Three in four parents have been less strict about house rules to keep their kids active during the pandemic

By Allison Sadlier and Emma DeSimone // SWNS

Today’s parents are working up a sweat to bond with their kids in the pandemic as half (53%) of parents have learned a TikTok dance with their children, according to new research.

Bonding turned out to be a bit more exhausting than anticipated for one in two parents who attempted at TikTok dance confessed learning it was more tiring than they thought it would be.

Eighty-five percent believe that doing physical activity together as a family is a good way to bond, with the same amount having already worked out with their child at least once before the pandemic.

Even besides viral dances, watching TV or movies together (67%), playing a board or card game (56%) or cooking together (54%) are all ways parents of school-aged kids have tried to bond with them.

The survey of 2,000 census-balanced Americans conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Eastbay also revealed all the ways families are trying to stay active at home and found that parents are relying on their high schoolers for fitness inspiration.

Forty-eight percent of parents polled believe that their child knows more about fitness and exercise trends than they do, with over half (55%) of the parents of high schoolers having even asked their children for fitness advice.

In exchange for a few exercise tips, some parents are loosening up the house rules to encourage their kids to stay active and since the start of the pandemic, three in four (74%) say they’ve been less strict about them.

Nearly two in three (65%) have even let their kids break a major house rule and their high schools can now “play rough” inside.

Of the top rules parents have relaxed on, 50% said kids can practice their sport of choice inside, two in five (42%) can play ball and a third (33%) can play tag.

High schoolers aren’t the only ones parents need to keep busy in the pandemic.

Sixty percent of parents with grade-schoolers, who normally play a sport, want their child to try to train or practice with them so they are ready to return to these activities.

A spokesperson for Eastbay said, “The data shows how everyone is trying to find new ways to stay active and maintain a routine. It’s been great to see high schoolers and students remain eager to stay active, and many have gotten creative when it comes to training from home. This study showed just how encouraging parents have been about making the most of this difficult year.”

It also turns out that half (50%) of Americans surveyed also feel out of touch with the trends of younger generations; the older a generation, the more out of touch they feel.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of those 56 and over feel out of touch, compared to 54% of those from 40 to 55 and 45% of those 24 to 39.

Not even the world of fitness is immune to shifting trends as new trends such as dance-inspired workouts (34%), virtual workout classes (31%) and new equipment (30%) has become more noteworthy.

The increasing popularity of these trends may be due to the fact that over half of Americans (56%) are changing their workout routines due to the pandemic and 52% are now alternating between their old workouts and new ones.

The spokesperson for Eastbay added, “When it comes to staying active, the proper gear and equipment is just as important as the proper form. We encourage everyone to embrace whatever fitness trend gets them moving, no matter where they are, so they can feel their best.”

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