The average British mum hides in the bathroom at least SEVEN times to escape their kids during the school summer holidays
EVER felt like you needed to escape your kids, for five minutes of peace and quiet?
Well you're certainly not alone, with the average British parent admitting to hiding in a locked bathroom at least seven times during the school summer holidays.
A nationwide poll of 2,000 mums and dads found parents are driven to take refuge to avoid tantrums and squabbles during the six-week break.
On average, parents can expect to break up 16 siblings arguments, 13 physical fights and endure six public tantrums.
It's perhaps no surprise a fifth of parents label it the most stressful time of the year, thanks to 15 early wake-ups from the kids and two childcare emergencies.
Thankfully, grandparents normally step in and help six times.
SUMMER HOLIDAY IN NUMBERS
- Sibling rows: 16
- Early morning wakeups: 15
- Sibling fights: 13
- Trips to the same park: 8
- Hiding in the bathroom or bedroom: 7
- Times you wish you were back at work: 7
- Public tantrums: 6
- Swimming trips: 6
- Grandparents called in last minute to help: 6
- Bust ups between parents: 6
- Horrendous car journeys: 5
- Dropped ice creams: 2
- Cancelled childcare emergencies: 2
Some 36 per cent of mums said they felt guilty if they didn't have an activity planned every day, while 93 per cent said they wished there were more fun things to do over the summer.
In fact, 15 per cent of parents have considered quitting their job to spend more time with the kids.
Plymouth parents arguably have it the worst - with 22 sibling squabbles and eight tantrums to deal with.
MOST READ IN PARENTING
Earlier today, we revealed a single mum had split opinion by imposing a ‘brutal’ daily one-hour ‘silence period’ on her kids, 6 and 9, during their family holiday.
To help families save their summer, Drayton Manor Park is offering ticket discounts of up to 45 per cent, when booking in advance with the 4 for £88 ticket.
Tickets are a or on 0844 472 1950.