Adults will ask for help and advice more than 6,000 times in their life – going to friends for relationship advice, dad when moving house and mum for parenting tips.
A study of 2,000 found the average adult has turned to 31 people for help so far over their lifetime.
Over the course of a standard week, they ask for help or advice twice – a total of 104 times a year.
It also emerged people are most likely to go to mum for health advice and dad for assistance with finances.
The study, which was commissioned by Olbas, found when it comes to fashion and relationships Brits are most likely to turn to their peers, while the areas of careers and technology are covered off by partners.
Dr. Angharad Rudkin, psychologist and expert working with Olbas, said: “We are designed as social beings, and from the day we are born we seek support from those around us in order to stay healthy and well.
“As we grow, so does our support network, but our mums and dads will always hold a special place in that network.
“Knowing how to ask for help, and how to accept that help is one of the most important things we can do for our well-being.
“When we feel poorly, our ‘attachment system’ - how we connect and bond with others - is particularly activated, meaning that more than ever we need the support and care from our social network.
“We are also more likely to need support and guidance at times of change, such as moving to a new house, becoming a parent or dealing with a relationship breakdown.
“This research demonstrates that having a network of people all ages, experiences and views means we can benefit from a broad range of support whether it is for fixing our car, choosing what outfit to wear or figuring out how to get our babies to sleep.”
The study also found 35 per cent said their mum is the most helpful compared to just 13 per cent who chose dad.
Almost a quarter even admitted their mum will always be their ‘go to’ in life no matter how old they are.
It also emerged more than half believe it’s natural for advice to be passed down through generations.
But it’s not just people as 52 per cent have also turned to Google for answers to their queries, while 43 per cent have watched YouTube for advice.
It also emerged that of the 60 per cent polled who are parents, more than half said their own mum was the most helpful in terms of giving help and advice when they first became a parent.
They were followed by their mother-in-law (12 per cent), friends who had children (13 per cent) and sisters (12 per cent).
The areas first-time parents sought advice from their own mum and dad included getting the baby to sleep (26 per cent), changing nappies (21 per cent) and what a rash or mark meant (23 per cent).
A further 18 per cent also asked them what medicine to give their child, while 12 per cent said their parents gave them advice on how to deal with tiredness.
And if their child is ever unwell, more than a third of parents turn to their mum for help and tips, with 29 per cent worried when their child had their first cold.
A further one in 10 said they felt ‘clueless’ as they had no idea how to treat it.
Claire Campbell, Olbas brand manager, said: “As we move into cold season and we are
more likely to experience blocked noses, we want people to know that Olbas is here to help."
WHO ADULTS GO TO FOR DIFFERENT HELP AND ADVICE:
Help with relationship advice – Friends
Help with moving house – Dad
Help with gardening – Partner/spouse
Help with finances – Dad
Help with career queries – Partner/spouse
Help with cooking – Mum
Help with technology – Partner/spouse
Help with fixing/buying a car – Dad
Help with treating illnesses – Mum
Help with parenting advice – Mum
Help with fashion advice – Friends
SOURCE: https://www.swnsdigital.com/2020/11/adults-will-ask-for-help-and-advice-more-than-6000-times-in-their-life/