screen time, extending bedtime, and treats when out cited as the top things they are most lenient with.

It also emerged 31% often let their little one consume sugary snacks or drinks. With 35% regularly feeling ‘parent guilt’ when it comes to making sure their son or daughter is getting the right amount of everything they need. Working alongside GoGo squeeZ to help bring the report to life, mum of three, Billie Shepherd, said: “As a parent, it’s always a challenge to juggle everything—work, family time, and making sure my kids are eating enough fruit and veg.

“With everything going on, it’s easy to feel like I’m not doing enough - but it’s not about being perfect, it’s about making small, realistic changes that can really make a difference. “With my husband Greg and I both working, the advice from this report has helped us find balance and feel more confident in the choices we're making for our children's health and happiness.”. It further emerged 22% of parents would like to reduce their child’s intake of unhealthy snacks and drinks, while 36 per cent want to see their child eat more fruit and vegetables.

In fact, seeing their offspring eat something good for them is one of life’s little wins for 91% of parents, according to the OnePoll.com data. But when it comes to choice of kid’s nutritional snacks, 33% believe there isn’t currently enough on offer when out and about, as 57% say they find it difficult to source any. Doctor Zoe Williams said: “Nutritious snacks are vital for children’s energy levels, focus, and overall well-being.

“Choosing snacks that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and natural ingredients can help fuel their bodies and minds throughout the day. “It’s all about making better choices whilst recognising the demand for convenience as our lives are busier than ever.”. As well as Dr Zoe Williams, also feeding into the report is child nutritionist Lucy Upton, and child psychologist Professor Sam Wass, from The Secret Life of 4-& 5-Year Olds.