Only one in eight dads takes the lead on reading with their children, according to research by Booktrust.

That’s a pretty depressing statistic, given what we know about how important fathers are to their children’s learning and development. You could do more to improve your child’s chances in life by getting really good at reading with them and supporting their education, than by earning more money!

Want to know what a really good dad looks like? He’s not just the guy kicking a ball around (though that can be great) or putting bread on the table (though that’s vital). He ALSO regularly reads to and with his young child. He listens to their interests and worries. He plays games and does puzzles with them. He introduces them to good TV and videos and new experiences.

He goes into their school whenever he can and whenever the school will let him, to help out and get to know the teachers and what’s going on there.

He looks at his shift patterns or pushes for flexible working or commits to heading home in time or getting up early to read with his child before they both head off for the day.

And if he’s a separated father, not living full-time with his child, he knows this kind of involvement is even more important.

If you’re struggling to do your bit, check out our free resources – including tips on how to do great bedtime stories and how to encourage reluctant readers – on the Fathers’ Story Week website.

And if you’ve got the reading bug and want to share it with other dads, you could even become a volunteer FRED (Fathers Reading Every Day) coordinator, helping dads and children at your local school, nursery or children’s centre get into the reading habit. Read about FRED here.

You may also like the ReaditDaddy blog, which is campaigning to get more parents reading with their children in 2013!

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