The findings are revealed in research carried out by marketing agencyCounterpoint for the DCSF. The Government said it wanted to understandwhat parents and children and young people mean when they talk about'well-being', 'happiness' and 'a good childhood'.
Group interviews were held with parents and children in 14 areas ofEngland last August.
Across the board, the parents identified 'family time' as the singlemost important factor in a 'good childhood'. They were 'extremelyuncomfortable' with the idea that the Government had an influence onfamilies, but were quick to blame Government when children's unhappinesswas discussed.
Political correctness and health and safety rules were also felt to haveaffected communities and the quality of education, especially for thoseon lower incomes.
Parents also said they felt pressure to earn more in 'an excessivelyexpensive country', and that they bought their children electronic goodslike computer games out of guilt at not spending enough time withthem.
The latest survey by the Children's Society's 'Good Childhood Inquiry',published last week, also found growing concern among parents about therise in consumerism among children.
Further information: 'Childhood Wellbeing' is atwww.dcsf.gov.uk/research.