I'm in studio today this morning with leading children's communication charity ICan. Shocking new research shows that as a result of the recession three quarters of parents have had to take on extra work instead of spending time with their family.

The report by ICan and Openreach shows 71% of parents spend 60 minutes or less chatting with their child everyday - with one in ten (10%) only speaking to their child for 15 minutes!

Now in it's 11th year, the Chatterbox Challenge 2012 aims to develop children's communication skills through songs and rhymes, in homes, nurseries and playgroups across the country. This year will see "Kids in Motion" where children will be combining words with actions and performing famous nursery rhymes and songs such as Row Row Row Your Boat and Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.

So get involved in the challenges and log onto www.chatterboxchallenge.co.uk or for more information on how to improve your child's communication skills and some free resources to help - www.ican.org.uk.

Jennifer