New Survey Reveals Facts on Parenting for Next Century 17/6/00 Most teenagers believe their parents are always there when they need them, and say their families make them feel loved and cared for. These are the findings of a recent report carried out by MORI for the National Family and Parenting Institute (NFPI). The report called Teenagers' Attitudes To Parenting is based on the results of a MORI poll which surveyed almost 2,500 11 to 16 year olds in England and Wales about their relationship with their parents. The survey shows that although most of the children are often positive about their family life, the generation gap is still alive and well in the 21st century family, with some marked differences in attitudes across the parental divide. The main findings of the report include: Three-quarters of the young people interviewed said that their parents were always there for them when they needed them, and two-thirds said they felt loved and cared for. 59% of young people said they get on very well with their parents. One in five said that they and their parents argue a lot. Conflicts emerge as the children get older, with the turning point coming at 13 years old. A large majority of the children (70%) say it's important for parents to get on well together if they are to raise happy children. However, just a third of parents share that view. Almost two-thirds of the children say parents being clear about what is right or wrong is important in raising happy children, while only 40% of parents share that view. The majority of young people (83%) cite making children feel loved and cared for as the best way to raise happy children. 71% of children, compared with 41% of parents, say it is important for them to be listened to and understood. According to NFPI Chief Executive, Mary MacLeod, "These findings show how easy it is to stereotype teenagers. Contrary to the Harry Enfield picture of the monster in family life, the majority of teenagers get on well with their parents. But teenagers are also vulnerable, and relationships do get strained as teenagers grow older. Young people are especially sensitive to parental conflict; the survey results suggest that many parents underestimate how important their own relationship is to their children's happiness." This survey was carried out by MORI among a sample of 2,343 children aged 11-16 in England and Wales. Interviews took place in classroom sessions between 17 January and 29 February 2000. Data has been weighted. The survey of adults was carried out by MORI among a sample of 1,517 parents in Great Britain. Interviews took place between 22 and 25 October 1999.