READING aloud to children is seen by many as a parent’s duty. But sadly, in today’s time-pressed world it’s one that’s increasingly taking a back seat.

Just a third of parents now read aloud to their children every day, with 35 per cent of those who don’t saying they have too much else to do, with 30 per cent saying they’re too tired.

New research by the Book Trust found daily reading aloud with children has decreased over the past two years from 43 per cent of parents of young children in 2006, to just 33 per cent in 2008.

In addition, 23 per cent of parents never or rarely read aloud with their children.

Not surprisingly in this modern age, the average four to five year old spends twice as long watching TV as he or she does reading with parents.

Yet, one in five children say they don’t read enough with their family.

“We all know how important it is for parents to share stories with their children, particularly in the early years. Giving them that reading habit really makes books part of their life,” says Marilyn Miners, lead adviser for literacy at Essex County Council.

“You’ll be helping them to succeed later on.

“Parents are the earliest and best educators for children.

“The world is represented in books and our first encounter with books stays with us all our lives.”

This year is the National Year of Reading and Marilyn believes it is never too late to get your child interested in books.

“It is never too late to introduce books into a child’s life, or an adults come to that,” she says.

“You can even use picture books as you can talk about the pictures and set up a good reading strategy around what comes next, encouraging them to continue through the book.

“Books help children make sense of their lives, relax, and there’s humour in a lot of books.

“The routine of sitting down together, talking and developing important communication skills, helps them learn to ask questions, listen, and explore issues of the day, particularly when they start school.”

Marilyn acknowledges modern parents lead busy lives with many demands, but she stresses they will soon see the benefits when they start reading to their children.

The key for parents sharing stories with children is to do a little each day.

“Part of the challenge for parents, whether they are professional people or not, is finding time. But it is essential we try to make time as everybody needs stories.

“It is something that doesn’t take a lot of money and doesn’t take a lot of effort.

“It can just be ten minutes each day. But it is a rewarding thing and can be a very special, very private time for your family.”

“I think the nature of life today gives parents less time to be with their children, and with the distractions children have, like computers and television, reading isn’t as prevalent in households as it used to be.

“Reading for enjoyment should be the main thrust, to encourage children to read because they love reading.”

The literacy advice service runs schemes in schools encouraging parents reading to children, from babies to teenagers. But Marilyn also advocates getting back to basics.

“Nursery rhymes are dying out in our culture, but they are the first way of getting children interested in the rhyme and rhythms of language,” she explains.

“You also have to talk about a story with children, as well as telling it to them. A good idea is to play games around books, such as word rhymes and word puzzles to get children interested.”

Family outings to the library can also set up a life long love of books.

Marilyn says: “We also encourage parents to use their local library.

“A library can be a very special place for children growing up.

“It is a great place for parents to get advice on what their children should be reading.”

National Literacy Trust research found people with higher levels of literacy are less likely to be lonely or dissatisfied with life.

Judith Parke, director of Reading is Fundamental, says: “Reading for pleasure has been shown to be the most important indicator of the future success of a child, more so than their socio-economic status.

“That means no matter who you are, or where you come from, reading for pleasure will help you succeed.”

Judith says parents should make sure their children see them reading, and should encourage them to read different formats, through texting, going online and looking at newspapers and comics.

“When a child sees a parent reading, it shows them reading is valued in their home.

“ Every parent is a role model to young children.”

She says she was shocked to learn from a survey a quarter of parents recognised the link bet-ween reading and success in life.

“Though the statistics speak volumes on the importance of reading, the bottom line is a good story – whether it’s fact or fiction – can also brighten your day, fire your imagination and open up new opportunities, whether you’re a child or an adult.”