Latest news with #qualitytime
Washington Post
4 days ago
- Washington Post
Carolyn Hax: Ding! Letting work interrupt their vacation doesn't work for spouse
Adapted from an online discussion. Dear Carolyn: On vacation, I put up my OOO message and am truly unreachable to co-workers, but my husband checks his email and Teams several times a day and encourages his co-workers to text him to keep him updated. It feels like his work phone and laptop are always dinging. I have become resentful. Our jobs are similar, by the way, and nothing at his workplace is ever so urgent that he can't take care of it on the next business day. It's just a difference in the way we approach our days off. I find that it interferes with our quality time, but I'm not sure whether it's an overstep to request that he stop doing this. — OOO OOO: That last sentence is decent framing to start the conversation. Beats screaming on the beach. Or you can skip the whole philosophical-exploration stage and suggest pragmatic compromise. Start by acknowledging that you're each entitled to your preference — but there is also your shared vacation experience, which warrants respect as well. Right? (Presumably he nods, 'Right.') So you're hoping he'll agree to clearly defined space for each: individual time, and paired time. And in paired time, you'd like to be unplugged. That can be an agreed upon time of day, or number of days when you're on vacation. So, each of you can be plugged in (if you want to be) till noon Wednesday, then you're unplugged the rest of the week — or plugged in till noon daily, then off the rest of the day. Or whatever. You get the idea. Good luck, and I'll think do-not-disturbing thoughts. For OOO: I've been your husband, and I've been you, too. Here is some food for thought. A friend of mine once said it's not just that you need vacation from work — your co-workers need a vacation from you, too. It's a great opportunity to allow your co-workers and direct reports to shine, make decisions and operate independently. It also sets a terrible precedent that vacation is really just air-quotes 'vacation.' Unless it's about you, in which case your co-workers are taking real vacation, but you never leave because you're special. Aarrgghh. Bottom line — the co-workers probably find this inability to step away really annoying. — Thought-Feeder Thought-Feeder: Pointy points, but fair ones, thanks. Dear Carolyn: What do you do when your husband tells you he can't live with you anymore because of how badly you behaved with your in-laws during a recent visit? To be clear, it's nothing I did or said to them. I was upset with his treatment of me when his family was visiting. I have since moved out because he insisted he couldn't sleep in the same bed with me and didn't want to inconvenience his mom, who's staying for six months. — Out Out: You get a good attorney, stat. As a reader pointed out, it's time to protect yourself and your assets with your decisions, starting with where you live. And it's time to count every day as a blessing that you're getting out of a three-person marriage with your husband and his mom. I feel for you more deeply than this advice probably conveys. No doubt you're hurt and reeling. But no matter what pain you're in now, and no matter what love you once shared, your husband's loyalties lie with his mother. That was always going to strand you emotionally, it was just a matter of when. I'm sorry. Look out for you now, and treat yourself with the respect and compassion you didn't get from your marriage.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Walking trail 30 minutes from Bolton named among best in the UK for families
A walking route less than 30 minutes from Bolton has been named among the best walks for families in the UK. A new nationwide survey by outdoor retailer Mountain Warehouse has uncovered the real recipe for a typical British family walk and highlighted the best routes to take. According to the findings, the average family walk lasts one hour and 11 minutes, includes up to two tantrums, involves picking up three random items, and requires at least two snacks per child to avoid total meltdown. Despite the challenges of getting everyone out of the house, nearly 80 per cent of parents believe that time spent outdoors strengthens family bonds, especially those with toddlers (87 per cent). The top benefits include quality time together (46 per cent), staying active (42 per cent), getting out of the house (41 per cent), improved mental well-being (39 per cent), time away from screens (26 per cent) and a better chance to talk (23 per cent). Mountain Warehouse reveals Family Walk Formula The Mountain Warehouse Family Walk Formula is as follows: 1 hour and 11 minutes is the sweet spot – go any longer and expect complaints, chaos or both. The first tantrum typically erupts just 19 minutes in - barely enough time to leave the car park. 'I'm too tired,' 'it's too long,' and 'I need the toilet' top the tantrum charts. 1 in 3 parents bring 2–3 snacks per child with fruit (30 per cent), crisps (29 per cent) and sandwiches (25 per cent) topping the list. Nearly half of parents (49 per cent) end up carrying all the bags. A quarter (24 per cent) end up carrying the child and their rock collection. Kids pick up an average of three random items per walk - usually sticks, flowers or rocks… but one in 10 end up pocketing rubbish, dirt or old wrappers too. Only 18 per cent of family walks go as planned. The biggest culprits behind early turnarounds are bad weather (46 per cent), snack shortages and urgent toilet breaks. 35 per cent say a walk isn't complete without the dog. The formula can depend on where you live with the research finding that parents in the north are far more likely to head out without a plan (32 per cent) compared to those in the south (21 per cent). Heaton Park Circular among best UK family walks Mountain Warehouse named the Heaton Park Circular walk one of the best in the UK for families. From Bolton, you can get to Heaton Park in under 30 minutes by road and the walk takes an average of one hour and three minutes to complete, according to AllTrails. The website, which shares a variety of walking routes, said: 'This is a lovely trail that goes around Heaton Park. The park is located on the edge of Manchester and is a historic area with many attractions, making it a perfect destination for a full day out. 'Along the way, you'll pass by the Boating Lake viewpoint, play areas, Bowls Pavilion, Heaton Park Animal Centre, Heaton Hall, golf course and Tram Museum. The route is relatively flat and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.' Heaton Park is popular with visitors on Tripadvisor where it has a 4.1-star rating from 949 reviews. One visitor said: 'Never been to Heaton Park as much as the last couple of year's, visited for Parkrun on Saturday's, Dinosaurs in the Park and fun days or general fresh air family days out. Lots of open space, a decent kid's play area, a boating lake and a courtyard with farm animals (free). 'There are two cafes that have great food and drink options with indoor and outdoor seating. Parking prices are reasonable for an hour or so.' Another shared their experience: 'Heaton Park has so much to offer. We spent the day there today after parking for £3.50 in one of the three car parks on offer. We chose Sheepsfoot Lane car park as it was nearest to the lake and cafe. 'We had ice creams, went on the fun fair, the grandkids played in both play areas, we walked through the cherry blossom trees , saw the cattle and donkeys and saw the animals in the farm too. We loved the flower garden next to the manner house too. We walked about five miles in as many hours and loved every minute. Amazing park'. The park also hosts various music events including Parklife and at the time of writing, Oasis has gigs scheduled at the park as part of their reunion tour. Ashley James, broadcaster and model, put the family walk formula to the test with her children, Alfie, four, and Ada, two. She said: 'I lead such a busy life now, and my husband does too, which is why we cherish the time we spend together as a family so much. "Getting outside in nature when we can, even if it's just the local park, is so important to us. No screens, no tech, just us enjoying time together. Recommended reading: Why this Peak District spot is one of England's most picturesque locations Combine this 'beautiful' waterfall walk in Lancashire village with a pub lunch Tourists on cafe-less Pendle Hill - 'We could have starved if not for mint cake' 'But getting out of the house for a proper family walk isn't without its challenges… Between trying to leave the house without someone losing a shoe, refereeing sibling squabbles and somehow ending up carrying four jackets, two scooters and a pinecone collection… It's a full-on expedition! 'But Mountain Warehouse has us covered for our little adventures - helping us feel prepared, whatever the weather and whatever mood the kids are in. Despite the chaos, it's worth it every time.' Mark Neale, founder & CEO at Mountain Warehouse, said: 'The great outdoors brings families together, even if it doesn't always go to plan. "We created the Family Walk Formula to shine a light on the fun, the challenges and the real-life moments that come with every family outing. 'At Mountain Warehouse, we're here to support those everyday adventures with great kit for the whole family, including the dog.'
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Yahoo
Finding quality time together as parent more difficult, research suggests
More than two in three parents say finding quality time together as a family is becoming more difficult because of busy schedules, and the demands of personal devices and social media, new research suggests. A survey of 2,000 parents and children aged 11-17 by airline easyJet found that most mothers and fathers were worried about the effects of social media and phone screen time on their children. But seven in 10 parents admitted they spent too much time on their phone themselves. Families take an average of up to two holidays a year when children are between the ages of 6 – 18 and nearly half plan to take more breaks this year than last, citing spending quality time together, wellbeing and reconnecting with family and friends as the main reasons. Kenton Jarvis, easyJet's chief executive, said: 'Our research shows the summer holidays are one of the few times in the year when families are together without the usual distractions, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy some well-earned quality time and put down tablets or phones.' The airline has joined forces with writer and presenter Katie Piper and child development expert Tanith Carey to launch a new initiative which includes a holiday card game to get families talking from the moment they start their holiday.
The Independent
08-07-2025
- The Independent
Finding quality time together as parent more difficult, research suggests
More than two in three parents say finding quality time together as a family is becoming more difficult because of busy schedules, and the demands of personal devices and social media, new research suggests. A survey of 2,000 parents and children aged 11-17 by airline easyJet found that most mothers and fathers were worried about the effects of social media and phone screen time on their children. But seven in 10 parents admitted they spent too much time on their phone themselves. Families take an average of up to two holidays a year when children are between the ages of 6 – 18 and nearly half plan to take more breaks this year than last, citing spending quality time together, wellbeing and reconnecting with family and friends as the main reasons. Kenton Jarvis, easyJet's chief executive, said: 'Our research shows the summer holidays are one of the few times in the year when families are together without the usual distractions, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy some well-earned quality time and put down tablets or phones.' The airline has joined forces with writer and presenter Katie Piper and child development expert Tanith Carey to launch a new initiative which includes a holiday card game to get families talking from the moment they start their holiday.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Head of £31,000-a-year school which Prince George may attend and Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow sent their children warns parents need to spend more quality time with their offspring
The headteacher of a £31,000-a-year private school tipped to be attended by Prince George has urged parents to spend more quality time with their children. Adam Pettitt, head of prestigious fee-paying Highgate School in north London, urged families to ensure their offspring have more time away from mobile phones. His school has attracted celebrity parents including Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Dame Emma Thompson. And it was recently toured by the Princess of Wales, prompting speculation she and husband Prince William could be considering the school for eldest child George, 11. Highgate School, founded 460 years ago, is a co-educational day school for pupils aged between four and 18 - with annual fees for its secondary school currently charged at £31,575 plus obligatory lunch fees bringing the total to £32,640. Mr Pettitt, who has been Highgate head since 2006, made his call for parents to make the most of screen-free 'quality time' for their children as he entered the debate about potential bans or limits on pupils' mobile phone use. A group of secondary schools across the south London borough of Southwark have recently teamed up to demand more restrictions - as they encouraged youngsters not to get such devices until Year 10, in which pupils are aged 14 and 15. The alliance of 16 Southwark schools published a plan calling for 'higher sanctions' for pupils having smartphones rather than non-smartphones confiscated - that is, those with internet access. Highgate School has already been operating its own ban on mobile phones, which Mr Pettitt says has 'reintroduced conversation to form rooms'. He has now written to a national newspaper insisting on the importance of parents diverting their children from constant screen time towards other activities. He told the Times: 'Age-based limits on mobile phone use are a welcome first step, but how adults spend time with children is paramount. We must not only limit screen time but actively promote what should replace it. Children need to play, to have protected screen-free time, and to enjoy fun, shared experiences with the adults who care for them.' Mr Pettitt added that the headteachers taking action in Southwark were 'right to tread carefully when advising on families' - and 'also correct that it requires a partnership with parents to address the effects of screens on children'. He previously warned parents about children and mobile phones in a letter, shared online in April, in response to controversial TV drama Adolescence. Mr Pettitt wrote about what he called 'a shocking and deeply thought-provoking series' and one particular scene in which the central character Jamie's parents admitted they were unaware about the dangerous online content he was accessing. He said: 'The online world is all-encompassing, and we teeter into it as if into an abyss. But it is no substitute for actual human interaction with those closest to us. 'This is important at home, too. Our children absorb things from us. Our views, actions and habits shape them. 'If we like reading, it's more likely our children will like reading. If we support a team, it's more likely our children will support that same team. 'We end up not only having things we do in common; we'll be doing them together. In the Pettitt household, it's crosswords and cooking. 'You'll all have those special but really not so special routines which mean you spend time together and time chatting. 'If we have wired into our routines time to be together for some part of every day, time to chat every day, we'll see more quickly when they withdraw, we'll notice if something is awry.' The Princess of Wales has shared online and spoken often about the hobbies, outdoor experiences and home interests her children enjoy - including recently George's love of painting and watching him and Louis play rugby at weekends. She has recently sparked speculation that Highgate School could be one of the next options for George after being seen seen visiting both Highgate and nearby University College School in Hampstead, north London. Both schools are about 30 miles from the Wales' Windsor base, potentially meaning journey times of more than an hour each way. Highgate School has been hailed for its 'world-class' drama department and has been the choice of school for the children of famous actors such as Dame Emma Thompson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law. Its alumni include the former child actor Freddie Highmore, now 33, who starred alongside Johnny Depp in the 2004 film Finding Neverland as well as in the following year's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. The Princess, now in remission from cancer, was seen at £10,525-a-term Highgate School just after it closed for the Christmas break at the end of last year. An insider told the Mail on Sunday in February: 'The family did go round and have a look and apparently, it's because the school has a rather brilliant drama department - genuinely world class. 'Kate spent quite a long time talking to two of the teachers there, including the Head of Drama, and was asking them about the drama curriculum and extracurricular activities and what opportunities there might be for appearing in school plays. 'One of the reasons they're drawn to visiting Highgate is that the department is known as somewhere that feeds into RADA. 'Highgate has got a very strong focus on Shakespeare with a nuanced and intelligent approach to drama. 'It's where people send their children if they want somewhere more elevated than the Brit School. 'Apparently, Kate was advised that this school will help George out, but not in pressurised way.' It has been suggested that the Princess's alma mater, Marlborough College in Wiltshire, could be the royal couple's preferred choice for not only George but also his younger siblings Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis. They are currently attending Lambrook School in Berkshire, with George due to move to his next school in autumn next year. The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be 'thinking outside the box' and continuing to look at options other than Marlborough College.
