by Tom Leaning
Young families are finding it ever-more difficult to spend time together, and achieve a satisfactory work-life balance, with more than one in four parents concerned that they don’t set aside enough time at weekends to play as a family, according to a new report.
The findings of a UK study* of 2000 adults with young children aged up to 14 revealed that difficulties balancing work and family life can put a significant amount of stress on a family.
42 per cent of adults confessed to checking work emails at weekends when they should be spending time with family. 49 per cent spend time catching up with work or preparing for work tasks.
However, the problem facing many modern UK families is a shortage of quality time together. With daily life lived at such a frantic pace, families find it difficult to make regular time for each other.
In the survey, commissioned by Ready Camp, official glamping operator of The Camping and Caravanning Club, respondents felt regular holidays were an important way of freeing up time to spend as a family, and helping carve out the space to create unforgettable experiences together. Nearly one in two families would like to take more short weekend family breaks.
And of those that do manage to free up time to spend together, more than half focus on doing activities near home, because 39 per cent are worried about the expense of a family holiday.
Weekend glamping escapes could be the key – an affordable solution to getting children outdoors more, and to ensuring families spend quality time together. 42 per cent of respondents said they’d never been glamping before, but would like to.
Research has previously shown that families who spend quality time together are able to communicate with each other better*. And investing in this time benefits the family as a whole, as well as each individual member.
Ready Camp ambassador Katy Hill, current Heart FM radio presenter and celebrity parent blogger, and former Blue Peter TV presenter, said:
“Raising children is, for me, one of life’s most fulfilling experiences. But families are busier than ever, juggling home and work life, and finding opportunities to spend quality time with loved ones is at a premium. For me, regularly switching off from work and committing fully to family life, is a must and an absolute joy.”
Katy, a mum to two children aged 10 and 7, said: “Glamping in the great outdoors is a fabulous, no-hassle way to take a break from the pressures of modern life with the ones you love most. They are a brilliant way to re-establish bonds and lay down unforgettable family memories. I love these breaks.”
Glamping with Ready Camp makes the prospect of an escape in a tent, away from home comforts such as your own bed, a little less daunting. There’s no need to pack your life into the boot for a few days away – the tent is pitched and ready for you, so you can concentrate on having fun!
The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Ready Camp network of glamping tents, launched in 2015, has expanded with a further 9 new sites in 2017 to total 39 sites across Britain, close to many of Britain’s best-loved tourist spots.
Each offers comfortable and hassle-free camping to people keen to camp without having to hitch up a caravan or pitch their own tent – all visitors need to bring is your own bedding, towels and a sense of adventure.
Washrooms are available on all Camping and Caravanning Club Sites, where holidaymakers are guaranteed immaculate facilities.
Since launch, Ready Camp has been recognised at several industry awards, including in summer 2016, when it was shortlisted in the Best UK Accommodation – Group category at the 2016 Family Traveller Awards.
To find out more about Ready Camp, and to research and book a holiday, visit www.readycamp.co.uk.
*OnePoll survey of 2000 adults, parents aged 18-39 whose children are aged 14 or under.
