Dads encouraged to spend time with kids

Sheffield Bookstart scheme in Sharrow has held a storytelling event at Highfield Library with children's author and illustrator Steve Smallman, where dads were encouraged to share books with their children.

Now regular sessions are to be organised in the neighbourhood - although dates and times have not yet been decided.

Kath Navratil, Sheffield early years librarian and bookstart coordinator, said: "Our events and activities with parents, carers and their children help to show how natural it is to share books with very young children.

"It only takes five minutes and it was a joy to see the Sharrow dads having such a good time with their children, sharing books and drawings."

Anne Davies, of Sharrow SureStart, which helps parents caring for young children, said: "Dads often don't realise how important their time and interest is to children."

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