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Heinz and Barnardos research highlights how mealtimes and relationships across generations help children feel connected and supported.

New research released today has revealed that children in Ireland value meaningful conversations and spending quality time with the people they love more than material things.

The study was commissioned as Heinz and Barnardos join forces for the fifth year of their ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ limited-edition packs of Heinz Beanz, which support Barnardos Breakfast Clubs and intensive Family Support programmes across Ireland.

The research, which surveyed 1,000 adults and 500 children aged 5 to 15 across Ireland, also points to a desire for more connection. Just 6% of children said they already spend enough meaningful time with the people who matter most to them.

Food and mealtimes emerged as an important way for families to slow down, connect and talk. Half of adults said sharing a meal brings their family together (50%), while more than eight in ten children said sharing food brings their family together (81%).

Eating together also helps families make time for one another, even when life is busy, according to 84% of children. More than three-quarters said some of their best family conversations happen at mealtimes (76%), with the dinner table the leading setting for meaningful conversations among both adults and children.

Almost three-quarters of children said they find it easier to open up and talk while eating together (72%), while more than three-quarters said familiar and comforting foods help people relax and connect (78%).

The research also highlighted the positive influence of trusted adults beyond parents and primary caregivers.

More than eight in ten children said it is good to have trusted adults in their lives beyond their parents (84%). Grandparents were most often identified as having the biggest positive influence, according to half of children (50%) and 44% of adults.

Aunts and uncles (34%), teachers (29%), family friends (20%) and neighbours (6%) were also identified by children as important sources of support for them and their families.

The findings also point to a desire for closer relationships across generations, with almost two-thirds of children saying they wish they were closer to older or younger members of their family (64%).

Adults’ leading reasons for spending time with children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other younger relatives were creating lasting memories together (40%), strengthening their relationships (38%) and seeing younger family members grow and achieve milestones (37%).

Commenting on the findings, Chartered Clinical Psychologist Dr Malie Coyne said; “What stands out from this research is that children value time, attention and meaningful conversation more than material things. For parents and caregivers, the message is reassuring - children don’t need every moment together to be perfect, they need to feel listened to, understood, and important.

“Shared meals can create a natural, low-pressure opportunity to check in. Even a short meal without distractions can give children space to open up and allow conversations to develop at their own pace.

“The findings also remind us that it really does take a village to raise a child. Grandparents, relatives, teachers, neighbours and family friends can all help children feel safe, supported and connected.”

Vogue Williams, longstanding ambassador for the Heinz and Barnardos partnership, said; “Mealtimes give us a reason to pause, sit down together and hear about each other’s day. With three little ones and another on the way, I love simple meals like Heinz Beanz on toast that mean less time cooking and more time connecting.

“I’m incredibly lucky to have a close family and a strong support network. It’s wonderful to see the relationships my children are building with their grandparents, extended family and close friends, and those everyday moments together are often the ones that mean the most.

“But not every family has that network around them, which is why trusted organisations such as Barnardos can play such an important role in supporting both children and the adults caring for them.”

Elaine McCague, Head of Commercial and Marketing at Heinz, added; “We’re proud to partner with Barnardos for a fifth year through our ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ packs and to support its vital work with children and families across Ireland.

“The research shows how food can bring people together and create a simple opportunity to pause, reconnect and talk. Through this campaign, we want to encourage more of those everyday moments while helping Barnardos provide practical support to families who need it.”

Mary Gamble, Director of Communications, Fundraising and Marketing at Barnardos, said;  “Each year our staff on the ground work with more than 34,000 vulnerable children and their families. Barnardos provides trusted, consistent support through our intensive family support services that equip families with the necessary skills to thrive, to enhance family wellbeing and strengthen parent capacity.  Our services help children and parents feel heard, build confidence and strengthen family relationships.

“Support from the ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ campaign helps us continue delivering our Breakfast Clubs and family support programmes across Ireland. Every special pack purchased contributes to that work and helps us reach families who need support.”

The limited-edition three-packs of ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ Beanz are available now until the end of September from major retailers including Dunnes Stores, Tesco, SuperValu, Aldi and Lidl, as well as participating convenience stores. RRP €3.79. Prices are at the sole discretion of individual retailers.

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The top 10 things children value about spending time with someone from another generation:

1. Having fun and laughing together (39%)

2. Making happy memories together (39%)

3. Feeling closer to them (35%)

4. Hearing family stories (35%)

5. Doing fun activities together (32%)

6. Simply spending time together (31%)

7. Learning about their family’s past (29%)

8. Learning family traditions (28%)

9. Getting advice when they need it (26%)

10. Learning from the things they have done (26%)

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