45% of parents with pre-school children make time to watch TV with them, says a new study.
But it's not a case of lazy parenting-researchers also found sitting down to watch television as a family has a positive effect on both parents and children.
The research from Freesat, which looked at the TV habits of 1200 UK families, found watching a show together encouraged bonding over laughter and enjoyment, shared interests, learning and discussion, whilst watching factual programmes was thought to support children's learning.
Family psychologist, and one of the researchers, Pat Spungin, explained: "Through television, today's children see other cultures, historical events, science and medicine and relationship issues. When they watch with their parents, they have a good opportunity to talk to their children about these important issues and pass on their own values."
The top three most popular programmes for the mums and dads to watch with their pre-school children were: Peppa Pig, Charlie and Lola and Big Cook Little Cook.
