Nearly eight in 10 (78%) parents read their children the same books that were read to them as kids, new research suggests.<br /><br />A recent survey of 2,000 parents with school-age kids (ages 5–18) found that most claim to “always” or “often” read to their child before bedtime (63%), averaging four nights a week.<br /><br />When they do read to their kids at night, parents choose from an average of three books in their child’s “bedtime reads” collection.<br /><br />While most respondents shared that their kids’ bedtime stories consist of fairy tales (38%) or adventure books (38%), others opt for non-traditional stories such as informational books (32%) or historical books (31%).<br /><br />Conducted by OnePoll for ThriftBooks, the survey also found that most parents read hard copies of books to their child (68%), but a majority aren’t opposed to having tech in the mix with digital editions (67%) and audiobooks (59%).<br /><br />And kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy story time — 81% of those who read to their child at bedtime said it helps them fall asleep, as well.<br /><br />No matter the format, most parents want to set an example for their child by reading more (83%). Parents would read to their child even more, but cite being too tired after work (50%) and not having enough books at home (49%) as barriers.<br /><br />Still, books (55%) and magazines (54%) are popular reads for parents every week, and the average respondent said they’d read three more books a week if it meant their child would also read more.<br /><br />Many hope that their child may follow by example, as nearly a third claim their child is more likely to listen to a book read by them versus their partner (31%).<br /><br />Change can be good, according to parents who would be open to modernizing versions of classic books they enjoyed as kids (73%).<br /><br />Some ways they’d want to see they’re favorites reimagined are having the story told from another character’s perspective (66%) or retelling the story in a different genre (55%).<br /><br />Moreso, three-quarters of parents would be open to modernizing versions of classic books if it inspired their child to read (78%).<br /><br />Encouraging their children to read more proves to be important to parents if they’re open to reinterpreting these classics since parents treasure their favorites, with 37% saying the oldest book they own is at least 20 years old.<br /><br />Parents may not need to worry about their child’s interest in reading, though, as a majority claimed that their child likes to read more than play on their tablet (72%).<br /><br />Fifty-nine percent said their child was eager to begin reading on their own, learning to by four years old.
