The survey of 2,000 parents reveals that almost two-thirds discourage their children from messy activities such as baking and sport.
Parents use excuses such as ‘You can do it tomorrow’, ‘It’s dirty’ or ‘There’s not enough time’ to dissuade their children.
More than two-fifths would prefer their children to play with an iPad over painting.
The poll of mothers and fathers of seven- to 11-year-olds, commissioned by Persil, also reveals that parents’ dislike of messy play activities is rubbing off on their children.
A third of children, whose parents took part in the survey, admitted they don’t like dirt and mess, with close to half stating that looking ‘cool’ was more important than having fun outside.
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