REVEALED: You’ll NEVER guess what you need to have a happy home life
THE key to domestic bliss is banning mobiles from the dinner table, family nicknames, two bathrooms - and good WiFi, a study has found.
The key to domestic bliss has been revealed
At least 12 hours of quality family time a week and two holidays each year are considered essential for a happy family life, according to the poll of 2,000 parents.
Getting out of the house as a family, enough bedrooms so that no one has to share and regular nights out for Mum and Dad without the kids are also important.
A sofa big enough for everyone to sit on, regular family film nights and taking part in a fun family activity, such as bowling are also considered key for a happy home.
Liz Penney, the spokesman for Hollywood Bowl, which commissioned the research, said: "The things we attribute to a happy family life are a great mix of modern comforts combined with more traditional quality time with the family.
"In a world where technology is ever present, it's important to take a step back from the gadgets as much as possible to enjoy some happy quality time together, as a family.
"Getting out of the house on a regular basis to do some fun activities together is a great way of keeping everyone happy and content."
Banning mobile phones from the dinner table is one of the keys to domestic bliss
Nobody can expect to achieve domestic bliss 100 per cent of the time
Other secrets of achieving a harmonious family life to feature in the top 50 include one-on-one time with each of the children, a space in the home for when someone needs time alone and grandparents living nearby.
Space in the home is crucial - a spare bedroom, large kitchen and a man cave for Dad are also ways to keep the peace.
A lock on the bathroom door, cooking together as a family and owning a dishwasher also make for happy living.
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Other tech investments to ensure happy campers at home include a second television, tumble dryer and a family tablet.
But while nearly eight in 10 families say they manage to achieve some family bliss, only 15 per cent would say they are doing so on a regular basis.
A lack of time and money were named the biggest barriers to achieving family bliss, followed by different interests, gadgets and technology and poor organisation.
It also emerged almost nine in 10 Brits admit they need to make more of an effort to do fun things
It also emerged almost nine in 10 Brits admit they need to make more of an effort to do fun things together to try and make their home life more harmonious.
Liz Penney added: "Nobody can expect to achieve domestic bliss 100 per cent of the time, but setting aside time to break away from our busy lifestyles and spend some quality time together can make a real difference.
"Activities like bowling allow families to put down the phone and reconnect with one another, interact face to face, have fun and engage in some healthy competition along the way."
But while nearly eight in 10 families say they manage to achieve some family bliss
TOP 20 SECRETS TO DOMESTIC BLISS
1. Always eating evening meals together as a family
2. Family movie nights at the cinema
3. Regular hugs/affection in the family
4. Getting out of the house as a family
5. Regular holidays
6. The occasional meal out as a family
7. Quality time together as a family on a week night after school/work
8. Banning phones/tablets at the dinner table
9. Good/fast Wi-Fi
10. A Sunday dinner together as a family
11. Knowing when someone in the family needs their own space
12. One-on-one time with each of the children
13. At least two bathrooms
14. Cooking a meal together/with the family
15. Not rowing in front of the child/children
16. No secrets in the family
17. A regular family film night at home
18. A sofa big enough for everyone in the family to sit on
19. A cat or dog
20. A second/spare TV