"It’s So Boring” Is a Red Flag: Helping Gen Z Parents Reignite Storytime

As one Gen Z parent candidly shared, “It’s so boring” to read to their child—echoing a growing concern among educators. And the statistics reveal just how widespread this sentiment is: less than half of Gen Z parents report enjoying story time, and only around one-third of kids aged 5‑10 read for fun. I've noticed fewer and fewer of my students choosing to read for enjoyment when they have a few minutes after completing an assignment.

Why this matters for teachers: early read‑aloud routines lay the foundation for vocabulary, empathy, and long‑term academic success. When these routines fade, children—especially boys—are more likely to start school behind peers in literacy and focus.

A recent article from The Guardian (It’s so boring’: gen Z parents don’t like reading to their kids – and educators are worried) sheds light on a concerning trend among Gen Z parents: many are disengaged from reading aloud to their children. The piece reveals that fewer than half of Gen Z parents find reading to their kids enjoyable, often viewing it more as a chore than a bonding activity.

This attitude shift coincides with a significant decline in early reading habits—down from 64% of preschoolers being read to daily in 2012 to just 41% in 2025. The article attributes part of this decline to the rise of screen time, noting that many children who can focus on a tablet for hours struggle to stay engaged during even short read-aloud sessions.

Experts emphasize the importance of reading aloud, citing its role in boosting vocabulary, emotional development, and school readiness—benefits that are especially impactful for boys. The article encourages parents to keep storytime short and engaging, to talk about illustrations and ask open-ended questions, and to view reading as a shared experience rather than a performance.

These practical tips are meant to help families reclaim the joy and importance of daily reading rituals.

5 Strategies Teachers Can Use to Support Family Storytime

1. Host a “Parent & Text” Evening

Organize a relaxed, after-school event where families can gather in small groups to read short stories or picture books together. Teachers can model simple, expressive reading and demonstrate how to pause for discussion or encourage questions.

Why it works:
Many parents feel unsure about how to read aloud “the right way.” Seeing teachers model interactive read-alouds helps them realize it doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be shared. Creating a low-pressure space also builds a sense of community and shows that reading together can be fun and informal.

2. Create a “5-Minute Book Break” Challenge

Launch a month-long challenge encouraging families to read together for just five minutes a day. Provide a calendar with small daily prompts (e.g., “Read the title and guess what the book is about,” or “Let your child choose the page”).

Why it works:
Reading doesn’t have to be a 30-minute production. This bite-sized approach makes it easier for busy families to get started and builds the kind of consistency that leads to long-term habits. When paired with prompts, it takes the guesswork out of what to do during storytime.

3. Teach Conversational Reading Strategies

During parent conferences or family newsletters, share examples of how to engage kids while reading. Suggest ideas like pointing to pictures and asking, “What do you think is happening here?” or letting the child retell the story in their own words.

Why it works:
This relieves the pressure of reading every word correctly, which can be intimidating for some parents. Conversational reading also strengthens comprehension, language development, and emotional connection, especially for younger children or those with shorter attention spans.

4. Offer Curated, Diverse Book Bundles

Put together take-home book bags organized by theme (e.g., animals, friendship, superheroes) or interest (e.g., graphic novels, humor, nonfiction). Include a brief parent guide with questions and conversation starters.

Why it works:
Children—and parents—are more likely to engage with books that reflect their interests or lived experiences. When families feel a book “fits” their child, they’re more motivated to open it. Bundles also make reading more accessible by removing the barrier of having to choose or buy books.

5. Partner with Media for Cross-Modality Learning

Suggest book/video pairings—like reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear and watching a short animal video, or reading Ada Twist, Scientist and doing a simple experiment at home. Create a bulletin board or online resource to share these connections.

Why it works:
Rather than fighting screen time, this strategy blends it with literacy. It helps families see how books and media can complement each other. It also gives parents a reason to revisit the book after watching something related, reinforcing vocabulary and curiosity.

Reading aloud doesn’t need to be dramatic or lengthy—it simply needs to be meaningful. Teachers can play a pivotal role in helping families rediscover the joy of shared stories through small, consistent supports.

Even a few minutes of intentional reading can deepen connection, boost literacy, and shift storytime from chore to cherished moment.

What’s one small action you can take this week to help families feel more confident and excited about reading aloud?

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