Embarrassed by 'uncool parents'

A kiss at the school gates? But what will they say?

An overwhelming majority of children find public appearances with their uncool parents a major embarrassment, according to a new survey.

Among the many trials inflicted on them by adults the worst, according to two thirds of seven to 11-year-olds, is being told off in public.

A maternal kiss at the entrance to the school playground is only slightly preferable, with four out of ten cringing at the thought.

The study's authors say it shows that adults who shudder at the memory of their own parents' behaviour are now inflicting the same horrors on their own offspring.

'Cool' Welsh parents

The clothes worn by parents of both sexes are highlighted as another sticking point in the battle for cool by children across Britain.

Family cars fared little better, with many of the 1,000 youngsters who took part expressing the opinion that they could have made a better choice themselves.

Parents in the north east did particularly badly - with their children voting them the most embarrassing Britain has to offer.

Welsh children are less ashamed, with one in five generously describing their parents as 'cool'.

The survey was carried out for a biscuit company.