Dads Fail to Read Bedtime Stories
The vital educational role of dads in bedtime reading is under threat. Research by the National Literacy Trust in the UK revealed less than 50 per cent of Dads say they regularly read bedtime stories to their children compared to 76 per cent of Mums. Despite bedtime reading resources being one of the best ways of establishing the reading habit in children, long hours, work pressures and stress and were the issue with 58 per cent of reluctant Dads. A lack of confidence meant 10 per cent felt the role was better left to Mums.
Coincidentally boys are falling behind girls when it comes to reading skills and more male readers are wanted as role models to correct this trend. In 2008 the National Year of Reading and YouGov completed a study of over 2,000 adults as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the pressures Dads face and the impact this has on children’s reading habits at home and school.
The survey showed:
- Watching TV is the most common pre-sleep habit amongst children, followed by a bedtime story, then playing on the computer
- 39 per cent of dads think a better work / life balance would help them read more to their children
- 33 per cent of dads think employers should do more to help parents read to their kids
The National literacy trust found that while 75 per cent of children said their mum encouraged them to read, only 50 per cent said this of their dad. Disconcertingly, nearly 25 per cent of pupils stated that no-one in their family encouraged them to read.
In many time poor households little time is available to read to children. Often grandparents are the closest known reader. There were no books, beyond picture books, in many of their homes. Books as objects aren’t considered a desirable feature of these homes. Thought to be messy many of the adults taking part had not read a book since school.
Many found selecting a book intimidating and the packaging and promotion of reading materials full of code which they did not understand. The primary barrier, though, was the lack of appreciation of the pleasures to be gained from reading. The campaign drew volunteers into two weeks of reading tasks. This reading experience gained increasingly positive comments from family groups, who were encouraged to make the tasks pleasurable.
A series of Manga style short books written specifically for reluctant readers has met with a great response. These reading resources for primary and secondary levels provide the intrigue of a good story in a succinct publication.
Honor Wilson-Fletcher, Director of the National Year of Reading, said: “Reading has never been more important, but we know boys lag far behind girls when it comes to reading. Boys need to see their dads enjoying reading if they are to become readers themselves as they grow up. Football programmes, blogs, newspapers and sports magazines are just as valuable reading as fairy tales. Reading is the best private investment you can make in your child’s education; it’s free and makes you feel like the best parent on earth. Just spending ten minutes a day reading something you enjoy with your children can make a real difference.
Secretary of State for Schools, Children and Families Ed Balls said: “Reading opens doors to everything in life, from applying to jobs to enjoying your favourite hobbies. Getting your children – both boys and girls to be passionate about reading is something all parents can do. Reading to your children for ten minutes at bedtime is the best way of improving our kid’s chances when they get to school”.
The National Year of Reading is calling on all large employers to make their workplaces more reader-friendly. There are a host of simple, practical challenges for businesses including:
- Turn old smoking rooms into a staff reading area
- Adopt-a-book for all staff to share
- Create a book swap shelf for children’s books at work Encourage staff to join a library
- Encourage night shift workers, airline and merchant navy staff or armed forces serving overseas to pre-record bedtime stories for their children
Despite the trend for computerisation and video games the pleasure of reading is still a vital element in our education and enjoyment. Where else could you see someone curled up with a great book reliving an adventure, a romance, a thriller all without a battery in sight!
