“IELTS Reading Passage: Parenting in the UK Reading Answers

Reading Passage 3

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27–40, which are based on the Reading Passage below.

21 June 2025 IELTS Reading Passage

Parenting in the UK 

Paragraph A
Parenting in the United Kingdom has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades. Earlier parenting styles tended to be formal and structured, with children expected to obey without question and adults positioned as unquestioned authorities. Physical discipline and strict routines were commonly used to instil respect and order. Today, there is a greater emphasis on nurturing children’s individuality, emotional development, and psychological wellbeing. Parents are encouraged to give children space to express themselves, voice opinions, and engage in household decisions appropriate to their age. This transformation is closely tied to a broader cultural shift in Western societies, which increasingly view children as individuals in their own right, not just dependents. The rise of parenting books, television programmes, and social media platforms focusing on child-centred approaches has played a role in spreading these ideas. Overall, there is now a societal expectation for parents to be more communicative, emotionally available, and respectful of their children’s autonomy.

Paragraph B
One of the most noticeable developments in UK parenting is the growing involvement of fathers. Historically, fathers were typically seen as providers rather than nurturers, with minimal participation in day-to-day childcare tasks. Mothers handled domestic duties and upbringing, while fathers contributed financially. However, modern fatherhood has shifted toward a more hands-on, emotionally engaged role. This change has been partly influenced by social movements advocating gender equality and by changes in workplace policies, notably the introduction of paternity leave. This leave, while still shorter and less commonly used than maternity leave, symbolises a growing recognition of fathers’ importance in early childhood. Cultural portrayals in media—such as father-friendly parenting blogs and advertisements showing dads changing nappies—have further encouraged men to be actively involved. Though barriers remain, including workplace stigma and economic pressures, many UK fathers now strive to balance employment with meaningful participation in their children’s lives.

Paragraph C
Despite these progressive trends, raising children in the UK poses considerable economic challenges. Childcare fees can be prohibitively high, often consuming a large portion of a family’s income and in some cases rivalling housing costs. This has led to difficult choices, particularly for mothers, who may delay returning to work or reduce their hours. To alleviate this burden, the government has introduced a range of childcare support measures. These include 15 to 30 hours of free nursery education per week for eligible families, tax-free childcare accounts, and universal credit reimbursements. While these schemes offer some relief, many parents argue that they are complicated to navigate and don’t reflect the true cost of full-time care. Furthermore, part-time work and irregular shifts are rarely supported by standard childcare settings, leaving working-class families particularly vulnerable. As a result, balancing financial security with quality parenting time continues to be a persistent struggle for many.

Paragraph D
Emotional development and mental wellbeing are becoming central to modern parenting discussions in the UK. Psychologists and educators increasingly stress the importance of emotionally responsive parenting, which involves tuning into a child’s inner world and responding with understanding and patience. This style contrasts with older methods that prioritised obedience over emotional expression. British parents are now advised to be more empathetic, helping children identify, articulate, and regulate their feelings. Programmes in schools promote emotional literacy and resilience from an early age, often involving both parents and teachers. Parents are also urged to use positive reinforcement rather than punishment to shape behaviour. Parenting courses, workshops, and community services further support these goals by offering guidance on communication, stress management, and confidence building. As mental health awareness grows in the UK, so too does the belief that supporting children’s emotions is not a luxury but a foundational aspect of healthy development.

Paragraph E
Although national trends influence parenting, the lived experience of raising a child in the UK is shaped by a wide range of personal and social factors. Cultural background, household income, education level, and geographic location all play a role. Families with higher earnings often have access to better educational opportunities, private tutoring, and extracurricular activities that enrich a child’s development. Those in more deprived areas may lack these advantages and must make difficult trade-offs between employment, childcare, and housing. Immigrant parents, in particular, may face unique challenges when reconciling traditional parenting values from their home countries with British expectations of openness, autonomy, and discipline. Additionally, language barriers and unfamiliarity with UK systems may cause confusion or limit access to support. Despite national parenting campaigns and policy efforts, outcomes can differ significantly depending on a family’s status, cultural traditions, and access to local resources.

Paragraph F
Beyond finances and family roles, British parents are also navigating an increasingly digital and fast-paced world. The widespread presence of smartphones, tablets, and online entertainment has introduced a new layer of complexity to parenting. Modern parents must strike a delicate balance between allowing children to explore digital tools and setting appropriate boundaries to prevent overexposure. Managing screen time, supervising online activity, and teaching children about internet safety have become everyday tasks for many households. At the same time, parents face societal pressure to demonstrate ideal parenting—being patient, present, and perfectly informed. Media and public opinion can set unrealistic expectations, leaving some parents feeling inadequate or overwhelmed. Moreover, work-life balance remains elusive for many, as flexible work is not always possible. In this environment, parenting is not only about raising a child but also about constantly adapting to new technologies, evolving standards, and the expectations of others.

Questions 27-32 List of Headings

Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list below.
Write the correct number i–ix in boxes 27-32 on your answer sheet.

List of Headings

i cognitive empathy and structured guidance for caregivers

ii. Financial burdens and available support
iii. Increasing expectations placed on today’s parents
iv. Parenting approaches influenced by established beliefs and personal context
v. Transformation in paternal responsibilities
vi. The development of parenting laws in the UK
vii. Changing child-parent communication norms
viii. The influence of digital life on children
ix. A new view of childhood independence

27. Paragraph A ix
28. Paragraph B v
29. Paragraph C ii
30. Paragraph D i
31. Paragraph E
32. Paragraph F

Questions 33–36: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Write the correct letter in boxes 7–10 on your answer sheet.

33. How has the role of fathers in the UK changed in recent years?
A. They are now expected to financially support larger families.
B. They are more involved in practical parenting than before.  B
C. They have rejected cultural expectations about child discipline.
D. They are choosing not to use parental benefits like maternity leave.

34. What concern do parents express about government childcare assistance?
A. It is primarily targeted at wealthy families.
B. It excludes parents who work full-time.
C. It is either too limited or too complex to claim. c
D. It encourages parents to leave their jobs altogether.

35. Why are parents encouraged to take an empathetic approach?
A. It prepares children for competitive environments.
B. It helps reduce academic stress in the classroom.
C. It improves communication and emotional growth.
D. It ensures obedience and discipline are maintained.

36. What challenge do parents face in the digital age?
A. Lack of access to internet and devices
B. Pressure to monitor online habits and maintain balance
C. Children refusing to use technology for learning
D. Teachers advising less screen time for parents

Questions 37-40: Sentence Completion

Complete the sentences below.
Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 37-40 on your answer sheet.

37. A family’s background and income can affect their parenting _______.
38. Parenting experts recommend a more empathetic way of interacting with children.
39. Many childcare policies have been introduced by the government.
40. Shared parenting has become more common thanks to _______.

Questions 27–32: List of Headings

 Questions 33–36: Multiple Choice

Questions 37–40: Sentence Completion