The idea that reading to a child is a waste of time seems to be based on the assumption that the tests used in the US measure education, the aim of any reading parent. I quote, I know not whom, “Education is what’s left when you have forgotten everything you learnt in school”. I started reading The Lord of the Rings to my seven-year-old son and, after Book One, he started to read it for himself. He would never have done so if my reading had not fired his imagination. That was an educative experience of more significance than test scores. Tony Cox, Briston, England
With respect to Steven Levitt, it’s not who you are, it’s how you behave. Effective parenting skills are very important to a child’s upbringing. Educated parents who spoil their children, constantly giving in to their whims and demands, turn the home into a temple where “goodies” are brought to appease the ruling deity. John O’Byrne, Dublin
Good parenting means being firm but fair, absolutely consistent and giving the child a clear message regarding behaviour. Although it seems obvious that children respond to praise and encouragement, we sometimes forget this. In my experience as an early years teacher, if a child enters school with the language skills to make his needs known, and the social skills to share and take turns, the groundwork is in place. Once the child is established at school, if the parent continues to praise and encourage, they are helping him to develop a positive attitude to school and learning. Kathy Sumpter, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire
I often hear the comment: “It’s the teachers’ job to teach my kids, they get paid for it”. It is of the utmost importance that parents involve themselves in the education of their children; too many leave it the teachers. Children are naturally curious. If I asked my parents a question, they would do their best to reply correctly. I did the same with my children and if I did’nt know the correct answer I would find it out. Tez Anderson, Rugby
My eldest son was born when I was 19. I am divorced from his father. Our home is full of books and he is an avid reader. We were homeless for a while when he was small and then lived on a notorious council estate. He had the second highest SAT scores for his primary school and is now doing exceptionally well at secondary school. I work in further education and am completing a degree. I am not stupid, I just had a child when I was young. Every professional my son met when he was 5 years old was surprised that he was so articulate and able. Apparently, on paper, our life seemed a sorry tale. He has thankfully rewritten it. Name and address withheld
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Parenting is the most difficult work we will ever do. There is no correct formula. I work with many disabled children and spend a lot of time sitting back and observing them. If you don’t do this, you miss so much because you don’t allow them the time to show their skills. It is the same with any child; observe, understand and then guide appropriately. Gwen Burchell, Baku, Azerbaijan
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