Media Release:

Tommee Tippee survey reveals:
Our parents are our role models

The news…
Over 3300 Aussie mums surveyed by leading children’s manufacturer, Tommee Tippee, have revealed that despite changes in factors outside the family - with more threats and risks being presented to their kids – their approach to parenting remains remarkably similar to that of their parents.

When it comes to the way we approach raising kids, our values don’t change fundamentally from generation to generation.

The facts...

Our parents are our role models

Over half the Aussie mums surveyed use their parents as role models, revealing they use similar disciplining techniques to their parents.

Two thirds of mums also said they followed their parents lead and were careful to watch their use of language in front of their children.

Interestingly, only 10% believe they are less strict than their parents, and are opting for a more relaxed approach to raising their offspring.

A fixed routine is a good routine

Nothing’s changed when it comes to fixed bedtimes. Routine is as important to today’s mums as it was to their own parents. 50% say they are strict with bedtimes and ensuring their babies have a routine. A further 15% of smart, savvy mums have also revealed that by being very strict with bedtimes allows them more freedom as parents.

And routine at mealtimes is also seen as crucial by 60% of mums, who say it helps to form good habits.

Cleanliness is next to godliness

And just as our Mums aspired to be domestic goddesses, so do we. More than half of the mums surveyed have revealed that they always manage to maintain a clean and tidy environment to raise their children.

A further 7% also revealed that they are radically hygienic when it comes to areas where bacteria and infection may be found.

Dad’s the word

When it comes to Dads though, it’s a slightly different story. Today’s Dads aren’t disappearing off to the garden shed when it’s time for the kids. Modern husbands are more involved than ever before in their child’s life – almost 60% take an active role in their upbringing, and 63% of women felt their partner is more involved than their own Dads were.

More choices for mums

And maybe our parents might have thought slightly differently about childcare. Nowadays, the majority (56%) of parents surveyed said they would consider using daycare for their children, as they believe it to be a good choice that opens up a world of options for parents – particularly for mums who want to return to work. Interestingly only 9% of modern mums see day care as a negative option.

Safety first

Over a third (34.3%) of mums surveyed are concerned about the overall welfare and security of their children.

But happily, a significant 43.8% commented that although the world can be unsafe, they remain optimistic, as they feel there are more opportunities for their children and themselves than ever before.

Ring-a-ring-a-roses...

90% of Aussie mums devote hours of special time to playing with their children, taking enjoyment from creating a stimulating environment and playing with their children whenever they want.

Although 10% have honestly revealed that the pressure of keeping the house tidy and completing other chores means they are unable to devote as much time to dedicated play as they would like.

For more information on Tommee Tippee please visit www.tommeetippee.com.au

Mum Zone Release Date: 7th April 2009

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