Long Car Journeys Emerge as Top Parenting Stressor in New Study
A comprehensive new study has uncovered the most stressful aspect of parenting, and it does not bode well for the upcoming Easter holiday period. According to research conducted by breakdown firm Britannia Rescue, long car journeys have been identified as the primary source of stress for parents across the United Kingdom.
Survey Highlights Widespread Travel Anxiety
The research, which surveyed 1,000 individuals, found that one in two parents admit that extended car trips rank among the most challenging parts of their parenting role. With 84% of UK parents planning to hit the road this bank holiday weekend, driving an average of four hours, the issue is particularly timely. Many families intend to visit relatives and friends or take a well-deserved break from work, but 53% report that these journeys are a significant stressor.
Key findings from the study include:
- 31% of parents dread long journeys with their children.
- 51% find keeping children entertained the most challenging aspect.
- 32% cite constant complaints, such as shouts of 'I'm bored', as a major stress factor.
- 32% are stressed by car sickness among young passengers.
Innovative Solution Launched to Ease Tensions
In response to these findings, Britannia Rescue has launched the 'Road Trip Soft Play Guide'. This handy tool features some of the best soft play centres located near major UK motorways, enabling parents to find ideal pit stops to prevent children's tantrums and reduce travel-related stress.
Parenting influencer Kelly Brady, known as part of @the_manc_family, praised the resource, stating it is 'perfect to rescue parents' and ensures the 'journey is as fun as the destination'. She elaborated, 'Every parent shares the same dilemma of keeping the kids entertained over the long weekends and school holidays. While going on a road trip is a great way to do this, it adds another layer of stress. As a parent to energetic children, this guide is the perfect resource to rescue parents and help them plan pit stops that make travelling smoother and more enjoyable for the whole family.'
Guide Details and Industry Endorsement
The guide includes reviews of soft play centres across the country, from Edinburgh and Newcastle to Bristol and London. Each centre has been evaluated by undercover parenting influencers and awarded marks based on fun factor, parental perks, nap enhancement, and overall roadside respite.
Jag Kullar from Britannia Rescue commented, 'Rescuing drivers and parents is at the heart of what our 24/7 car breakdown service cover offers. We know that long car journeys with tired, bored, and unsettled children are a tension point shared by so many. That's exactly why we created this guide, as a valuable resource to help relieve some of the stress that goes into travelling across the country with young kids and also make breaks an enjoyable part of the trip for all of the family.'
Notably, more than eight out of ten parents (86%) with children under seven years old believe that a well-timed stop can be a crucial saviour during long trips. Britannia Rescue, which was awarded 'best breakdown service of 2025' by What Car?, aims to extend its support beyond mechanical assistance to address the emotional and logistical challenges faced by families on the road.
