Top ‘teas on knees’ meals revealed as parents claim they ban kids from watching genre that ‘always makes them spill’

A WHOPPING 65 per cent of parents with kids living at home are most likely to shift their evening meal into the front room if there’s a big sporting event happening, according to a poll of 2000 parents.

But 36 per cent have a TV in their dining room, with 19 per cent of these watching while they eat at every meal.

SWNS

The family unit is most likely to come together and have dinner in one place on Sunday evenings[/caption]

More than two thirds reckon a meal in front of the TV helps keep their family connected and feeling together and 64 per cent believe it makes viewing more enjoyable.

The study found, however, a third of parents have ‘banned’ comedy during meals in front of the TV – as kids end up laughing and spilling half their meal around the front room.

Families are most likely to eat in front of films and live sports, while 19 per cent will sit through kids’ entertainment like CBeebies.

A spokesperson for recipe box, Gousto, which carried out the research, said: “Dinner and TV are really powerful ways for families to bond – especially when they’re combined.

“Many of us have fond memories of ‘teas on knees’ from when we were children, and it’s great to see this tradition is still alive and well, creating joy amongst families.”

The study went on to find 64 per cent of parents would rather their kids be watching TV over dinnertime, than a personal screen like a phone or tablet.

Meals like soup, spaghetti bolognese, and curry were deemed no-goes for a ‘teas on knees’ night – due to potential spillages.

But pizza was deemed the overwhelming favourite to eat in front of the box, thanks to its convenient handheld nature.

And half of all parents have fond memories of being granted the treat when they were kids themselves.

The family unit is most likely to come together and have dinner in one place on Sunday evenings, according to the OnePoll figures.

But 27 per cent admit they don’t all eat at the same time as often as they’d like, even though most consider it ‘very important’.

Gousto’s spokesperson added: “Eating a home cooked meal together is really important for families, whether that’s in the dining room, a table in the kitchen or in the living room.

“Having a shared experience with a TV show or sporting event also means there is never a shortage of conversation, as you can talk about the action on screen.”