‘Alarming’ new research says 50% more mothers read to children than fathers, and one in five students leaves primary school with poor reading skills

Fathers are not reading enough to their children, with almost 50% more mothers reading to their babies than fathers, according to research.

The Ipsos Mori poll, conducted on behalf of Book Trust, found that 42% of mothers, compared with 29% of fathers, read with their under-ones every day, while 71% of mothers, compared with 62% of fathers, read with their three-year-olds every day. When a child reaches the age of five, the researchers found, 75% of mothers, compared with 60% of fathers, read to them every day.

For younger fathers aged 15 to 24, 25% of fathers compared with 61% of mothers of the same age read to their child every day. The research was based on approximately 2,500 in-home interviews of parents across Great Britain aged 15 and over.

Book Trust chief executive Diana Gerald said it was “alarming to see that fathers are still behind mothers when it comes to reading with their children”.

“Now more than ever we need both parents to step up and make time to read with their children, because one in five leaves primary school unable to read well,” she added.

The research was released to mark National Bookstart Week, during which Book Trust will give away 450,000 free copies of Giles Andreae’s Rumble in the Jungle at libraries and children’s centres to encourage families to read to their young children. Thousands of events for children, from stories and rhymes to activities, are also being held this week at libraries, bookshops, children’s centres and nurseries.

“We are urging not only fathers but all parents, grandparents and carers to make a promise this National Bookstart Week – to read to their children for at least 10 minutes every day and make some wonderful memories they will never forget,” said Gerald.

Book Trust says that frequent reading to children helps to develop their language skills, with even newborn babies able to remember tunes and sounds from songs and rhymes.

“Reading together increases children’s literacy skills, but research also proves that children who love reading do better at school in all subjects,” said Gerald. “If a parent reads to their children every day, they will be almost 12 months ahead of their age group when they start school. Even reading to them three to five times a week gives them a six-month head start over those who are read to less often.”