Early exposure to books helps develop children's language and cognitive abilities. However, not all parents are willing to read with their children, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. On 1/7, author Lauren Ironmonger cited research from HarperCollins UK, which found that in the UK, the number of parents reading to their children is at its lowest point ever. Younger parents are often those struggling. Less than 50% of Gen Z parents find reading to their children "enjoyable." They view books and stories as more of a compulsory subject than a form of entertainment and relaxation.
Data from the ABC Reading Eggs platform in Australia also indicates that 30% of parents in New South Wales and 22% in Victoria say they are too busy to make time for their children. According to Professor Robyn Cox, an education and language expert at the University of Tasmania, this decline stems from various factors such as financial pressure and the high rate of dual-income families, leaving young parents exhausted.
In addition, parents find their children's constant distractions discouraging. "They keep interrupting, wanting to flip through the pages quickly," and "I love it, but my child only wants to read the same book over and over, which is boring," some parents commented.
The impact of technology is diminishing children's ability to focus. "We see many children who can sit for hours watching YouTube, but when they pick up a book, they immediately fidget, make a fuss, scream, or run away." The term "iPad Kid" has emerged, referring to the generation born and raised with constant access to smart devices.
Excessive screen time negatively impacts children's language and emotional development. In the US, pediatricians recommend limiting screen time to about one hour per day and three hours per weekend for children aged two to five.
Dawna Duff, associate professor of speech-language pathology at Binghamton University, states that children who aren't exposed to books from a young age often struggle to keep up with their peers: "Books are a rich source of new vocabulary. If children don't have early access, their vocabulary will be limited, significantly impacting their long-term academic achievement."
Experts emphasize the importance of reading to children. In The Guardian on 7/7, British writer Horatio Clare, known for his travel, nature, and children's books, recounted memories of his parents reading to him before bed. He believes the act of reading to or being read to is a special, magical time for children, "especially when tucked in bed, watching and listening to adults tell stories."
As a father, Clare also reads to his children, understanding his own father's joy, calling it a "bedtime performance." During these moments, he immerses himself in the story, escaping daily anxieties and burdens. "Closing the book and looking at the sleepy face of your loved one brings a sense of peace. It's a sacred moment, and the child's peaceful sleep is a gift," he wrote.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, reading develops lifelong skills, including finite skills (learning the alphabet) and infinite skills (vocabulary, expression, and comprehension).
Beyond academics, reading builds emotional connections. "It's a time of rest for both parents and children. It also conveys to children that even at the end of a busy day, they are still their parents' top priority," says child and adolescent psychologist Deirdre Brandner.
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Reader Ailish Woodhill reads to her six-month-old son. Photo: The Sydney Morning Herald |
Reader Ailish Woodhill reads to her six-month-old son. Photo: The Sydney Morning Herald
Furthermore, children who are read to are more likely to become book lovers as adults and will likely do the same with their own children. Reader Ailish Woodhill told The Sydney Morning Herald: "My mother read to me every night, creating a strong bond between us. Now, I maintain that tradition with my six-month-old son and reread my favorite childhood books."
To support their children, parents need patience and shouldn't be discouraged if their child isn't focused initially, because "two-year-olds don't have long attention spans. Parents don't need to read for 20 minutes or an hour. They can read a very short book, just a few pages, and gradually increase the duration." Expert Dawna Duff suggests parents discuss the pictures in the book or ask their children to retell the story in their own words.
Chau Anh (according to The Guardian, The Sydney Morning Herald)
