Survey Reveals that 1 in 5 Irish Parents Don’t Read to Their Children

A new survey reveals that one in five Irish parents don’t read to their children.

The study was commissioned by Irish bookseller Eason’s as part of their Get into Reading campaign, which launches this week.

Irish Authors Cathy Kelly and Niamh Sharkey have pledged their support for the campaign.

Child psychotherapist Dr John Sharry commented on the findings of the survey.

“Establishing a daily reading time with your children is the single most important ritual, benefiting not only their learning and communication but also creating an important connection between you.

“Bedtime reading not only provides all the educational benefits of reading, but also is an important ritual in gaining a good night’s sleep and usually a special moment of connection between parent and child,” he said.

Eason's launch their Get into Reading campaign this week. 

The study revealed that nearly half of parents ‘pass the buck’ to their partner when it comes to reading with children and 42 per cent of men are guilty of doing this.

Eason’s revealed that half of parents with children under the age of eight are upset about not reading to their children enough.

Author Cathy Kelly said that it is difficult for parents to find the time to read to children.

"It’s hard to find time to read to your children. At nighttime, I’m often shattered, want to throw myself into bed and am not in the mood for another chapter of the wonderful Harry Potter.

"But I do it and I can see the enormous difference reading has meant to my sons in terms of learning."

Interestingly, children who read or are read to for four hours a week are 30 per cent more likely to read as an adult.