Importance of Reading to Children

Reading aloud to your children is an important and enjoyable activity for both the child and the parent. Studies suggest that reading to children enhances a child’s vocabulary, literary skills, concentration, and brain development. A child is also more likely to perform better at school if they develop a culture of reading at a tender age.

As a parent, you are the most influential educator in your child’s life. You can start reading to your child even before they are born, as they can recognize their parent’s voices. You can browse the internet for the best books to read to your toddlers. It is never too early to start a reading culture in your home.

Discussed below are some of the reasons why you should read to your child:

1. Reading To Children Helps In Developing Empathy

When you are reading a story to your child, you characterize yourself in the story. This allows you to identify with the lives of the others as well as their feelings. Your child can also use this understanding to empathize with other people’s feelings in the community. Reading helps children to develop a deeper connection with their emotions. You will also find that their ability to socialize with other children is improved.

2. Creates A Strong Bond Between The Child And The Parent

Reading to your children every day strengthens your relationship. Your child has something to look forward to at the end of the day. Even if you have a busy schedule, take the time to read a bedtime story to your child. This assures them of your love and attention, which is vital for their overall wellbeing.

3. Enhances Their Vocabulary

When you read out loud to your child, they can pick up words and phrases that are not in their everyday conversation. If you read to your child daily, their pool of vocabulary is expanded. Reading is essential for children speaking more than one language as it sharpens their language skills. It also enhances their fluency.

4. Enhances Your Child’s Concentration

Start with stories that are more pictures and fewer words in children between 0-3 years. Your child will focus on the images while listening to your words. Make reading a regular and consistent habit, especially during bedtime. As time goes by, you will notice that your child can concentrate for more extended periods before dozing off. Reading will be helpful when they start school since they can concentrate for more extended periods.

5. Improves Your Child’s Creativity And Imagination

It is fascinating how your child’s imagination grows once you get them hooked to a story. Sometimes they will try to guess what happens next as they create new characters for the story.

The most exciting thing is watching how your child’s eyes light up as they anticipate what happens on the next page.

Conclusion

Introduce a reading culture in your home, and you will not be worried about the negative of screen time among your children. This is because every time they are bored, instead of switching on the TV, they will grab a storybook. Win-win situation!