Almost three quarters of the 2,000 parents polled encourage children to speak out and say exactly how they are feeling, whether good or bad.

By contrast, 65 per cent of those born a generation ago admit they were neither offered nor took any role in making family decisions when they were young.

As a result, say parents, today’s children grow up expecting, and largely getting, exactly what they want. mot that their doting mothers and fathers see that as a bad thing: 77 per cent say their children are likely to achieve far more than they themselves ever did because they are used to having to take part in family decisions from a very young age.




Change: Older generations say their parents would make most or all decisions without consulting them
'Parents have always wanted the best for their children,' said Best Western Director of Marketing, Tim Wade. 'But our customers are telling us that their children are far savvier now; they know exactly what they want from an early age and are encouraged to ask for it. They’re involved in some of the major purchasing decisions where they mightn’t have been before.
'Back when today’s parents were children that very rarely happened. Children were an add-on to family events. 'Today they are at the very heart of everything a family does and their decisions carry as much, often more, weight than the likes and dislikes of their parents. Modern children are savvy, know what they want from an early age and are encouraged to ask for it.'


Discerning: According to Best Western Hotels, children have fixed ideas about what they do and don't like