Most distracting things kids do in the car from repeating questions to arguing with their siblings, survey shows

The Irish Sun

4 days ago

Parents admit they'd rather clean toilets than face road trips with kids
DRIVE BY Most distracting things kids do in the car from repeating questions to arguing with their siblings, survey shows
ONE in three drivers has had a near miss — thanks to kids kicking off in the back seat.
Screaming, fighting, wriggling out of seatbelts and asking 'Are we there yet?' on repeat are pushing parents to the edge, a new poll reveals.
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On average, parents reckon they've got just over 30 minutes before the whining and wriggling starts
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the real game-changer is handing over a tablet or phone, with 32 per cent saying it's the most effective trick in the book
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Nicole Melillo Shaw, Volvo's UK boss, said it's no surprise that so many parents find long car journeys completely stressful
Credit: PA
The survey of 500 mums and dads who drive found bickering siblings top the list of distractions, with 44 per cent saying it's their biggest nightmare.
Another 39 per cent say full-blown screaming fits leave them rattled behind the wheel, and 37 per cent are driven round the bend by a constant barrage of questions.
And it's not just annoying, it's dangerous.
Over a third of parents have admitted to taking their eyes off the road to deal with kids who've wriggled free from their seatbelts.
One in five have actually ended up having a prang because of the chaos.
In a bid to restore some order, over half of parents have resorted to bribing their kids with snacks mid-drive.
Others admit they blast music to drown out the noise or hand out promises of treats if their little angels behave.
But for many, the real game-changer is handing over a tablet or phone, with 32 per cent saying it's the most effective trick in the book.
The research was commissioned by Volvo Car UK as part of its Roadside Nature campaign, alongside the Eden Project and wildlife presenter Steve Backshall.
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Together, they've launched a nature-themed activity pack to keep kids engaged with what's outside the car window, not glued to a screen, so parents can focus on the road.
Nicole Melillo Shaw, Volvo's UK boss, said it's no surprise that so many parents find long car journeys completely stressful.
She warned that it only takes one moment of distraction for things to go badly wrong, especially when parents are juggling tantrums, seatbelt drama and mid-drive snack demands.
The survey found over half of parents feel anxious at the thought of taking kids on a long journey, and nearly half have even cancelled plans to avoid the ordeal altogether.
Some said they'd rather stay home doing the laundry or even deep-clean the bathroom than face a motorway meltdown.
On average, parents reckon they've got just over 30 minutes before the whining and wriggling starts.
But with more than eight in ten families planning or considering a long drive this summer, many are preparing for battle.
Nearly half will schedule extra pit stops to let the kids blow off steam, and others are hitting the road at the crack of dawn to make progress while the little ones are still asleep.
In fact, nearly seven in ten say keeping their kids entertained in the car feels like a full-time job.
But a glimmer of hope lies in the great outdoors — over a quarter of parents say their children noticeably chill out when passing through scenic, nature-rich areas.
Yet he study, which also polled 500 kids, revealed a shocking disconnect from the world outside the window.
More children could recognise Hogwarts Castle and Peppa Pig's House than actual UK landmarks like Stonehenge or the White Cliffs of Dover.
And cartoon characters like Minions and Pikachu were more familiar than bluebells or dandelions.
It gets worse, nearly half of kids couldn't identify an oak tree, and over a third couldn't spot a bumblebee or ladybird.
Wildlife expert Steve Backshall, ambassador for the Roadside Nature campaign, said today's kids are more clued up on fantasy worlds than the real one right outside their car window.
He said the activity pack is about making every road trip a mini adventure, helping children reconnect with nature while giving stressed-out parents a break behind the wheel.
TOP 10 MOST DISTRACTING THINGS KIDS DO IN THE BACK SEAT:
Arguing with siblings
2. Screaming
3. Asking repeated questions
4. Taking off their seatbelt
5. Kicking the back of your seat
6. Throwing toys or objects
7. Crying
8. Reaching or climbing around the car
9. Needing help with food or drink
10. Complaining about being hungry