NEW YORK — Today’s parents may not understand everything their children like to do, but that’s not stopping them from giving it a try. A new survey finds many are working up a sweat just to bond with their kids more during the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, over half the parents surveyed (53%) have learned a TikTok dance with their children this year.
All this bonding turned out to be a bit more exhausting than anticipated for some moms and dads. One in two parents who attempted a TikTok dance confessed learning all the moves was more tiring than they thought it would be. Despite probably needing a nap afterwards, 85 percent believe that doing physical activities together as a family is a good way to bond. The same amount add they’ve worked out with their child at least once before the pandemic.
Besides viral dances, watching TV or movies together (67%), playing a board game or cards (56%), and cooking together (54%) are all ways parents of school-aged kids say they’re using to bond with their youngsters. The OnePoll survey of 2,000 Americans, commissioned by Eastbay, also revealed all the ways families are trying to stay active at home. The results find that many parents are relying on their high schoolers for fitness inspiration.
Forty-eight percent of parents believe their child knows more about fitness and exercise trends than they do. Over half of the parents of high schoolers (55%) have even asked their children for fitness advice. In exchange for a few exercise tips, some parents are loosening up the house rules to encourage their kids to stay active. Since the start of the pandemic, three in four (74%) say they’ve been less strict about them.
Lockdown has put the rules on hold
Nearly two in three respondents (65%) have even let their kids break a major house rule; adding that they let their high schoolers “play rough” inside now. Of the top rules parents have relaxed on, 50 percent said kids can now practice their sport of choice inside. Two in five (42%) get to play ball in the house and a third (33%) are allowed to play tag.
High schoolers aren’t the only ones parents need to keep busy during the pandemic. Sixty percent of parents with children in grade school who normally play a sport want their child to try to train or practice with them so they are ready to return to these activities.
“The data shows how everyone is trying to find new ways to stay active and maintain a routine. It’s been great to see high schoolers and students remain eager to stay active, and many have gotten creative when it comes to training from home. This study showed just how encouraging parents have been about making the most of this difficult year,” a spokesperson for Eastbay says in a statement.
Parents realizing they’re out of touch with their kids
It also turns out that half of Americans surveyed also feel out of touch with the trends of younger generations. The older the respondent is, the more out of touch they feel. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of those 56 and over feel out of touch; that’s compared to 54 percent of those between 40 and 55 years-old and 45 percent of those between 24 and 39.
Not even the world of fitness is immune to shifting trends. New trends like dance-inspired workouts (34%), virtual workout classes (31%), and new equipment (30%) have all become more popular recently. The increasing popularity of these trends may be due to the fact that over half of Americans (56%) are changing their workout routines due to COVID lockdowns. Another 52 percent are now alternating between their old workouts and new ones.
“When it comes to staying active, the proper gear and equipment is just as important as the proper form. We encourage everyone to embrace whatever fitness trend gets them moving, no matter where they are, so they can feel their best,” the spokesperson for Eastbay adds.