New York Families Quality Time Has Increased

Did you know that New Yorkers are spending more quality time with their families than ever before? I didn't believe it either but according to a new study by Backyard Oasis, it's true.

According to the survey by the outdoor furniture company, families in the Empire State spend an average of 6 hours and 37 minutes a week with each other. That's a 53% increase from the 4 hours and 19 minutes per week they spent together in 2018.

So, how are they spending their time together? Turns out, that they love to watch TV or movies together. This was the overall winner, with 41% of families choosing it as their favorite way to bond.

Coming in second place, 17% of families chose board games or video games. 15% love to take day trips or travel together, 13% prefer to cook or bake together, and 13% enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or biking.

However, planning these activities can be tricky. Almost half of the families (49%) said organizing the trips was the toughest part. Meanwhile, 15% said putting together a simple meal was a mighty task, and 14% said getting everyone together for sports was hard. But, despite the challenges, families are making an effort to spend more time together.

The State Where the Families Spend the Most Time Together

The survey found that families in North Dakota spend the most time together, at an average of 8 hours and 30 minutes per week. They're followed by families in South Dakota, who spend an average of 7 hours and 45 minutes per week together.

The state with the least amount of family time was West Virginia, where families spend just 4 hours and 30 minutes together per week.

Finally, the survey asked families about their cell phone habits during family time. 12% of families admitted that phones are always welcome at the dinner table. However, a more laid-back 67% of families said devices are sometimes allowed, while a strict 5% said they’re banned altogether.

New Yorkers are spending more time with their families, enjoying doing things together, and trying to find ways to get away from modern technology during their quality time.