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Parents are spending less time reading with their children, but 67% of working adults want to help

Parents are spending less time reading with their children, but 67% of working adults want to help

New research reveals a reading time gap for children, with parents calling for more support and businesses urged to help.

Mother and daughter reading book on a sofa.

Getty/Guido Mieth

MadeForMums

Published: September 28, 2026 at 1:48 PM

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Finding time to sit down with a book can be tricky when you're juggling work, school runs, meals and everything else that comes with family life. Now, new research suggests that many UK families are struggling to fit in as much reading time as recommended.

Almost two thirds of parents, 64%, spend less than an hour reading with their child in a typical week, according to research from children's literacy charity Chapter One. That's below the recommended 70 minutes of reading time needed for a child's development.

But the figures also suggest parents aren't lacking enthusiasm. In fact, 86% say they would like more time to spend reading with their child.

How much time are families spending reading together?

The research found that 64% of UK parents spend less than an hour reading with their child during a typical week.

That means most families are falling short of the 70 minutes of reading time the research identifies as recommended for children's development.

The findings come at a time when reading enjoyment is falling among children aged 5 to 8, according to Chapter One.

And while finding time for books can feel like another thing to add to an already long list, the research suggests the issue isn't that parents don't want to read with their children.

Almost nine in 10 parents, 86%, said they would like more time to spend reading with their child.

Children's confidence can be a barrier to reading

It's not only the amount of time children spend reading that matters. The research also highlights the role confidence can play in helping children develop their reading skills.

More than half of teachers surveyed, 53%, said children's fear of making mistakes in front of others was a barrier to reading.

Meanwhile, 44% of teachers identified limited opportunities to practise reading one-to-one with an adult as a barrier.

The findings suggest that children need opportunities to practise reading in a supportive environment, where they can build confidence without worrying about getting every word right.

When a child begins to believe that they can read, that confidence can stay with them long after the book is closed.

Emma Bell, CEO of Chapter One

Parents and teachers see the value of trusted adults

Having another supportive adult to read with could make a difference, according to both parents and teachers.

Some 87% of parents and 91% of teachers surveyed believe that having a trusted adult or reading volunteer read regularly with their child would improve their confidence.

Almost all teachers surveyed, 96%, also agreed that it is valuable for children to have a consistent adult outside their immediate family and school circle who takes an interest in their progress.

Parents see benefits beyond simply becoming a better reader, too. Some 89% believe regular support from a reading volunteer could strengthen their child's long-term love of reading.

Parents want to spend more time reading one-to-one with their children, but the reality of busy family life can make regular reading time difficult to find.

Emma Bell, CEO of Chapter One

When asked about the potential impact of reading volunteers, 90% of parents said they could improve their child's performance at school, while 91% said they could improve educational opportunities and increase their child's enjoyment of reading.

Could children benefit from more reading support?

The findings suggest that giving children more opportunities to read with supportive adults could help address both practical and confidence-related barriers.

Working adults also appear willing to play a role. Some 67% said they would consider volunteering to read with a child if their employer supported them, while 69% believe businesses should make this possible.

For those who would consider volunteering, 45% said seeing the impact they could have on a child would motivate them, while 36% said flexible scheduling around their job would encourage them.

One organisation already offering this type of support is Chapter One, whose online programme connects children aged 5 to 8 with volunteers for 30 minutes of one-to-one reading each week.

Emma Bell, CEO of Chapter One, said:

“Parents want to spend more time reading one-to-one with their children, but the reality of busy family life can make regular reading time difficult to find.

“Businesses have a valuable role to play. By giving employees the flexibility to volunteer, they can help children access trusted adults and give their people the chance to make a meaningful difference beyond work.

“When a child begins to believe that they can read, that confidence can stay with them long after the book is closed.”

What the research says about family reading time

The research was conducted by Censuswide in August 2026 and surveyed 1,000 UK parents of children aged 5 to 11, 500 UK primary school teachers and 2,000 nationally representative UK adults.

The figures paint a picture of parents who want to make reading part of family life, but who may be struggling to find the time, while teachers are seeing the impact that confidence and opportunities to practise can have on children's reading.

For busy families, that may make regular reading time feel more important than ever, whether it's a bedtime story, sharing a few pages after school or simply finding a quiet moment together during the week.

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