Books and Babies
A new generation of baby bookworms is emerging, as research from Fairy reveals more than three quarters of parents start reading to their child before their first birthday. More than a fifth of parents introduced books before their child was even three months old.Nearly two of respondents read to their children daily and 85% agree it’s a great bonding activity. A massive 97% say story time is important for children’s development and a quarter say they like to read dramatic stories at bedtime as their children are more likely to settle better. However, 64% would like to read to their children more often and half wish they were better at storytelling. Lack of time is cited as the biggest obstacle to reading to their children more regularly (55% of respondents).
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Many of this ‘Jackanory Generation’ of parents impose their own personal stamp on story-time - more than eight out of ten try to use different voices to bring characters to life and 35% use movement to make the story more real and exciting. However, 84% would like to be more confident while a self-conscious 17% say they feel silly putting on funny voices.
Wendy Cooling, children’s literature expert, says: “It is never too soon to read to your baby. Book sharing is a pleasure for child and adult alike and there are benefits for babies too as they learn to look, point, touch, listen, talk and concentrate. An expressive reader can also help communication and emotional development. Babies soon imitate sounds and repeated words and so develop an ear for language - a real help later as they learn to read.”
The Fairy study coincides with their ‘Make Story-time Special’ search for the nation’s best storytelling parents and also highlights the magical benefits of reading and brings a whole new meaning to ‘cuddle up with a good book’.
March 2008
Research conducted by ICM on a cross section of 1,001 people in Feb 2008.
 Fairy has launched its ‘Make Story-time Special’ competition to celebrate its free Kipper books on-pack giveaway. Mums and dads can send off for free Kipper books with every purchase of special packs of Fairy Non Bio and Fairy Fabric Softener. There are four different books to collect: Thing!, Rocket, Skates and Picnic. For more information on Fairy’s ‘Make Story-time Special’ competition, entry details and creative inspiration from celebrity parents, visit www.softeningyourworld.com. By submitting a short version of a Kipper adventure, entrants stand the chance of winning a family holiday of a lifetime as well as having their story made into a personalised Kipper memento.
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