Parents have taken on 21 different roles a day during lockdown – including TikToker, grammar expert and hairdresser, a study has found.
Research among 2,000 mums and dads of children aged under 18 found they went from having 14 different ‘jobs’ a day before the pandemic to 21 during the different lockdowns.
Being a teacher (72 per cent) is the top role as parents not only had to help with homework but also homeschool as schools were forced to close their doors.
Nearly half have acted as proof-readers (44 per cent), while others have been storytellers (42 per cent) or channelled their inner Joe Wicks to become PE instructors (33 per cent).
The research, commissioned by experience provider Buyagift ahead of Mother’s Day, found other common roles include being the family chef (68 per cent), first aider (67 per cent) and importantly, a friend (66 per cent).
Before the pandemic, parents’ to-do lists took up 16 hours and 30 minutes of their week, but this rose by almost 11 hours to more than 27 hours during the lockdown.
The study also found 64 per cent of parents have been an entertainer in a bid to keep kids amused during the long lockdown months.
Many have also taken the digital world by storm, with 21 per cent acting as social media consultants, and 15 per cent took part in TikTok challenges with their children.
On the flip side, 56 per cent found themselves behind the camera as a photographer.
Things have also got competitive in many households, and thanks to the popularity of The Queen’s Gambit, 40 per cent of parents brushed up on their chess skills to regularly make the perfect challenger for their youngsters.
More than half (53 per cent) have tried their hand at video games, however, 34 per cent admitted they often end up playing referee between sibling squabbles.
Other common roles include an accountant (35 per cent), cleaner (72 per cent), taxi-driver (53 per cent), event planner (51 per cent), negotiator (49 per cent), comedian (44 per cent) and personal assistant (47 per cent).
For older children, parents also find themselves performing the job of a relationship counsellor (26 per cent) and careers adviser (20 per cent).
But while 24 per cent have enjoyed the challenge of taking on new roles, 44 per cent said this left them with little time for themselves during the lockdown.
The study, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed that despite 72 per cent admitting that balancing these additional roles has been challenging during these turbulent times, 35 per cent have relished the extra time they’ve spent with their families this year.
And looking ahead to when restrictions lift, 59 per cent are most looking forward to spending quality time with their loved ones by enjoying family experiences and days out.
In response to the findings, Buyagift has launched a new package of experiences ahead of Mother’s Day, to celebrate the doting mothers and maternal figures who have been non-stop during the pandemic – giving them a moment of magic to look forward to when life looks a little more normal.
Buyagift will be donating 10 per cent of sales of the Afternoon Tea Gift Box Experience sold between the 1st March and 14th March to Gingerbread, a charity which supports single parent families across England and Wales.
Other experiences available include spa breaks, days out and culinary experiences – giving mums and mothering figures a moment of magic to enjoy.
Alison Vickery, from Buyagift said, “The last 12 months have been a challenge for so many families and our research shows that all parents, including mums and maternal figures, have had an exceptionally busy time.
“So, to help people show their appreciation and plan a moment of magic for their loved one, we’ve curated the Mother’s Day Experience Collection- giving the nation’s top multitaskers something to look forward to when everyday life gets back on track again.
“We know there’s a multitude of people taking on the role of ‘mum’, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy, to offer a bit of a break from the daily to do list.”
TOP 10 ROLES OF MODERN-DAY PARENTS
1. Teacher
2. Cleaner
3. Chef
4. Launderer
5. Storyteller
6. First-aider
7. Friend
8. Baker
9. Entertainer
10. Doctor
To see the full range of experiences available in the buyagift Mother’s Day Experience Collection, please visit http://www.buyagift.co.uk/team-mum – gift vouchers are currently valid for at least 20 months and Gift Boxes are valid for two years.
ENDS
