What do children expect from their families?

All families want the best for their children: for them to be happy, to have friends, to do well in school, to be well... But what makes them feel satisfied in their lives? And, above all, what can we do as families to promote this?

Beyond asking our children, beyond common sense, and beyond seeking information about what pediatricians and psychologists say, families have a very valuable tool:Children's AgendaThis document compiles the demands and proposals expressed directly by children to help them grow up healthy and happy. And, as expected, families play a fundamental role (although not the only one).

"For me, the most important thing is love and friendship, because without family and friends, you don't have love," explains nine-year-old Valentina, from the Horta-Guinardó district of Barcelona. Ten-year-old Isabella, on the other hand, makes it clear: "My parents work all day, and we have little time to spend together."

It's not just the children who say this; the data also corroborates it: spending quality time with family is the daily experience that most contributes to generating life satisfaction, followed by spending quality time with friends and doing things outdoors and in contact with nature. However, it's not all about having a good time: the most important aspect of a child's satisfaction with life is feeling safe (at home, at school, and in the neighborhood).

In this sense, children ask that their families treat them well, without yelling or fighting, that we take an interest in how things are going in school beyond just their grades, that we support them when they have problems or conflicts, talking to teachers or other families if necessary, and that we listen to them seriously. "If you've had a bad day and you come home to your family, that makes you happy and is also part of good health," says eleven-year-old Emma.

Screens, free time and neighborhood life

Children also express concerns about many other issues, such as free time, play, screens, and neighborhood life. screens.

Aware that social media contains inappropriate content, offensive messages, and stereotypical models of personal image, they ask families to be aware of what they look at and post. They also believe that technology companies and those that advertise should ensure "that we don't always get the model of a thin girl or a strong boy" and "that the photos are real, unretouched, and represent all body types." Aesthetic pressure has increased with personal satisfaction. 10-11 years old.

Children recognize that playing outdoors is a good antidote to intensive screen use ("what we can do is build goals or basketball courts closer together, so we don't stay at home," suggests Pol, who is eleven years old and lives in Sant Andreu). 10-11 year-olds in Barcelona think they don't have enough free time. Spending time outdoors with friends and in contact with nature is a source of well-being for children. They also participate in neighborhood activities.

However, they know that not everything depends on families.