Between eye-rolls and exasperated sighs of “Moooooooom,” it’s easy to assume our kids don’t want us around. We might believe they prefer their friends or endless scrolling on TikTok and Instagram over spending time with family. But the reality is quite different.
A recent poll of school-aged children (ages 6-17) found that 73% of American kids actually want more opportunities to bond with their families.
This desire for connection is echoed in a recent study by WildBrain, which found that sharing video content together is one of the most significant ways families bond, third only to mealtime and travel. This is particularly true for Gen Z and Millennial parents: 71% of Gen Z parents and 61% of Millennial parents watch content with their kids at least once a day.
The Power of Shared Experiences
These findings highlight that spending time together watching shows, movies, or gaming is central to family connections. Previous surveys have also indicated that families who watch TV together feel a stronger sense of connection.
Yet, despite this, less than 20% of parents report regularly watching TV with their children under the age of 18.
Parents, we may be missing a valuable opportunity to connect with our kids and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The times spent playing a board game at the kitchen table after dinner, hiking through the woods on a crisp autumn afternoon, or snuggling together on the couch with popcorn for movie night become anchors during life’s storms. They serve as indelible reminders—especially during difficult times—of love, belonging, and support. These shared moments provide a sense of security and help stave off feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Conversations, Teamwork, and Problem-Solving
The WildBrain study further supports this. Seventy percent of families reported that co-viewing shows and movies leads to more meaningful conversations, enhancing communication and understanding among family members. Additionally, 65% of parents believe that playing video games together fosters teamwork and problem-solving skills within the family unit.
Nostalgia: A Powerful Connector
The research also highlights nostalgia as a key driver of connection. Eighty percent of parents feel that sharing the content they loved as children with their own kids strengthens family bonds. Revisiting classic shows, movies, and games bridges generational gaps and creates lasting memories rooted in shared interests.
Incorporating nostalgic content into family activities isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about building a cultural legacy within the family. When parents and children experience joy together through familiar content, they create traditions that can be passed down for generations.
Creating Lasting Memories
Embracing shared content consumption and gaming experiences, especially those with nostalgic value, can significantly strengthen family bonds. These activities provide common ground for parents and children, fostering communication, teamwork, and cherished memories.
So the next time your child asks you to watch a show or play a game together, take the opportunity.
These moments, no matter how small, can create lifelong memories and reinforce the unbreakable connection between parent and child.
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Melissa Henson is the vice president of the Parents Television and Media Council, a nonpartisan education organization advocating responsible entertainment. On X: @ThePTC
