Small moments
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"Experts emphasise the importance of everyday interactions between adults and children"
Recent discussions in the news and new research from the National Literacy Trust have highlighted an important conversation about children, reading and the role of technology in family life.
Guidance around screen use suggests that while screens are a normal part of modern life, they should not replace activities that support young children’s development — such as play, conversation and shared reading. Screens can certainly have their place, whether it’s a video call with family or watching a favourite programme, but experts emphasise the importance of everyday interactions between adults and children.
At the same time, research shows that fewer children are reading for pleasure than in the past. A recent National Literacy Trust study found that only one in three children aged 8–18 say they enjoy reading in their free time, the lowest level recorded in twenty years. Daily reading is also declining, with fewer than one in five children reading something every day for enjoyment.
"Activities such as chatting, playing and singing together have also decreased"
Research with parents of younger children has also highlighted a gradual decline in everyday activities that support early literacy at home. In a recent survey of around 3,000 UK parents of children aged 0–5, the number who said they read with their child every day had fallen from around two-thirds in 2019 to about half today. Activities such as chatting, playing and singing together have also decreased.
While these findings may sound worrying, they also highlight something important: children remain naturally curious about stories when they are engaging and shared in enjoyable ways. Research shows that children are more likely to read when books connect with their interests and when they are introduced to stories in a playful and meaningful way.
"Even a few minutes spent sharing a story...can make a real difference"
The encouraging news is that supporting a love of reading does not need to be complicated. Even a few minutes spent sharing a story, talking about pictures in a book or imagining characters together can make a real difference.
At Little Booklings, the focus is simply on celebrating those small moments. When stories are shared with curiosity, expression and joy, books can become something children naturally return to — helping to build confidence, imagination and a lifelong love of reading.
References:
National Literacy Trust – Children and Young People’s Reading in 2025
National Literacy Trust – Parents’ Support for Young Children’s Literacy at Home
BBC News – Guidance on screen use for young children