What Research Says About Dads & Reading Success

Both mothers and fathers have an incredible impact and responsibility to elevate reading in a child’s life. Although it is most common for children to be read to by mothers (and female teachers), research has found the greater involvement by fathers before their child attends primary school, the greater the educational advantage to children. Sadly, 39% of fathers never read to their children.

A study of 5,000 families found that fathers’ and mothers’ involvement might be linked to different outcomes for children, with fathers’ involvement linked particularly to broad educational outcomes whereas mothers’ involvement was more closely linked to overall wellbeing, attention, mental health and social skills. “This study shows that even small changes in what fathers do, and in how schools and early years settings engage with parents, can have a lasting impact on children’s learning. It’s absolutely crucial that fathers aren’t treated as an afterthought” (A. Gqynne).

“It is important though to keep in mind that irrespective of the structure of a family, children benefit when their parents engage in these types of playful, creative activities with their child” (H. Dodd).

Another 2015 study by Harvard shows kids benefit more academically if read to regularly by a male: "The impact is huge – particularly if dads start reading to kids under the age of two."

It found that dads initiate more "imaginative discussions" and advance their children’s language development because of the way they read to their kids.

Mothers tended to ask 'teacher-like', factual questions, such as 'How many apples do you see?' whereas fathers preferred more abstract questions, sparking imaginative discussions.

Not surprisingly, a NLT study (Clark, Osborne and Dugdale, 2009) showed that fathers are the second most important person to inspire reading, second only to mothers.

BOYS vs. GIRLS

Did you know male test scores in reading have taken a dramatic downturn in the last forty years? In fact, a 2008 study found females to outrank males in reading at every grade level. A majority of elementary school teachers are female, and whether we like it or not, many boys associate reading with women or schoolwork.

Boys who were read to by their fathers scored significantly higher in reading achievement. Boys scored even higher if their fathers read recreationally. Why? It goes back to the family culture of reading.

A look at the numbers

It’s important that ALL family members participate in cultivating a family culture that enjoys reading and believes in the power of reading aloud to children at every age.

A research study found fathers from both poverty-level families and college-educated families, read to their children less than 15% of the time, mothers 76%, and others 9%.

Children imitate what they see people doing- especially people they love and admire.

To make reading a more enjoyable and beneficial experience for babies, toddlers, and beyond, download my freebie: Reading with Littles!

Find my recommended books by age here and here.