Young parents don't read to kids
Young parents do not recognise the importance of reading to their children preferring to leave the activity to other people.
One in ten 16-24 year-old parents have never read a story book to their children, and while they are three times more likely to feel guilty about missing out on the experience than older parents, many say they simply don’t have the time and reply on the nursery or childcare to do this vital job instead.
This alarming find comes from a new survey out this week by Capital Shopping Centres. As part of National Family week, they have been putting on a special ‘Story Time’ at centres across the UK in an effort to mark the importance of this activity.
Dads are also failing to get in a good bedtime story session with low 33 per cent of them making the effort. A sorry six per cent admitted they wanted to but just couldn’t get back from work in time.
The survey did find that it was not entirely bleak. More than three-quarters of parents thought bedtime reading is a valuable bonding experience with their children. The average parent managed an impressive twenty minutes five times a week.
Despite the continuing advice about the benefits of reading to children, five per cent of parents still believe that it is not at all important to read to their children.
Central Marketing Manager at Capital Shopping Centres, Richard Bailey said: “The results of the survey were quite a surprise to us when you consider how important it is for parents to read to children when they are young.
“Wednesday 27 May is National Family Week’s designated ‘Story Time’ day and we are supporting this at Capital Shopping Centres with a series of events with our book retailers, local libraries and other organisations, such as Booktrust, to encourage and give practical solutions on how to make reading with your children a fun and engaging part of your daily routine. We want to give parents the message that if you enjoy it, your children will, and this sets a great example for them.”
According to the survey, the classic books read by parents include the works of Roald Dahl at 44 per cent, old classics The Very Hungry Caterpillar at 40 per cent, Enid Blyton still topped polls with the Famous Five stories at 19 per cent and modern classic Harry Potter made it into fourth spot with just 15 per cent.
Chief Executive of Booktrust, Viv Bird said: “As the survey shows, it can be difficult to find the time in a busy day to share a book. At Booktrust, we want parents to experience the fun of sharing books with their children; to find the experience relaxing and enjoyable, rather than a chore. We’re supporting National Family Week with our own website of useful tips, advice and ‘good reads’ to help families find those special books to enjoy together.”