A house is not a home until you’ve hosted Christmas, filled your shelves with books – and completed at least four mini DIY projects, according to a study. Research of 2,000 adults found they need to enjoy an average of three special occasions, such as birthdays, before a home really begins to feel comfortable. Feeling safe in the local community …

A study of 1,000 parents with kids aged up to five found they spend an average of just under 45 minutes a day playing with their child – a total of 260 hours each year. Over those first five years, 165 hours is spent on painting, drawing and creative activities, and another 185 hours are taken up with reading together. …

Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back To Black’, Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ and Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Go Your Own Way’ are the top songs Brits listen to when they come out of a relationship, according to research. Ariana’s Grande’s ‘Thank U, Next’ and Boyz II Men’s ‘End of the Road’ also featured in the top 30. This comes as a study …

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed 51 per cent see their close friend at least once a week, while one in 10 see their companions less than every six months. Regardless of the frequency of time in person, 32 per cent message their best friend at least daily, if not multiple times a day. And 49 per cent ensure they …

 A poll of 2,000 adults found 61 per cent believe they have a responsibility to live a sustainable lifestyle, while 58 per cent see being environmentally conscious as a ‘badge of honour’.   In fact, the average adult claims to be 29 per cent greener than they were 10 years ago, as they make more sustainable choices than ever before. …

Dramatic lifestyle changes like new exercise regimes, cutting alcohol intake and eating less meat typically last less than two months, according to research. A study of 2,000 adults found they stick to a new habit for an average of just seven weeks before giving it up, while 21 per cent only keep at it for a month. More than half …

A poll of 1,000 parents with children aged under four found 63 per cent often avoid activities like painting or playing in the mud because of the clean-up required. Three in 10 will only take part in creative activities at home once every two weeks with just a quarter regularly joining their little one in dressing up or role play. …

Childcare and counselling careers are the most ‘family friendly’ jobs, according to parents. Research of 2,000 working parents with children aged 2-17 revealed the industries most likely to ease the struggle of parenting, with popular benefits including flexible hours and working from home. Other professions considered good for new parents include accounting, being a teaching assistant, health and safety or …

Millions of Brits are happy to holiday within 50 miles of their home – as long as their getaway presents the opportunity to try new things.   A study of 2,000 adults found one in six are content travelling a short distance for a break away, providing they have enough time to relax and unwind and explore new surroundings.   …

A sea-faring mum who has spent the last five years exploring Britain’s coasts has revealed the top 10 UK landscapes – best viewed by boat. Heather Kemp, who documents her adventures on Instagram at @kemp.life, compiled a list of top boating adventures spanning the length and breadth of Great Britain, from Scotland to South Devon. Heather’s list was topped by …