As days and weeks go by, the “new normal” is starting to feel less “new” and more “normal.” Although, that didn’t come without the expected highs and lows of adjusting to this unprecedented life. Some of these new changes can be found in how families are operating while spending time, almost exclusively, at home. With children learning virtually and parents splitting homecare responsibilities between working hours, a lot has changed, and it hasn’t been easy.
Tunheim is a leading member of IPREX, a global communication network. Through IPREX, our team is connected to smart and dedicated communications professionals in 110 cities around the world. One of our partners, Marketing for Change, conducted an in-depth survey measuring changes in the behavior of U.S. families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings are both enlightening and affirming. Here are a few key insights that we found most notable:
Starting off on a positive note, as a whole, families are spending more quality time together.
64% of families are spending more time together by gathering around the table (or couch 😊) for meals and enjoying movies and television.
Learning at home? Museums, libraries, zoos and even NASA are offering lessons, activities and fun online for all ages. https://t.co/tdOmr2f8ws
— NYT Parenting (@NYTParenting) April 25, 2020
While there are many positive experiences shared among families during these times, parent-led orders have increased.
Discipline among parents of children under the age of 13 has increased by 30%. The most common form? 43% of parents say they are disciplining their children more by adding new rules.
Speaking of rules, many parents have implemented general restrictions for their children.
63% of all parents surveyed imposed the rule “no playing at other children’s homes” as a form of social distancing and safety. With that said, 31% of parents are limiting their children to their own home and yard as an extra precaution.
Let’s look at average screen time on an average Friday in quarantine—it has expectedly increased quite a bit.
Children ages 13 to 18 are spending 47% more time on screens—with a total of 1 hour and 22 minutes spent on social media alone.
Children aren’t the only ones shifting their norms; parents’ behaviors have changed as well.
And, although it has been a tough couple of months, glimmers of hope, such as these, help keep our heads up as Americans from coast to coast adjust to the new normal.
As you continue to do your part in flattening the curve by staying home, now is a great time to evaluate and address positive changes that you and your family would like to make. Maybe this presents itself in a designated screen-free time each day or a compromise on the number of meals enjoyed together as a family. However you and your loved ones choose to spend #StayHomeMN, we hope you’re able to find time to come together. After all, this is the most important time to support each other and stay connected.
The 5 Best Educational Apps for All Types of Studentshttps://t.co/CmnmWqus3u pic.twitter.com/zKtM78w3Hw
— Parenting.com (@parenting) April 29, 2020
Education has mostly moved online during lockdown – so where does that leave children who don’t have an internet connection or the right kit?
— Parent Zone (@TheParentsZone) April 30, 2020
We investigate what happens to those left behind in a world of distance learning: https://t.co/NWuvtIHpf9 pic.twitter.com/iZ6WcUddtH
