As the half-term break looms parents across the country will be thinking up ways of spending 'quality time' with their offspring. However, a study commissioned by holiday operator Thomson has shown that when it comes to spending time with the family, less is definitely more.

Almost half of the 2,100 individuals questioned by Thomson admitted that they would prefer to spend more time alone on holiday and 38 per cent of parents admitted to a sinking feeling at the thought of going on holiday with their child. A quarter of parents said they returned from their holiday more tired than before they went.

Family expert Anita Bevan said: 'Parents shouldn't feel guility about wanting to spend some time apart from their children on holiday. Having a break from each other can be beneficial to the family relationship. The study proves that on holiday, the quality of family time can be more important than the quantity.'

Not surprisingly, Thomson claims it has the solution to this national malaise: the Thomson Superfamily holiday which offers kids clubs with flexible hours, pagers for parents and children's entertainment.

• Some of the UK's top attractions will be giving free admission to fathers and their children tomorrow as part of Fathers Go Free Day. The London Aquarium, Longleat and Alton Towers are among the attractions offering discounts and prizes as part of the half-term initiative organised by Fathers Direct, a new national information and support centre for fathers. A full list of venues offering concessions can be found at: www.fathersdirect.com.