Why So Many Aussie Parents Are Feeling the Pressure Around Reading Time: What We Can Do About It

Let’s be honest…between school drop-offs, packed lunches, work, multiple sport commitments and the never-ending laundry pile, finding time to sit down and read with our kids can feel like just another thing on the to-do list. And if you’ve ever felt guilty about not doing “enough” when it comes to your child’s reading, you are definitely not alone.

A recent survey by ABC Reading Eggs has put into words what so many of us are feeling: 71% of Aussie parents say they struggle to find time to read with their kids. And for one in three families, reading and spelling practice is actually the most stressful part of the day — more stressful than dinner or bedtime!

It’s not that parents aren’t putting the effort in. In fact, most of us (89%) feel confident in our own reading skills. But nearly half of us admit that we’re not sure how to actually teach reading or need more guidance. And 63% say we don’t have the right tools or resources to help our kids at home.

The good news? According to literacy expert and mum-favourite Sara Leman from ABC Reading Eggs, we’re probably doing more than we think.

“Reading doesn’t have to be formal or perfect,” Sara says. “Telling stories in the car, playing rhyming games, or just chatting with your child all help build those early literacy skills.”

And if your child gets bored or distracted during reading time? You’re not alone there either. More than half of parents say their kids lose focus quickly, Sara’s advice? Keep it fun and light. “Singing silly songs, making up stories, or playing word games can make a huge difference. Kids learn best when they’re having fun.”

She also reminds us that reading is about more than just phonics. “Yes, phonics is essential, but it’s not the whole story. Children also need phonemic awareness, vocabulary knowledge, comprehension skills and reading fluency. These crucial skills all work together.”

That’s where tools like ABC Reading Eggs come in. They’re designed to support all five pillars of reading in short, engaging bursts – perfect for busy families who want to make the most of those little moments.

So if you’ve been feeling the pressure, take a breath. You don’t need to be a teacher. You just need a few simple strategies, a bit of support, and the reminder that what you’re already doing matters more than you think

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

About Sara Leman

Before becoming a writer, Sara Leman worked for over 16 years as a primary school teacher in England and Australia. She is passionate about helping children become great readers, which is why she loves her work writing lessons for ABC Reading Eggs. She’s also authored a variety of fiction and non-fiction books for children and enjoys writing scripts for animation.