London - Children are at their most enjoyable around the age of five, parents say.
It was judged so popular because of the rapid advances youngsters show around the time they make the transition to school.
Thirty-eight percent of parents believed five to be the most enjoyable age because their child had “started communicating with them properly”.
A similar proportion said it was because he or she had “started to display a good sense of humour”. Twenty-three percent said it was because they “can now properly enjoy playing sports and activities”.
The survey of 2 000 families also found that the ages of ten, 11 and 12 were the most difficult for parents to cope with.
The poll was commissioned by food firm Soreen to launch Active Families, Happy Families, a campaign with the Youth Sport Trust. The trust’s Phil Chamberlain said: “Regular activity produces healthy, happy and socially adept young people.”
Daily Mail