#People are cherishing more time with their families during coronavirus pandemic

“#People are cherishing more time with their families during coronavirus pandemic”

July 9, 2020 | 2:50pm

Seventy-five percent of American parents witnessed a key moment in their child’s life while in self-isolation, according to new research.

The survey of 2,000 Americans — of which about 1,200 were parents — asked respondents about their time sheltering in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the perks of being surrounded by family.

From developmental milestones to simple heart to hearts, three-quarters of parents polled experienced a key moment, which they otherwise may have missed, with their children while in lockdown.

Respondents were asked to share the key moments they experienced and one respondent said their child got to meet an aunt for the first time, while another was able to successfully potty train their little one.

Another respondent shared how their child confided in them that they were being bullied at school, while someone else shared they were able to watch their son be sworn into the National Guard via a livestream.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Juice Plus , the survey found 66 percent of those surveyed said the pandemic has brought them closer to their family than ever before.

It’s no surprise that 77 percent of respondents were also in agreement that they’ve enjoyed spending more time with the members of their household.

The survey also found respondents have learned a lot about their families while sheltering in place as well.

Nearly half of respondents admitted they didn’t really know what their significant other’s job was before they began working from home during self-isolation.

Seventy-nine percent of parents surveyed said they’ve also learned more about their children’s hobbies and passions during this time.

While another 77 percent of parents said their children have become more open to learning new things around the house and trying new activities.

In fact, 31 percent of those surveyed said they’ve taught a family member a new skill while they’ve been in quarantine.

Seven in 10 respondents also shared their increased time indoors has been a wake-up call for them to focus on their families’ unhealthy habits.

Forty-one percent of those polled said they’ve added more priority to eating meals as a family during their time in isolation.

“During these unprecedented times, it has been a delight to see families becoming closer than ever before and enjoying the additional time they have gotten together while staying home,” said Dr. Mitra Ray, Ph.D., research biochemist and health ambassador with Juice Plus .

“In turn, this has led to an increase in family meals, which are proven to form better eating habits and a healthier lifestyle for years to come.”

Another 29 percent of respondents shared they learned how to cook a new family recipe.

Seventy-one percent of respondents shared this has all been possible because it’s been easier for them to adhere to a new and improved schedule for themselves and their families while they’ve been sheltering in place.

For those surveyed who’ve been working from home during this time, 41 percent said they’ve enjoyed having a more flexible schedule.

A further 38 percent of these respondents shared another perk of working remotely is they’ve been able to enjoy more quality time with their family.

Regardless of whether respondents are working from home, 68 percent shared they’ve used lockdown to improve their family’s communication skills.

“As more people become accustomed to working from home, they are finding silver linings in its flexible benefits, such as forming stronger relationships with their families,” observed Sean Hopkins, chief revenue officer for Juice Plus .

“We value and support the impact of year-round remote working models allowing more people to stay home – offering the opportunity to work according to their own schedules and give greater priority to their loves ones and their overall happiness and well-being.”

Top priorities added to Americans’ routines in self-isolation