Authors

• Paajanen, Pirjo (Finnish Family Federation. Population Research Institute)

Keywords

children, families, family life, family members, leisure time activities, time budgets

Abstract

The survey studied Finnish children's leisure time activities from the viewpoint of the parents. Guardians of 5-, 8-, and 11-year-old children were asked how their children spend their free time, what kind of hobbies they have, about childhood in general, and children's status in present day Finland. The respondents were asked where their children spend the majority of their weekdays, where and with whom they are in the afternoons, how much time they spend at home alone, and how often the family dines together at weeknights. Furthermore, the guardians were asked where and with whom the children spend their weeknights, how they are spent, and at what time the children go to sleep. The respondents also described the places and cultural events to which they take their children, and the way the children spend their weekends. In addition, the guardians assessed the time they spend with the children.

Hobby-related questions pertained to organised leisure activities, and their possible disadvantages. The guardians were asked about joint hobbies of the family, who decides where the child spends his/her free time, and whether the child is satisfied or dissatisfied with certain things. In conclusion, respondents were asked to what extent they agreed with statements relating to children and childhood in general.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, year of birth, marital status, basic education, vocational education, type of municipality of residence, economic activity and work contract of the respondent and the spouse, and the number of children.