When it comes to reading to your child, there are so many benefits that it's quite impossible to name them all. Reading to your child and maintaining a regular 'storytime' is a wonderful, magical, and powerful tool that will help your child in many aspects of their lives.
I know that some people dismiss the value of board books and picture books. However, these sorts of books provide kids and parents with so many opportunities for further exploration and interesting discussions. Whether you discuss with your child an artist's choice of colours, talk about the importance of protecting the environment, or count the animals throughout a book about the jungle, there are so many learning opportunities, even in a tiny board book of 5 pages!
And don't forget that you can also read longer stories to them. Of course, your newborn won't be able to appreciate every single word, but your baby will enjoy the calming atmosphere and soothing sounds.
Today we will investigate some of the most profound benefits of reading to your baby, toddler, or young child every day.
But before we begin, let's get inspired by Dr. Seuss's famous quote:
"The more you read, the more things you will know.
"The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go."
Why reading to your child is important
Reassurance and security
Can you remember when you were little and your father or mother, grandpa or grandma, read to you? I'm sure you do! These sorts of bookish memories make us smile. In those precious storytime moments, we felt secure and happy. Reading is such a relaxing activity; it makes us feel safe! Perhaps you remember being nestled into a comfy blanket, enjoying a nice hot chocolate (with marshmallows, of course!) whilst listening to a soft, melodic voice telling you about adventures far away. Perhaps the protagonists in those stories had to face enemies or go through some kind of 'ordeal'. But, well, you were safe and sound at home. I remember those days fondly, and to be honest, even when I'm reading now, I also feel safe and secure! I'm sure this bookish, cosy feeling will never leave me. This leads us to the next point...
Wonderful memories
Memorieeeees! Yes! Reading time is bonding time, and these memories will always stay with you and your child. Kids grow up so quickly. It is these sorts of memories that will make them (and you) smile in difficult times.
Reading promotes children's imagination, creativity, and knowledge
When you are reading to your little ones, you will support their imagination. Your children will listen attentively to the story and create their own pictures and their own interpretations in their minds. And of course, they will also learn important and exciting new things about the world.
Did you know that imagination influences every aspect of our lives? We need imagination to solve problems every single day. Imagination also develops our empathy; through books, kids can experience in some ways how other people feel and think. They learn about the environment and how to protect animals and plants! Social and environmental awareness can start with a book!
Reading also makes us think outside the box. In other words, reading can develop our creativity.
What is out there?
Reading makes kids more curious. What is out there? How do other people live? Where do certain animals live? Perhaps you will also learn some new fun facts! Thus, books improve children's understanding of the world.
Words, words, words
Let's not forget about all these fantastic new words your bookworm will learn through listening to stories. Reading broadens children's vocabulary and improves their reading comprehension.
Nurture a lifelong love of books
By reading to your child from a very young age, you will lay the foundation for a life full of books, stories, and imagination. Reading can create stability in our lives. It becomes a daily habit, and books are a safe place that remind us that life goes on no matter what happens. Books can give us hope and happiness! Plus, by reading to your child every day, you create a routine that your child may keep forever.
If you find it difficult to pick the right books for your bookworm, you might want to take a look at our book subscriptions for kids. Each month, your child will receive a brand-new, gift-wrapped book that was chosen by one of our experts. You just have to let us know about the age of your child and their interests!
We will finish this post with another Dr. Seuss quote:
“You can find magic wherever you look.
Sit back and relax,
all you need is a book.”
