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Ladybird research shows a third of parents lack confidence to read to children
In a recent survey commissioned by Ladybird of more than 1,000 parents, three-quarters wished they had more time to read together and a third wished they had more confidence to read with their child.
The research was conducted earlier this summer by research company Censuswide, surveying 1,013 parents with children aged from 0 to five years old. The data revealed parents’ top rated benefits of reading with their children as well as their concerns.
According to the survey, 81% of parents see one of the benefits of reading is to enjoy quality time together, while 68% cited bonding as one of the key motivations to read with their child. However, 75% of parents shared that they wish they had more time to read with their child.
For those with children aged one and under, over 36% felt their child was too young to read to. Additionally 33% of parents wished they had more confidence to read with their child. Both reading out loud or doing character voices were cited as reasons for them doubting their confidence.
An overwhelming 93% of parents feel it is important to read with their child.
The survey demonstrated that parents predominantly read with their children at the traditional bedtime slot (77% between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.), with low engagement at other times of the day. However the polling did show that parents are open to reading at other times, with 17% considering a morning read (between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.).
Lucy Walters, writer and performer, said: “Finding a quiet moment for storytime can be tricky but even just five minutes without distractions will help your little one grow in curiosity, confidence, literacy and language. Talking, listening, reading the story together will help your little one join in at their own pace. It’s not about reading the story perfectly, it’s about enjoying the words, the pictures, the time together.”
She added: “Your little one loves the sound of your voice, the special moment of you and them sharing the story together: following the words, pointing at the pictures, joining in with the story through the bumps and bends. There is no right or wrong way to read a story. You being you is more than enough for your little one.”
Inspired by the recent survey, Ladybird’s “resident expert” Laura Henry-Allain, creator of the “JoJo and Gran Gran” show on CBeebies, emphasised the importance of reading to children under one. She said: “There are many advantages of reading with young children, such as familiarising them with a parent’s smile and voice, helping them to recognise patterns and supporting sensory development, which are just as prominent in the early weeks and months from birth.”
She added: “Reading books with children is beneficial to their all-round development and learning, as well as offering quality bonding time. Introducing books to children from a young age helps them to develop life-long positive reading behaviours. Enjoying this together on a regular basis will have a lasting impact and is the start of establishing a lifelong love of reading for little ones.”
Leanne Gill, publishing director at Ladybird, said: “At Ladybird we understand that reading helps to create truly special moments between families, whether it’s a new parent reading with a newborn for the first time, or a grandparent reading to an inquisitive toddler. We are proud to offer a wide range of books to support families during every bonding moment.”
