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Could audio stories be the secret to boosting your child's early learning? New research says yes

Could audio stories be the secret to boosting your child's early learning? New research says yes

New research finds 60% of parents say their under-fives listen to audio stories at home, with potential benefits for language, imagination and screen-free family time.

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MadeForMums

Published: October 21, 2026 at 11:36 AM

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New research from the National Literacy Trust, in partnership with tonies, suggests listening to stories could be a helpful way for parents to support their young children's early language development, encourage their imagination and make time for screen-free family moments.

The first nationally representative UK study exploring how families with children under five use audio stories found that 60% of parents and carers say their child listens to them at home. Of those children, almost half listen at least once a day, highlighting just how much audio storytelling has become part of family life.

The findings, based on a survey of 3,194 UK parents and carers, come during the National Year of Reading 2026, a campaign encouraging families to discover the joy of stories and make reading part of everyday life.

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How can audio stories help children's development?

The research found that parents see a range of potential benefits when their little ones listen to audio stories, from learning new words to developing their imagination.

According to the National Literacy Trust, 40% of parents said audio stories help their child learn new words, while 36% felt they encourage their imagination. Around a third also said listening helps their child better understand words and language, and sparks conversations about the stories they've heard.

Other reported benefits include helping children listen and pay attention for longer, something 37% of parents identified, and nurturing an interest in stories and books, cited by 35%.

Sharing stories in all their forms – whether reading picture books, listening to audio stories or singing nursery rhymes – can spark joy, capture children’s imaginations and deepen emotional connections.

Tracy Jackson OBE, Assistant Director of Early Years at the National Literacy Trust

While these findings reflect parents' experiences rather than proving that audio stories directly cause improvements in literacy, they highlight how listening can form part of a wider mix of activities that support early language development.

Tracy Jackson OBE, Assistant Director of Early Years at the National Literacy Trust, said: “The foundations of reading are laid long before a child can decode the words on a page, with listening at their heart. Our research with tonies shows that sharing stories in all their forms – whether reading picture books, listening to audio stories or singing nursery rhymes – can spark joy, capture children’s imaginations and deepen emotional connections.”

Why more families are using audio stories at home

Audio stories are being used at different points throughout the day, from winding down before bedtime to keeping little ones entertained on journeys.

Among children aged five and under who listen to audio stories at home, the research found that:

37% listen at bedtime to help them wind down
32% listen during family time
29% listen during playtime
26% listen while travelling
21% listen during creative activities

Listening together is also a popular way for parents and children to spend quality time. More than four in five parents whose children listen to audio stories at home said their child enjoys listening with an adult.

Parents also reported that shared listening gives them an opportunity to bond with their child, enjoy stories together and support their little one's learning.

Lucia Kreuzer, General Manager at tonies UK and Ireland, said: “At tonies, we’ve always believed in the power of audio storytelling to spark imagination, inspire a love of stories and enrich children’s everyday lives. But we also recognise the importance of building a deeper understanding of the role audio plays in early childhood.”

Could audio stories help reduce screen time?

A young boy lies on a soft rug in a cozy room, wearing white headphones. He rests on his hands, immersed in music or a podcast.

Getty/Pekic

For parents looking for ways to balance screen use at home, audio stories could offer another option for keeping children entertained without needing to watch a screen.

More than a third of parents surveyed, 36%, said they listen to audio stories with their child to reduce screen time.

The finding comes as parents continue to navigate how much screen time is right for their little ones. Audio storytelling can provide an alternative activity during quiet time, on car journeys or as part of a bedtime routine, without requiring children to watch a programme or look at a device.

That doesn't mean audio needs to replace other activities. The National Literacy Trust highlights the value of sharing stories in different forms, including reading picture books, singing nursery rhymes and telling stories together.

Combining these activities can help make language and storytelling a natural part of everyday family life.

How to make audio stories part of your child's routine

If you're keen to introduce more listening into your day, there are plenty of simple ways to get started. You don't need special equipment or a complicated routine to enjoy stories together.

Make listening part of bedtime. Try a gentle audio story as part of your child's wind-down routine, alongside familiar steps such as a bath and getting into pyjamas.
Listen together. Sharing a story gives you an opportunity to talk about characters, discuss what happens next and enjoy the experience as a family.
Choose stories that interest your child. Familiar characters, favourite animals and stories about everyday experiences can help capture their attention.
Mix audio with books. Listening can complement reading aloud, giving your child different ways to enjoy stories and discover new words.
Follow their lead. If your child wants to listen to the same story repeatedly, or starts asking questions about what they've heard, use that interest as a starting point for conversation and play.

The research also found that many parents would welcome more guidance when choosing audio content for young children. More than half wanted additional information about the educational benefits of audio stories (55%) and age recommendations (55%), while 46% wanted suggestions based on their child's interests.

For families looking for further ideas, the National Literacy Trust offers free tips, activities and audio story recommendations through its Early Words Matter campaign.

Ultimately, audio stories don't need to be another thing on your parenting to-do list. Whether you listen together on the school run, during a quiet afternoon or as part of bedtime, they can offer another enjoyable way to bring stories, conversation and imagination into your child's day.

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