Parents turn to cars when discussing serious issues with their kids – transforming them into travelling confessionals
Children more likely to open up about topics that trouble them when mum and dad are behind the wheel, research shows
PARENTS are increasingly turning to their cars when they want to discuss serious issues with their kids - transforming them into travelling confessionals.
New research shows 54 per cent of kids are more likely to open up about topics such as what happened at school and trouble with friends when mum or dad is behind the wheel.
More than half of parents believe their child is easier to talk to in the car because there are no other distractions, while four in 10 believe it’s because they’re not under a judgemental stare at the time.
A third of parents also admit THEY find it easier to talk about more delicate subjects with their little ones – such as the birds and the bees – while driving.
One in 10 concerned mums and dads have even deliberately gone on a car journey in a desperate bid to get their child to talk more.
The study of 2,000 parents was conducted by Renault and explores the importance of family time in the car as a place of honest conversations and storytelling.
Dr Linda Papadopolous, leading family psychologist commenting on behalf of Renault Scénic said: “This research suggests that the car journey can be a really important time for families, as for some it can be the only time where a conversation can take place with very little distraction.”
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"Based on the findings of the study it appears that parents feel that their children are more comfortable addressing deeper and more meaningful issues if they’re not under the spotlight – if mum or dad are focused on the road they can’t be under their watchful gaze, and sometimes this can make it easier to open up."
“And given the fact most parents are driving their children around in excess of eight times a week, this means families have plenty of time to talk.”
Top Ten Car Confessions
- Something happening in a friendship at school
- They didn’t do very well in a test
- They had been naughty at school / got into trouble with a teacher
- They forgot to do some homework
- They accidentally hurt someone in the playground
- They thought no-one liked them
- They were being bullied
- They were worried about a change in their body
- They wanted to know more about the birds and the bees
- They got a detention for something
The study reveals a list of the top 10 ‘car confessions’ from children – which includes 22 per cent getting into trouble with a teacher and the same percentage revealing they hadn’t done very well in a test.
Fourteen per cent of children have told their parents they forgot to do some homework when in the car, and one in 10 admitted to getting detention for something they did wrong.
A further 10 per cent opened up about being worried about a change in their body, while eight per cent have asked about the birds and the bees.
Top Ten 'Easier In The Car' Conversations
- What happened at school that day
- Trouble with friends
- Whether they are enjoying school
- Family issues
- Homework
- Questions about the world in general
- Getting into trouble at school
- What happened with a girlfriend / boyfriend
- Growing pains / puberty
- Bullying
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