Survey Reveals Which Children’s Age Is The Most (And Least) Fun

You probably always think your kids are the best age possible.

When you have a newborn, you sit in cafes with your baby snuggled up asleep in your arms, and look on in horror as a group of toddlers run rampage around the tables.

They spill their drinks, shriek loudly and throw horrific tantrums.

Urgh, babies are definitely the best (more proof here).

Then your baby learns to toddle, and you realise how wonderful toddlers are.

They are so funny, inquisitive and loving. And life is so much easier now they can communicate a little better. You take your toddler to a soft play, enjoying watching him tackle the little slide. He gets knocked down a few times by the boisterous older kids. Urgh, you think, older children are so annoying.

Then your toddler grows older, and you realise how lovely it is to have proper conversations. To share interests, to answer questions and to go on adventures.

Will you always think your child is at the best age, or will there be a peak?

The Best And Hardest Ages

Well, the parents have spoken, and children are the most fun when they’re five years old.

According to a recent survey, five year olds are the most fun to be around. Forty percent of survey participants felt that five was the most fun age. This was thought to be down to improved communication skills and the development of a good sense of humour.

The survey also found that parents had the least fun with the 10 to 12 year old children. The tween years are the new teen years, apparently. The survey results also show that girls had the most fun with their mothers, whilst boys found the time spent with their dads more fun.

The Key To Family Closeness: Time

The overwhelming majority of participants felt that being active as a family brings them closer together. The average parent only spends an average of three and a half hours each week doing activities with their children.

Two thousand families were involved in the survey, and were asked to answer a range of questions as well as rating how much fun they had with their children at various ages. The survey was conducted for the launch of Active Families, Happy Families, a UK initiative to encourage parents to get active with their kids. The website has plenty of free and low budget ideas for ways you can increase your family’s active time. Children should be enjoying 60 minutes of active time each day.