Parents admit they don’t read to their kids

Bedtime stories could soon become a thing of past as a new study suggests that almost 4 in 10 (37%) of parents have never read to their children despite 26% saying they have fond memories of being read to as a child, according to new research by Premier Inn.

Almost a quarter (24%) blame not reading to kids on the fact that they are too busy at work, find it difficult to concentrate, would rather wait to see the film version, and cannot find a book that really grabs their attention, or just never liked reading.

With 34% of parents saying it is important for kids to be encouraged to write stories, Premier Inn is running a competition for children aged 15 or under, offering them the chance to become a published author. All they have to do is write an original 500-word short story either on the theme of relaxation or inspiration. The winners will see their story be published in a book with proceeds going to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Aston spoke to Barry Cunningham, publisher who published the Harry Potter books to discuss the research in further detail and also about the competition that Premier Inn are running.