There’s a particular kind of chaos that hits around 7pm in Aussie households. Dinner’s been eaten (sort of), the bath’s been splashed in (extensively), and now it’s time for… the bedtime story. Or, more accurately, the bedtime standoff.
If you’ve ever found yourself frantically flicking through The Very Hungry Caterpillar while mentally ticking off tomorrow’s to-do list, you’re not alone. In fact, according to new research from ABC Reading Eggs, 71% of Australian parents say they struggle to find the time to read with their children. And, for 1 in 3, reading and spelling practice has actually become the most stressful part of the daily routine – ranking higher than meal times and even bedtime itself.
Yes, really. The humble bedtime story is now giving broccoli battles a run for their money.
The nationwide survey of parents with kids aged 2–12 has revealed some fairly eye-opening truths. More than half of us feel like our children lose focus too quickly while reading. A whopping 63% of us feel we don’t have the right tools or resources to support reading at home. And, nearly half admit we’re not sure how to teach reading effectively, Even though 89% say we understand how reading works.
Basically, we know it matters. We’re just not sure how to make it happen.
So, what’s a modern mamma or dad to do ?
Enter: realistic reading support. Literacy expert and former primary teacher Sara Leman from ABC Reading Eggs is quick to remind parents that we’re probably doing more than we realise. “It doesn’t have to be structured,” she says. “Telling stories, playing rhyming games in the car, or just chatting with your child all make a big difference.”
Let that sink in for a moment: Talking in the car = building literacy. You don’t need a laminated schedule, a teacher’s toolkit or an hour blocked out every night to make a meaningful impact. Even small, joyful moments matter.
And that’s why programs like Reading Eggs are so excellent. Designed specifically for busy families, the program breaks literacy down into bite-sized, engaging activities that don’t feel like a chore. They tap into phonics, vocabulary, comprehension and fluency – all the good stuff – while still keeping things playful.
“Children learn best when they’re having fun,” Leman reminds us. Think songs, silly voices, rhyming games, and made-up stories that make no sense but spark giggles. It’s not about teaching your child to read like a pro—it’s about creating positive, pressure-free experiences around language.
And, when you really can’t do it yourself?
All that aside, there may still be some days when you’ve given all you can give, and the idea of one more round of Where’s Spot? might push you over the edge. You’re not alone. In fact, Harper Collins’ latest research, revealed that only 40% of parents saying that reading aloud to children is “fun for me”. And, TikTokers are even starting to chime in on the conversation, showcasing the daily frustrations that come with reading routines.
That’s where clever tech tools like Yoto step in. This screen-free, audio-based storytelling device brings tales to life—without needing a screen or a parent on standby. Kids can press play on a story they love, and suddenly that “one more book” request doesn’t mean sacrificing your last five minutes of peace.
And honestly? That’s okay. You’re not failing by outsourcing the odd storytime to an engaging narrator or tapping into tech that supports your child’s learning. You’re adapting.
Because at the end of the day, most of us are juggling full-time jobs, endless lunchbox packing, and the occasional midweek costume day we forgot was coming. Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is not force ourselves to read aloud through gritted teeth. Sometimes, it’s enough to cuddle, hit play, and listen to the story together.
TL: DR? Turn the page and start again
Ultimately Sara says the key to literacy success isn’t about being a perfect parent. It’s about being a present one. Whether that’s through everyday conversation, five minutes of Reading Eggs after dinner, or letting a Yoto card do the heavy lifting at bedtime, it all counts.
So here’s your permission slip to ditch the guilt. Reading time doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be present.
And if that presence comes with a little help from a rhyming robot or a cheeky chicken on your Yoto, we say: more power to you.