How Connected Are You to Mum and Dad? Our Findings May Surprise You

Our research into parental relationships in the U.K.

How do you relate to your parents? Do you regularly check in with those who brought you into this world? Do you know what they got up to before you were born?

These are all burning questions that we were curious to understand, so we decided to commission research into how people in the U.K. relate to and understand their parents.

The results paint a really interesting picture of how we feel about — and how much we really know about — our parents.  What really stands out is that 37% know very little about their mum and dad's lives before they became parents. We believe there is a huge opportunity for us as a nation to connect to and learn from the generation that came before.


Keeping in Touch

When was the last time you caught up with your parents and checked in to see how they were getting on? We discovered that 17% of people haven’t spoken to their mum or dad in the past month. The results vary across the country: Those living in the Northeast give their parents the least amount of their time, whereas those living in Scotland and Wales give them the most. 

 

Mum and Dad: Before They Became Parents 

RoleofMomandDadBlog2

Our research shows that many people in the U.K. are somewhat in the dark as to what their parents' lives were like before they were born.  When it comes to piecing together the personal histories of their parents, 37% of Britons surveyed said that they’ve learned more about their parents’ lives from discovering family possessions, overhearing conversations, or speaking with other family members, rather than directly from their parents themselves.

Can you relate? Have you ever sat down with your parents to talk about their early lives?

If your parents are still alive and you have the opportunity to speak to them in person, ask them about their lives before you were born! Doing so could deepen your bond. Even better, how about giving them the gift of turning their life story into a StoryTerrace book? Our customers often tell us how moved their parents have been to receive this meaningful gift! 

 

Looking Up to Your Parents 

Do you ever wonder how your parents got to where they are today? We discovered that 30% of Britons really admire what their parents have achieved, but have very little understanding as to how they got there, with people between the ages of 18 and 34 feeling this the most. When it comes to appreciating their parents, nearly half of Britons say their parents made life-changing sacrifices to provide them with opportunities.

Of course, the very nature of being a parent is about giving your all to ensure your children live as great a life as possible, yet it's widely said that parenting is a thankless job! If your parents are still alive, it might be wise to think of some ways you can show your appreciation. Our research paints a vivid picture of the vast opportunities that exist for us to truly get to know our parents and their personal histories, so give Mum and Dad a ring to find out more today.

If you'd like to give your parents the gift of a StoryTerrace book, we are here to help! Get in touch to find out how you can work with our professional writers today, or sign up for our newsletter to hear more about how you can capture your parents´ story for future generations to enjoy. 

 

Written by Helen Morris

More stories in this category

The Nation’s Reverse Time Capsule

Here at StoryTerrace, we typically write memoirs for older i...

Brian Lewis: The Black schoolboy who beat chess grandmaster at 12

Brian Lewis was 12-years-old when he beat an international c...

Love and Dating Across the Centuries

Have you ever wondered how dating began?

logo-icon--red-lined
WRITER MATCH

Check for A Writer Near You

Enter a post code to look for writers in your area. Your interviews can be arranged by phone, via video call or in person.