Is it likely that children will have problems reading and understanding what they read if their parents don't read to them when they're young?

I think that kids who see their parents read will be more interested in books and are thus more likely to develop good reading skills. Kids learn by imitation. If the only book in your house is the phone book, they will never develop interest in reading. If mom and dad both sitting on the sofa reading is a usual sight in your home, the kids will want their own books soon.

I don’t believe that reading a book to your child will improve their learning that much. Like if you read one chapter of the wizard of oz to them every evening before they go to sleep. Unless if you read tho or three books with their favorite, short, child-appropriate story over and again while they sit on your lap. Lots of 4 or 5 year old kids have learned to read before school that way.

But reading to your child is still good for them in every way. You spend quality time with your kids. You show them you care, you inspire their fantasy, you give them good dreams, you show them that TV isn’t everything in life and you serve as a good example.

I dont think it makes it “harder” per say. It does make it easier for them. My parents read to me every night until I could completely read myself. I knew the entire alphabet when I was 2, and I could read quite well, I started Kindergarden when I was 4. It was an advantage for me because I knew many things they were “teaching me” in K. It is a good Idea, but I agree with Juan its not nessisary. Just keep in mind that childrens brain cells are mulitiplying daily, and they are more likely to absorb information and learn it when they are younger because they are so impressionable. So if they like reading, it could help with study habbits as they get older and self motivation to read.

no no, my mother never read to me, neither did anyone in my family, and i love to read, write, and anything in that area. its a good hobby, and a wonderful way to kill time if your waiting.

Right. If the parents don’t read to their children and encourage them to read, it’s not necessarily a problem, but it is a lost opportunity, and leaves it all on the child to learn to love reading on their own, or flounder. There is definitely an advantage if the parents do read and encourage.