Parents 'too tired' to read children a bedtime story

Fathers told researchers they often had to work late or faced a long commute while mothers said they were simply too tired.

The study of 1,000 families was commissioned by sat-nav firm Tom-Tom for a children’s book promotion.

Child psychologist Dr Richard Woolfson said: “A bedtime story can be so rewarding for young children. But with demanding schedules, parents often struggle to find the time.

“The research also revealed that the average story takes just 16 minutes, so with a little bit of planning it could easily become part of your child’s routine.”

Corinne Vigreux, of TomTom, said: “As a parent myself, I know how frustrating it can be to get home too late to be able to read to your child.”