The average child will embarrass their mum and dad a staggering 576 times during their school years, according to new research.

Inappropriate comments, repeating swear words and commenting on their parents’ size make up a large percentage of the total.

A survey of 2,000 parents by George at Asda, to mark the launch of their new back-to-school range, revealed some toe-curling moments.

They included:

* A little girl who told the doctor “mummy takes medicine too – it’s called Malibu”

* A child pointing at a neighbour in the street and announcing loudly: “there’s that strange woman you don’t like”

* A plain-speaking tot who warned her grandparents “you're going to die soon”

* A youngster telling her neighbours “mummy doesn’t like your new windows”

* A little boy who answered the call of nature in a display toilet in a busy home improvement store

* One mum who was left red-faced when she re-used an unwanted gift for her child’s friend – only for her nipper to shout “that’s mine” when it was opened

* One child who was fascinated by an old lady with a headscarf and shouted: “Mummy, why is that monkey wearing a hat?”

A spokesman for Kidswear at George said: “While parents are regularly being left red-faced by their children, the chances are they are left with funny memories.

“Parenting doesn’t come without challenges but they always leave a lasting memory to reminisce on years down the line.