65% of British adults wish they could revert back to childhood

Nickelodeon today unveils research revealing that nearly two thirds of UK adults (65%) would choose to revisit their childhood if they had the chance. The pivotal age of ten (10%) was identified as the ideal age.

The research, released ahead of the launch of Nickelodeon Big Base Camp in April, revealed the news that British adults would like to relinquish some of the day-to-day responsibilities that come from home ownership and career pressures, with a staggering two thirds (60%) of the respondents agreeing that freedom from responsibility is one of the most collectively missed benefits of being a child. Long holidays (50%) and playing (49%) also featured highly, taking second and third place respectively with over half (56%) of the nation divulging that their best childhood memories were of times spent playing with friends.

The top reasons Brits want to be kids again are:

1. Lack of responsibility (60%)
2. Long holidays (50%)
3. Playing (49%)
4. Having lots of friends (40%)
5. Time for hobbies (29%)
6. Going to the park (28%)
7. Attending school (22%)

To uncover why UK adults wish to revert to their 10-year old selves, Nickelodeon has taken a deeper look at what Brits miss the most from their formative years, as well as exploring the key blockers holding the nation back from embracing their inner child and having a bit more fun!

Age isn’t just a number

When it comes to childhood nostalgia, age is more than just a number – 78% of 25-34-year olds reported they would love to go back to a younger age where going out with family and friends and having hobbies were top priorities. Compared to their Millennial counterparts, the Gen Z generation, aged 17 – 22, already feel under pressure despite being closer to their childhood years than any other age group. Over two thirds (67%) miss the freedom from responsibility felt in their younger years, echoing the trend felt amongst the wider adult population.

Silly Side Up

Shockingly, it seems that the need for the nation to embrace their inner child is more prevalent than ever, with more than half of the UK population (52%) not being able to remember the last time they had a good, bellyaching, uncontrollable laugh. The survey went on to reveal that middle-aged men are the most serious amongst us, with over half (52%) not even remembering the last time they laughed – meaning there are simply not enough dad jokes and fun going around. Over half of British women however feel comfortable enough to be silly – but only in their own home.

With adults no longer having a good giggle and only one third of Brits (33%) taking time out to simply have fun and enjoy themselves on a weekly basis, there seems to be a high cost to adulthood, which is doing what we all enjoy! Although parents reported that a day out with the family is what they enjoy doing above all else (58%), nearly three quarters of the nation (72%) reported that they regularly prioritise housework and other weekly chores, leaving no time for fun and games with their children.

Dr Jessamy Hibberd, Charted Clinical Psychologist commented: “We know children thrive on fun, but as we transition into adulthood, we start to move it down our priority list prioritising chores and responsibilities. When life becomes busy it’s easy to shift into autopilot to just get through each day, making it hard to live in the moment. Yet fun is important for adults too: it boosts serotonin, distracts you from the stresses and strains of daily life and the good feelings you gain from experiences are proven to last longer than buying material items. Fun days out also have the added effect of enhancing your relationships with your children. With 58% of parents reporting that a day out with the family is what they enjoy doing above all else, it’s something you can enjoy with your children too and activities like Nickelodeon Big Base Camp provide the perfect opportunity.”