Survey finds that moms are more likely to read to their kids than dads - let's change that!

A survey commissioned by The Pearson Foundation and Penguin Group, shows a disparity in how much fathers read to their children daily compared to mothers. The survey found that moms (65%) are 1.4 times more likely than dads (47%) to read to their children every day. Interestingly, 12% of dads aged 18-34 read to their kids daily compared to 52% of dads between ages 35-54.

Of course we all know that us dads care about reading to our kids (79% of dads know that reading will help their kids succeed in school). So what's happening - why are dads less likely to read to kids? Perhaps it's to do with care arrangements or ability to spend time with children at the time when reading is a feasible activity.

Book about doing "the business"

I just came across a hilarious book entitled "The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business" which is a children's book about a mole who woke up one day to find that some other animal had done "their business" on top of the mole's head. It's absolutely incredible how the authors Werner Holzwarth and Wolf Erlbruch have managed to tell this story about a tricky subject in a funny and matter-of-factly way. The book was published in 2001 and received widespread recognition and was turned into a stage play at the Edinburgh Festival a year later.

Read books for free

As we all know, reading books to our children is one of the best ways we can spend time with them. Children love to be read to, it fuels their imagination and helps them develop language and comprehension skills. And of course it's lots of fun! What with all the reading kids books to your children you may feel like you are missing out. Or perhaps you've spent your entire book budget on children's books ... well there is a way to read books for free. We've just come across a site that offers free books and even better free book for dads: libertary.com. Check out "Best Things Fathers Do", or you may find other books on there that you like. It's all free. Cool.

Enjoy,

Stef

Dads and Dad-ability

I recently had the opportunity to review comic and award winning filmmaker Chris Mancini’s book “Pacify Me – A handbook for the freaked-out new dad”. The book delivers everything you expect from a comic come involved dad. It’s short, funny and contains lots of references to cult movies, TV shows, music and baby toys. Ah yes, and it covers all the weird and wonderful feelings, situations and experiences fathers (and in this case Chris) typically go through on their journey from lad to dad.

A Father’s Journey To Custody

Being a father is a lifetime calling; it doesn’t end at separation or divorce and it doesn’t go away because our lives become difficult. Being a father is a full time job, a job that holds countless rewards for those of us with the courage and dignity to honor the position of “father”.

Children need both a mother and a father that they can count on. Your children will need and benefit from your involvement. This means getting to know their teachers, doctors, dentists, coaches, etc. Becoming an active participant in your children’s lives deepens the bond between you and your children and they will come to know that they can count on you. When you take on the position of the true meaning of “father”, the children will have a smoother transition during the separation and will be more mentally and emotionally adjusted.

Story time with Zoë - Volume 4

It's been a few weeks, so I thought I would revive a fledgling feature on my blog, Story Time with Zoë. It's not that we haven't been reading much lately. Quite the contrary. Zoë has moved on to some very interesting chapter books and has thoroughly enjoyed the adventures she is able to take in her mind with these new gems. Even Zane is stepping up his game. He just doesn't realize that maybe he's not supposed to be reading as well as he is and although he will struggle with new words and how to pronounce them, he has yet to become frustrated in any endeavor. His latest undertaking is the Book the First Lemony Snicket's a Series of Unfortunate Events. Although he needs help with many of the words he has yet to indicate frustration and plows ahead.