A new survey has revealed that what many UK mums really want this Mother’s Day isn’t chocolates or flowers – it’s help around the house.
Research from Utility Warehouse suggests that rising living costs and changing family dynamics are putting pressure on households, with everyday habits from adult children quietly pushing up energy bills and testing parents’ patience.
With many young adults staying at home longer due to the cost of living crisis, small household behaviours are adding up – both financially and emotionally.
Parenting Adult Children Is Harder Than Toddlers, Survey Finds
According to the survey of 2,000 UK mums, more than three quarters (77%) say parenting adult children is more challenging than raising toddlers. Almost all respondents (95%) admitted to having disagreements with their grown-up children about chores and household habits.
On average, these arguments occur around four times a week, highlighting how daily routines can quickly become sources of frustration in busy family homes.
The findings also show that many of these tensions stem from energy use and wasteful habits that increase utility bills.
The Everyday Habits Driving Up Energy Bills
When asked about the most irritating behaviours at home, mums pointed to a number of common energy-draining habits:
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53% said lights are often left on in empty rooms
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17% regularly find damp laundry left in the washing machine long enough to require a second cycle
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16% complain about TVs being left on when nobody is watching
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15% said their children scroll on their phones while the TV runs in the background
Other frustrations include devices left plugged in all day (17%), chargers permanently switched on (14%), and windows left open while the heating is running (14%).
While these behaviours may seem minor individually, they can significantly increase household energy consumption over time.
For more tips on managing energy use and saving money, families can visit the official Utility Warehouse website.
Why Many Mums Prefer Help Over Gifts
Despite the frustrations, most mums still say parenting remains incredibly rewarding. Around 75% of those surveyed said being a parent is one of life’s most fulfilling roles.
However, when it comes to celebrating Mother’s Day, practical help appears to be the most appreciated gift.
Nearly two thirds (67%) of mums said they would prefer their children helped with household tasks instead of buying presents.
Utility Warehouse Launches ‘Honest’ Mother’s Day Cards
In response to the findings, Utility Warehouse has launched a humorous range of digital Mother’s Day cards aimed at adult children.
The campaign acknowledges common household frustrations while celebrating the mums who keep family homes running smoothly.
David Walter, Chief Commercial Officer at Utility Warehouse, said:
“We all know that while the nest might be getting more crowded, it’s also getting more expensive. Our research shows that for many mums, the best gift this year isn’t a bunch of flowers – it’s finally seeing the landing light turned off.”
He added that the playful cards are designed to ease everyday tensions while highlighting the importance of managing household bills more efficiently.
Illustrations Inspired by Real Household Frustrations
To bring the campaign to life, Utility Warehouse partnered with Cheltenham-based illustrator Catherine Faulkner, founder of family-run greetings card business Jelly Armchair.
Together they created three bespoke card designs inspired by some of the nation’s most common household annoyances, from lights left on to heating being wasted.
The cards are available as a free digital download, giving families an easy way to share a laugh this Mother’s Day while acknowledging the realities of modern family life.
A Card — and Maybe a Turned-Off Light
With 72% of UK mums expecting a card this Mother’s Day, Utility Warehouse says there’s an opportunity for children to go one step further.
Instead of just writing a message, why not pair it with something mums might appreciate even more: helping out around the house and switching off the lights.
