The overbearing and interfering mother-in-law is often jokingly portrayed as most people ’ s least favourite family member . And now a new poll on modern families reveals this is a reality for almost a quarter of Britons – who said their pet dog was more important to them than their in-laws . Of the 2,071 people surveyed , 22 per cent cited their pets as a close family member , above in-laws ( 21 per cent ) but below grandparents at 26 per cent . Scroll down for video . A new poll on modern families reveals almost a quarter of Brits prefer their pets to their in-laws . The research commissioned by Matalan for its Made for Modern Families campaign also found that the ‘ Brady Bunch ’ or ‘ blended ’ household where children had multi-parental figures was also on the rise . More than one in 10 British families now live in ‘ blended ’ families as more people with children divorce , remarry other parents and their households merge . As a result a fifth of all children – more than the entire population of Birmingham and London combined - have participated in their own parents ’ wedding , the poll found . Spending quality time together as a family is still important with 65 per cent saying eating together at a table was one of their favourite family activities and 30 per cent claiming to enjoy playing board games and doing arts and crafts together . Over a third ( 35 per cent ) said that their family ’ s happiness was their top priority , compared to just 6 per cent who cited money as most important . Mark Earls , a leading behavioural expert and fellow of the Marketing Society , said : ‘ Contrary to those who have bemoaned the decline of the family as a key pillar of our society , family is alive and well – it just comes in many more different shapes and sizes than it used to including the “ blended ’ or “ Brady Bunch ” family , which consists of one or more adults with their own children and those from previous relationships . The interfering mother-in-law is often jokingly portrayed as most people ’ s least favourite family member , as in 2004 film Monster-in-Law starring Jane Fonda and Jennifer Lopez . ‘ More than one in ten British families have this kind of arrangement . Such a scenario can create a situation in which the age gap between the youngest and eldest child/step-child can be more than a decade , as our survey found . ‘ Ultimately , what we want for our families is what we ’ ve always wanted for those we love - health and happiness . However much the shape and the structures and the participants shift , it seems these same old truths abide . The family is here to stay. ’ While the Beckhams were seen by 20 per cent of people questioned as the best representation of the modern family , 16 per cent thought it was Jamie Oliver ’ s brood , followed by the Jolie-Pitts at 7 per cent . Next in line from the list were Will Smith ’ s family ( 4 per cent ) and Elton John and David Furnish ( 3 per cent ) . The research saw data compiled by YouGov reviewed by Mr Earls for Matalan as part of its commitment to understanding today ’ s modern families . Jason Hargreaves , Managing Director of Matalan , said : ‘ Family life has changed dramatically since we first opened our doors 30 years ago . The demands on parents and families are greater than ever as time is precious , life is faster and pockets are pinched . ‘ Family is at the heart of our business and we are committed to being there to help families , whatever their makeup or wherever they ’ re from , in everything we do . ’
Mother - in - law is often jokingly seen as least favourite family member . Poll on modern attitudes , this is a reality for almost a century of teenagers . They believed their pet adoption was more important to them than their in - laws . researchers found households where children had multi - parental figures was also on the rise .