The Times Australia
The Times Australia

.

Research finds Aussie Parents struggling to support their Child’s reading

  • Written by The Times

A new national survey has revealed that Australian parents are feeling overwhelmed and under prepared when it comes to supporting their children’s reading at home. Time pressures, a lack of resources, and difficulties keeping kids engaged have emerged as major concerns. 

Commissioned by ABC Reading Eggs, the research found that 71% of parents struggle to find time to read with their children, making it challenging to build consistent reading habits. One in three parents said reading and spelling practice is the most stressful part of their child’s day - more so than mealtimes or bedtime routines. 

The findings point to a widening gap between parents’ desire to help and their confidence in how to do it effectively. While 89% of parents feel confident in their own reading ability, nearly half (49%) admit they’re unsure how to actually teach reading or need guidance. Another 63% say they don’t have the tools or resources needed to support their child’s literacy journey at home. 

Parents are doing more than they realise,” says Sara Leman, literacy expert and educator at ABC Reading Eggs. “It doesn’t have to be formal or structured. Everyday conversations, rhyming games in the car, or telling stories at bedtime all contribute to a child’s reading development.” 

The research also found that many parents struggle to keep their children interested in reading. More than half said their child quickly loses focus or gets bored - something that’s increasingly common in today’s world, filled with distractions. 

Leman stresses the need to make reading fun and accessible. “Children learn best when they’re having fun. Singing songs, playing word games, or making up silly stories can all help build reading skills in a relaxed, enjoyable way.” 

She also advocates for a well-rounded approach to literacy. “Kids also need phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. Programs like ABC Reading Eggs are designed to support all five pillars of reading,” she explains. “Phonics is crucial, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.”

With packed schedules and limited free time, many families are turning to digital tools that offer short, engaging activities. Leman says these can be a great way to bridge the gap between good intentions and real progress. 

Parents don’t need to be teachers,” she adds. “They just need access to evidence-based tools and strategies that support what they’re already doing.” 

For more information on ABC Reading Eggs, visit their website.  

Temu’s Local Seller Program opens fully in Australia

Local businesses of all sizes across Australia now have a new, low-cost channel to reach millions of online sh...

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

The Times Features

Is our mental health determined by where we live – or is it the other way round? New research sheds more light

Ever felt like where you live is having an impact on your mental health? Turns out, you’re not imagining things. Our new analysis[1] of eight years of data from the New Zeal...

Going Off the Beaten Path? Here's How to Power Up Without the Grid

There’s something incredibly freeing about heading off the beaten path. No traffic, no crowded campsites, no glowing screens in every direction — just you, the landscape, and the...

West HQ is bringing in a season of culinary celebration this July

Western Sydney’s leading entertainment and lifestyle precinct is bringing the fire this July and not just in the kitchen. From $29 lobster feasts and award-winning Asian banque...

What Endo Took and What It Gave Me

From pain to purpose: how one woman turned endometriosis into a movement After years of misdiagnosis, hormone chaos, and major surgery, Jo Barry was done being dismissed. What beg...

Why Parents Must Break the Silence on Money and Start Teaching Financial Skills at Home

Australia’s financial literacy rates are in decline, and our kids are paying the price. Certified Money Coach and Financial Educator Sandra McGuire, who has over 20 years’ exp...

Australia’s Grill’d Transforms Operations with Qlik

Boosting Burgers and Business Clean, connected data powers real-time insights, smarter staffing, and standout customer experiences Sydney, Australia, 14 July 2025 – Qlik®, a g...