Irish children value your time more than any gift you could give
If you’ve ever had one of those rare dinnertime moments where the kids are actually talking to you — really talking, not just asking for more ketchup — you’ll know exactly how special that feels. It turns out children feel it too, and new research has put some proper numbers on something most of us already sense in our bones.
A new study commissioned by Heinz and Barnardos has found that children in Ireland value meaningful conversations and quality time with the people they love far more than material things. That’s a finding worth sitting with for a moment, especially on a Tuesday evening when you’re ready to bribe them with screen time just to get through homework.
The research surveyed 1,000 adults and 500 children aged 5 to 15 across Ireland, and the results are both heartening and a little sobering. Just 6% of children said they already spend enough meaningful time with the people who matter most to them. Six per cent. The rest, it seems, are quietly hoping for more of us.
The dinner table is doing more than you think
One of the most striking findings is just how much mealtimes matter. More than eight in ten children (81%) said sharing food brings their family together, while 84% said eating together helps families make time for one another even when life is busy. Which, let’s be honest, is most of the time.
Nearly three-quarters of children said they find it easier to open up and talk while eating together (72%), and more than three-quarters said familiar, comforting foods help people relax and connect (78%). So that beans on toast you threw together on a chaotic Wednesday? It was basically family therapy.
More than three-quarters of children also said some of their best family conversations happen at mealtimes (76%), with the dinner table coming out on top as the leading setting for meaningful chats among both adults and children.
Chartered Clinical Psychologist Dr Malie Coyne said the findings carry a reassuring message for parents. “Children don’t need every moment together to be perfect, they need to feel listened to, understood and important,” she said. “Shared meals can create a natural, low-pressure opportunity to check in. Even a short meal without distractions can give children space to open up and allow conversations to develop at their own pace.”
Meanz Mealz multipack supports Barnardos breakfast clubs.
It really does take a village
The research also shone a light on just how important trusted adults beyond parents can be. More than eight in ten children said it’s good to have people in their corner beyond mum and dad (84%). Grandparents came out on top, with half of children (50%) and 44% of adults identifying them as the biggest positive influence in a child’s life.
Aunts and uncles (34%), teachers (29%), family friends (20%) and even neighbours (6%) all got a mention too. Almost two-thirds of children said they wish they were closer to older or younger members of their family (64%), which feels like a gentle nudge to pick up the phone to Granny this week.
Dr Coyne echoed this. “The findings remind us that it really does take a village to raise a child. Grandparents, relatives, teachers, neighbours and family friends can all help children feel safe, supported and connected.”
Vogue Williams, who has been an ambassador for the Heinz and Barnardos partnership for several years, spoke about what mealtimes mean in her own family. “Mealtimes give us a reason to pause, sit down together and hear about each other’s day. With three little ones and another on the way, I love simple meals like Heinz Beanz on toast that mean less time cooking and more time connecting,” she said.
She also acknowledged that not every family has a strong network around them. “Not every family has that network, which is why trusted organisations such as Barnardos can play such an important role in supporting both children and the adults caring for them.”
How you can help while filling the press
This is the fifth year Heinz and Barnardos have joined forces for their ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ limited-edition three-packs, and the giving mechanism is refreshingly simple. For every three-pack purchased, Heinz will donate to Barnardos Breakfast Clubs, which provide nutritious food, including Heinz No Added Sugar Beanz, at selected Barnardos centres across Ireland.
Mary Gamble, Director of Communications, Fundraising and Marketing at Barnardos, said the support makes a real difference. “Each year our staff on the ground work with more than 34,000 vulnerable children and their families. Every special pack purchased contributes to that work and helps us reach families who need support.”
The limited-edition packs are available now until the end of September from Dunnes Stores, Tesco, SuperValu, Aldi, Lidl and participating convenience stores, with an RRP of €3.79. Find out more about the work Barnardos does at barnardos.ie.
And next time dinner is a chaotic scramble of toast and tinned beans and someone talking too loud about something that happened at school three weeks ago — know that you’re doing something right.