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Scotsman
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The top 20 'kids' activities that parents secretly love
Playing at the beach and walking around the zoo topped the list | Emma Trimble / SWNS Parents secretly love playing on swings, jumping on a bouncy castle – and having water fights. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A poll of 1,000 mums and dads found 87 per cent think getting to do kids' activities is 'one of the best things about being a parent'. Playing at the beach (55 per cent), walking around the zoo (46 per cent) and going on theme park rides (41 per cent) are at the top of the list. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And far from being bored while children play, 27 per cent secretly love to play on the swings and 22 per cent enjoy a bouncy castle. While others quietly like colouring in (31 per cent), water fights (32 per cent) and playing with toys (30 per cent). The research, commissioned by found 79 per cent claim doing activities with the offspring makes them 'feel younger' – by an average of 14 years. It also emerged 94 per cent of parents wish they could enjoy more quality days out with their kids. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But working hours (65 per cent), the cost of living (42 per cent), and struggling to come up with new ideas for what to do (22 per cent) were named among the top barriers. Catherine Lyver, from Railcard [ which commissioned the research and offers a Family & Friends Railcard with savings of a third on adult train fares and 60 per cent on child fares, said: 'The research shows parents relish the opportunity to relive the magic of childhood with their kids - and travelling by train makes it even more special. 'From beach days and zoo trips to theme parks and aquariums, these shared experiences can help bring families even closer together over the school holidays." The study also found 69 per cent said quality time with their children simply makes them happy, while 68 per cent claimed it leaves them feeling closer with their offspring. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But 43 per cent said it has direct benefits on their mental health and 40 per cent think it allows them to focus on what is really important in life. The research also revealed nearly all parents (96 per cent) plan activities with their kids that they enjoy doing too, at least some of the time. With 16 per cent admitting that they always pick something they will have fun doing as well as their youngsters. A third (33 per cent) of parents prefer to travel by train on their days out, with 61 per cent of those enjoying being able to give their full attention to their child. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But 56 per cent like that the adventure starts 'as soon as you board the train' and 53 per cent said it helped enable quality time as a family. Catherine Lyver, from Railcard, which has helped 7.4 million customers save an estimated £1.5 billion over the last year, added: 'Summer is a time for play – whether you are an adult or a child. 'And we want to encourage parents to reclaim their joy of play and adventure with the kids over the school holidays by taking advantage of savings on travel and attractions across Britain when you travel by train.' The research comes as 94 per cent of parents wish they could enjoy more quality days out with their kids | Emma Trimble / SWNS The top 20 'kids' activities parents secretly love: Going to the beach Going to the zoo Going on theme park rides Visiting aquariums Going to see family friendly shows at the theatre Doing puzzles or kids board games Going to museums and galleries more aimed at children Going to animal farms or petting zoos Water fights Colouring in or arts and crafts Playing hide and seek Visiting educational historic places Playing with children's toys Activities related to our favourite movies, TV shows or books Paddling in the sea Going to playgrounds and going on the swings, climbing on climbing frames etc Building sandcastles Playing with their toy cars or remote-control cars Doing outdoor climbing adventures (e.g. high wires, rope climbs, abseiling etc.) Bouncing on a bouncy castle
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The top 20 'kids' activities that parents secretly love
Playing at the beach and walking around the zoo topped the list | Emma Trimble / SWNS Parents secretly love playing on swings, jumping on a bouncy castle – and having water fights. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A poll of 1,000 mums and dads found 87 per cent think getting to do kids' activities is 'one of the best things about being a parent'. Playing at the beach (55 per cent), walking around the zoo (46 per cent) and going on theme park rides (41 per cent) are at the top of the list. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And far from being bored while children play, 27 per cent secretly love to play on the swings and 22 per cent enjoy a bouncy castle. While others quietly like colouring in (31 per cent), water fights (32 per cent) and playing with toys (30 per cent). The research, commissioned by found 79 per cent claim doing activities with the offspring makes them 'feel younger' – by an average of 14 years. It also emerged 94 per cent of parents wish they could enjoy more quality days out with their kids. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But working hours (65 per cent), the cost of living (42 per cent), and struggling to come up with new ideas for what to do (22 per cent) were named among the top barriers. Catherine Lyver, from Railcard [ which commissioned the research and offers a Family & Friends Railcard with savings of a third on adult train fares and 60 per cent on child fares, said: 'The research shows parents relish the opportunity to relive the magic of childhood with their kids - and travelling by train makes it even more special. 'From beach days and zoo trips to theme parks and aquariums, these shared experiences can help bring families even closer together over the school holidays." The study also found 69 per cent said quality time with their children simply makes them happy, while 68 per cent claimed it leaves them feeling closer with their offspring. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But 43 per cent said it has direct benefits on their mental health and 40 per cent think it allows them to focus on what is really important in life. The research also revealed nearly all parents (96 per cent) plan activities with their kids that they enjoy doing too, at least some of the time. With 16 per cent admitting that they always pick something they will have fun doing as well as their youngsters. A third (33 per cent) of parents prefer to travel by train on their days out, with 61 per cent of those enjoying being able to give their full attention to their child. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But 56 per cent like that the adventure starts 'as soon as you board the train' and 53 per cent said it helped enable quality time as a family. Catherine Lyver, from Railcard, which has helped 7.4 million customers save an estimated £1.5 billion over the last year, added: 'Summer is a time for play – whether you are an adult or a child. 'And we want to encourage parents to reclaim their joy of play and adventure with the kids over the school holidays by taking advantage of savings on travel and attractions across Britain when you travel by train.' The research comes as 94 per cent of parents wish they could enjoy more quality days out with their kids | Emma Trimble / SWNS The top 20 'kids' activities parents secretly love:
New York Post
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- New York Post
Gen Z relies on social media for meal planning, new survey shows
Nearly three-quarters of Gen Z get their meal inspiration from social media – double the number who rely on cookbooks. Moving away from traditional sources of inspiration, 72 percent of 18–27-year-olds get food ideas from platforms like TikTok (84 percent) and Instagram (75 percent), reshaping how this generation plans what to eat. In comparison, only 32 percent turn to a traditional cookbook and 45 percent chat with family and friends. Influencers also have more sway — with 44 percent of young adults claiming they're the most trusted source for food content – ahead of celebrity chefs (39 percent) and cooking channels (34 percent). With 64 percent of the 1,000 Gen Z adults polled following foodie content creators on social media, compared to 40 percent who keep up to date with cooks. 5 Nearly three-quarters of Gen Z get their meal inspiration from social media – double the number who rely on cookbooks. terovesalainen – The research, commissioned by Publicis Commerce, also found many are turning inspiration into action, with 42 percent buying ingredients via social media content. Discount codes (45 percent) and affiliate links (38 percent) were big motivators, while speed and convenience matter too, as 21 percent claim this way of buying made the shopping process quicker. Others said it saves them searching for ingredients elsewhere (37 percent), going out to the shop to buy it (30 percent), and writing a list (22 percent). 5 The research, commissioned by Publicis Commerce, also found many are turning inspiration into action, with 42 percent buying ingredients via social media content. Emma Trimble / SWNS It also emerged that the typical week sees Gen Z spend three hours and 54 minutes consuming food-related content on social media. Steve Ricketts, chief commerce officer at Publicis Media, said: 'This research shows just how central social media has become to how Gen Z think about food, from what they cook to what ends up in their basket. Start your day with all you need to know Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more. Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters 'They're finding recipes through influencers, discovering products in real time, and in many cases buying them directly through the same social media platforms. 'The way Gen Z shops is clearly being shaped by what they see online, with platforms like TikTok turning food content into an easy way to purchase. 5 Moving away from traditional sources of inspiration, 72 percent of 18–27-year-olds get food ideas from platforms like TikTok and Instagram, reshaping how this generation plans what to eat. Emma Trimble / SWNS 'For brands, that means the time between inspiration and buying is shrinking, and the implications for how people shop are huge. 'We help clients navigate that change, making sure their products are discoverable and shoppable in the right moments.' The research also found that this new way of shopping could be helping produce a generation of chefs, with a third admitting they rarely dine out due to a lack of money and time. 5 It also emerged that the typical week sees Gen Z spend three hours and 54 minutes consuming food-related content on social media. Emma Trimble / SWNS While 52 percent enjoy cooking and finding new recipes to make, and 42 percent prefer to make quality meals at home rather than eating at a restaurant or café. But 24 percent would struggle to think of meal ideas without social media, and 63 percent also credit it for making them try flavors and dishes they'd never have considered before. The study, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed the social media crazes people have tried cooking and eating, including bubble tea (33 percent), roast dinner wraps (24 percent), and pancake cereal (20 percent). 5 It also emerged that the typical week sees Gen Z spend three hours and 54 minutes consuming food-related content on social media. Emma Trimble / SWNS TOP 10 SOURCES FOR MEAL INSPIRATION FOR GEN Z: 1. Social media 2. Chatting with friends/family 3. Online recipe pages 4. TV shows 5. Cookbooks 6. Searching online search engines 7. Films 8. Supermarket websites 9. Blogs 10. Recipe kits e.g. Hello Fresh
Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to crush up aspirin and feed to plants showing these key signs
Plants to last longer by using the aspirin gardening hack, and it works (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS) Aspirins might be the unexpected gardening hack for your patios this summer. Gardening experts have revealed the many benefits of crushing these tablets, showing that their usefulness goes beyond headaches, body aches or fever. They contain acetylsalicylic acid, an active ingredient obtained from salicylic acid. Also found in willow bark and other trees. Surprisingly, this key ingredient is quite beneficial for many plants. As explained by Gardening Know How, it can boost the plant's growth, as well as speed up germination and even act as a barrier to any pests and diseases that may come in between. READ MORE: Households with bedding plants urged to act now to stop them dying Aspirin can be a lifesaver for headaches, but it can also benefit a plant's health (Image: Getty Images) It explained: "This tiny amount helps plants cope when they are under insect attack, dry, underfed, or maybe even experiencing a disease issue. The component helps boost the plant's immune system, just like it does for us." The United States Department of Agriculture also revealed that salicylic acid produces an immune response in plants of the nightshade family. It has also been proven to help with plant growth. Crushing aspirin and feeding it to plants can also extend their life span. The site added: 'The cut flowers will die eventually, but usually, you can add some time by the use of aspirin on plants.' When aspirin is diluted in water and sprayed on plants, it substitutes for the salicylic acid that plants naturally produce in response to stress. It then prepares the plant to defend itself from any threats, such as insects and diseases. In shorter words, it's their awakening call. Trials at the University of Rhode Island proved this by treating plants with this solution every three weeks during their growing season. The results showed better and faster growth, as well as more produce coming from those who didn't receive any treatment. Nonetheless, moderation is key when using these tablets, as they can lead to negative effects. Using too much can damage the plants even more, which is why it's best to do this in the early morning to allow plenty of time to soak up the nutrients. READ MORE: Gardeners told to use 'unusual' item to stop dust build-up on peace lilies It's also important to note that not all plants will react positively. As per the website, the appropriate dosage is three aspirin tablets (with 250-500 g), and then mixed with four gallons of water. Aspirin is also easily found in all supermarkets and pharmacies without a prescription. Even better, it's budget-friendly, costing less than a pound for a packet. Whether you're growing vegetables or want to keep a vibrant garden, this aspirin hack will easily become your go-to method. Still, don't forget to use it in moderation and follow the expert's advice.
Scotsman
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
What your car maintenance habits say about you, stated by psychologist
Car owners admit they treat their motor 'like a baby' | Emma Trimble / SWNS Two in five motorists enforce a strict set of rules on their passengers, such as no smoking, no littering and no feet on the dashboard. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A poll of 2,000 drivers found 35 per cent admit to treating their vehicle 'like a baby' – banning the slamming of doors, muddy clothes and shoes. Some just have an outright ban for fast food, but others draw the line at bringing food in the car altogether. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While others won't even allow passengers to open fizzy drinks while the vehicle is moving. It also emerged 48 per cent lovingly wash their car regularly, with 22 per cent going a step further by waxing or polishing it. One in five want their car to look spotless every time they back it out of the driveway – both inside and out. This research was commissioned by Turtle Wax's to launch its 'You Are How You Car' campaign, which aims to highlight how you treat your car represents how you show up in the world. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Matthew Chapman, director of global portfolio for the car care company, said: 'Drivers set rules because they care – not just about cleanliness, but about protecting something that's a reflection of themselves. 'For many people, a car is so much more than just a way to get from A to B – it's a passion, a project and a point of pride. 'Whether it's keeping the paintwork pristine, upgrading the tech or splashing out on premium fuel, the emotional connection we have with our vehicles often drives us to spend far more than we realise. 'From personalised number plates to professional-level detailing, it's clear Brits love treating their cars to the very best.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Other way drivers keep their motors looking flawless include parking away from other vehicles (21 per cent) and never letting anyone else behind the wheel (19 per cent). And for 41 per cent, cleaning the car even doubles up as a form of stress relief or therapy. When their pride and joy is gleaming, 17 per cent feel relaxed, 14 per cent proud – and 10 per cent even say it boosts their confidence. Jo Hemmings, behavioural psychologist, said: 'Our cars, like our homes, are an extension of our own identity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "If we like to look our best when socialising for example – or even just a trip to the shops – then the chances are, it's the same people who present their car with an equal level of high standards. 'As with our homes, showcasing it to reflect our pleasure in living in it, as well as representing our personality, the same can be said about the condition and appearance of our cars. "It's also about impression management - a pristine car says something about the way that we live and what we'd like others to think about us. "It speaks of efficiency, organisation, enjoyment and self-respect.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To pamper their car further, 23 per cent have taken photos of it, while 19 per cent have given theirs a nickname, according to the findings conducted by And 19 per cent admit they've avoided giving someone a lift – purely to prevent their car from getting grubby. Matthew Chapman from Turtle Wax added: 'It's not just about protecting the car's appearance – it's also about safeguarding its value. 'Whether it's paying extra for ceramic coating, refusing to eat or drink in the car, or insisting that passengers 'mind the doors', these little rituals all add up to a clear message: this car matters as it is a reflection of me. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Ultimately, it's about more than just paintwork and polish. 'The lengths people go to in order to protect their cars reveal a sense of pride, identity and emotional investment that's hard to match.' Are you in need for control and calm or are you a creative, free-spirited mind | Emma Trimble / SWNS Top 10 'car rules' No smoking No rubbish left behind No feet on the dashboard Everyone must buckle up before moving No slamming the doors No muddy clothing No food or drink in the car No eating fast food No opening fizzy drinks Wipe shoes before getting in What your car says about you according to behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings: A Pristine Interior - a need for control and calm: If your car is spotless inside - no crumbs, no clutter, even the dashboard gleams - it often signals someone who yearns for control, order and mental clarity. You'll likely find a clean environment calming and use that to deal with external stress. It can also indicate conscientiousness and pride in personal standards. Firm Passenger Rules - strong boundaries and assertive: If you ask people to clean their shoes, ban food and drink and are strict about no door slamming for example, you are likely to be assertive, self-aware and value respect for your space. You take ownership of your environment, whether that's your home, your workspace or your car. A Messy Car Interior - a creative, free-spirited mindset: If your car is chaotic and you're totally fine with that, it suggests a personality that leans toward spontaneity, creativity and maybe a disorganised approach to life. You often value experiences over aesthetics and may prioritise emotional connection over outward appearances. A Gleaming Exterior - image-conscious and socially aware: If your car is always washed and waxed with spotless windows, you're likely to be image-conscious and attentive to how you're perceived. You value first (and subsequent) impressions and see your car as an extension of your personal identity. You may also have a competitive or status-aware streak. No Rules at All – easy-going, possibly reckless: If your passengers can eat, drink, play loud music and travel in muddy clothes, you probably prioritise comfort and connection over control. You might be open and flexible, but there's a chance that your slapdash approach might spill over into carelessness.
