The average British family enjoys their ‘teas on knees’ in front of the television sixteen times a month, with children wishing they could do it daily.
A survey of 2,000 parents with children at home revealed that 65% are most likely to relocate the evening meal to the living room if there’s a significant sporting event on.
Over a third (36%) even have a TV in their dining room, with 19% watching while they eat every meal.
More than two thirds (67%) believe that a meal in front of the TV helps keep their family connected and enhances the viewing experience (64%).
However, the study found that a third of parents have prohibited comedy during meals in front of the TV, as children end up laughing and spilling half their meal around the living room.
Families are most likely to eat in front of films (37%) and live sports (33%), while 19% will sit through children’s entertainment on CBeebies or similar.
A spokesperson for recipe box company Gousto, which conducted the research, said: “Dinner and TV are really powerful ways for families to bond – especially when they’re combined.
“Many of us have fond memories of ‘teas on knees’ from when we were children, and it’s great to see this tradition is still alive and well, creating joy amongst families.”
Half of the respondents fondly remember their own parents allowing this treat when they were children.
Certain meals such as soup (28%), spaghetti bolognese (26%) and curry (21%) were deemed unsuitable for a ‘teas on knees’ night due to the risk of spillages, while pizza (28%) was voted the best food to eat in front of the television.
The study also found that 64% of parents would prefer their children to watch TV over dinner rather than use a personal screen like a phone or tablet.
According to OnePoll data, families are most likely to gather and have dinner together on Sunday evenings. However, 27% confess that they don’t all dine at the same time as often as they would like, even though 59% believe it’s ‘very important’.
A spokesperson for Gousto commented: “Eating a home cooked meal together is really important for families, whether that’s in the dining room, a table in the kitchen or in the living room.
“Having a shared experience with a TV show or sporting event also means there is never a shortage of conversation, as you can talk about the action on screen.”
