Parents believe that reading together with their child is important

This concerns a majority of 93% of parents surveyed, a study commissioned by Ladybird, which examined the importance of reading together, the views and concerns of parents.   

This is one of the results of a survey commissioned by Ladybird among more than 1,000 parents with children aged 0 to five years. 

The survey, conducted by research firm Censuswiede also found that 81% of respondents felt one of the benefits of reading was spending time together. 

68% cited bonding as one of the main motivations for reading with their child. A full 75% of parents said they would like more time to read with their child. 

Enjoying time together

The survey showed that parents read with their children primarily at traditional bedtime (77% between 6 and 8 p.m.), with low participation at other times of the day. 

However, the survey showed that parents are open to reading at other times, with 17% considering reading in the morning (between 8 and 10 a.m.).

The many advantages of reading with young children 

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.” 

Source: www.thebookseller.com