IPPN

Published: 22 September 2011

A new study has found that children’s main ambitions are to be healthy, to get a good job and to stay close to friends and family.

A majority of boys surveyed in the Growing Up In Ireland (GUI) study wanted to be professional sports players (soccer, rugby or tennis), while most girls wanted to be professional performers, typically singers, dancers or actresses.

The study, launched this morning by Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald also found that children felt less close to parents who worked long hours.

Relationships between children and their parents are broadly positive, but can be negatively affected if parents are less available, respondents said.

Children spend more time with their mothers and time spent with their dads is often activity-based.