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.

So here's a challange to all dads to get into the habit of reading to children every day. In the US www.wegivebooks.org have just started an initiative for Fathers Day (20 June 2010) to encourage dads to read with their children. They will donate a book to a child in need and organisations like "United Through Reading" for each book that is read on the website. We Give Books is a free website for dads to easily access chidren's books online to read to their kids.

OK - let's get reading!
Enjoy

-Stef