Menu
04/01/2012
65% Of Parents Forced To Work Longer Hours
The recession has forced 65% of parents in Northern Ireland to take on extra work to make ends meet putting pressure on home life and time with children, a survey by OnePoll for I CAN, the children's communication charity, and Openreach reveals has revealed.
Worryingly, parents surveyed said this impacts on the time that they have to talk and interact with their child aged 0-5 years, which could potentially impact on their child’s communication development and their school readiness. Evidence shows that children's understanding and use of vocabulary at 2 is very strongly associated with their performance on entering primary school. More than 50% of children start school without the communication skills they need to achieve particularly in some areas of social deprivation within the UK.
The survey shows that parents of children 0-5 years old, understand the importance of regular, quality conversation with their children.
However 30% say they rarely have time to talk these days, blaming increased workloads, and are too tired to chat with their children by the time they get home from work.
Around a third state that either answering work calls or responding to emails often interrupts attempts to chat with their children.
Although parents in Northern Ireland recognise mealtimes as one of the key occasions to engage in conversation with young children, one-fifth are regularly missing out on these meals due to work commitments.
(CD/GK)
Worryingly, parents surveyed said this impacts on the time that they have to talk and interact with their child aged 0-5 years, which could potentially impact on their child’s communication development and their school readiness. Evidence shows that children's understanding and use of vocabulary at 2 is very strongly associated with their performance on entering primary school. More than 50% of children start school without the communication skills they need to achieve particularly in some areas of social deprivation within the UK.
The survey shows that parents of children 0-5 years old, understand the importance of regular, quality conversation with their children.
However 30% say they rarely have time to talk these days, blaming increased workloads, and are too tired to chat with their children by the time they get home from work.
Around a third state that either answering work calls or responding to emails often interrupts attempts to chat with their children.
Although parents in Northern Ireland recognise mealtimes as one of the key occasions to engage in conversation with young children, one-fifth are regularly missing out on these meals due to work commitments.
(CD/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 June 2015
Majority Of Children Placed In Pre-School Of Their Choice
The majority of children, whose parents applied for a pre-school slot during the schools' admission process, have been allocated a place. The Department of Justice said over 23,400 or 99.
Majority Of Children Placed In Pre-School Of Their Choice
The majority of children, whose parents applied for a pre-school slot during the schools' admission process, have been allocated a place. The Department of Justice said over 23,400 or 99.
05 December 2017
NI Primary School Pupils Among Best In The World For Reading
Northern Ireland pupils, aged between 9 - 10, are among the best readers in the world. NI has been ranked 6th in the world in a major international survey.
NI Primary School Pupils Among Best In The World For Reading
Northern Ireland pupils, aged between 9 - 10, are among the best readers in the world. NI has been ranked 6th in the world in a major international survey.
16 September 2021
Environmental Work Of Primary School Children 'Inspirational' - Poots
Environment Minister Edwin Poots has said that the environmental work of primary school children is "inspirational". Mr Poots made the comments during a joint visit with the Education Minister Michelle McIlveen to an Eco-School.
Environmental Work Of Primary School Children 'Inspirational' - Poots
Environment Minister Edwin Poots has said that the environmental work of primary school children is "inspirational". Mr Poots made the comments during a joint visit with the Education Minister Michelle McIlveen to an Eco-School.
12 May 2023
Parents And Children Urged To 'Leave The Car And Walk To School'
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has appealed for parents and children to 'leave the car at home and walk to school'. Ahead of Walk To School Week (15-19 May), the PHA has highlighted statistics that show almost two thirds (65%) of primary school pupils are driven to or from school by car, while around a quarter – only 26% – walk.
Parents And Children Urged To 'Leave The Car And Walk To School'
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has appealed for parents and children to 'leave the car at home and walk to school'. Ahead of Walk To School Week (15-19 May), the PHA has highlighted statistics that show almost two thirds (65%) of primary school pupils are driven to or from school by car, while around a quarter – only 26% – walk.
05 April 2006
Government reveal new child care scheme
The a new government scheme has been unveiled today to approve childcare that takes place within a child's own home.
Government reveal new child care scheme
The a new government scheme has been unveiled today to approve childcare that takes place within a child's own home.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
