The benefits of reading to your child
Published on Mon Oct 8 2018 in Family
A story before bed is a precious tradition in many Kiwi homes. Parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties across the country stop what they’re doing each night to read a book to their children. It’s a time that many treasure, a moment of peace after a hectic day before everyone settles into sleep.
Though reading to a child may seem like a simple act, it’s one that could have a huge impact on their health, wellbeing and development. In fact, daily story time—from birth to adolescence—might be one of the most important things a parent can do for their little ones.
Helping with language skills
The impact of reading on children’s minds may be most obvious when it comes to language. Talking, singing and reading to young kids helps them build their vocabulary. Hearing more words at home could give kids a leg up when they start school. This learning starts earlier than you may think—many doctors now encourage new parents to start story time as soon as their child is born.1
Reading to children can also help spark a lifelong love of books and reading.2 This in turn can help kids do better in school, but the benefits may go beyond even that. Research shows that reading for pleasure may help reduce stress even more than listening to music, taking a walk or playing video games.3
Shaping young minds
Beyond learning new words, reading to a child can also help with cognitive development. Hearing stories can introduce children to new ideas in a safe way. They can think about an experience and how they might feel or react without needing to experience it themselves. In fact, reading fiction may increase people’s empathy, improving their caring and understanding towards others.4
Regular book reading can also help children develop their problem-solving skills. Listening to a story and guessing what’s going to happen next helps kids understand concepts and cause and effect relationships. This also lets your child use their imagination and get creative, which may help keep their brains healthy and happy.
Building strong relationships
More than anything, reading to your child each day can help strengthen your family bond. The positive influence of a regular, shared event is priceless. Knowing that a trusted adult will be there to read the m a story every day can reinforce your child’s trust and sense of safety.
It can also be a friendly reminder that you’re there to help. Discussing what you read together can help children talk through real life events or open up about worries they may have. This benefit might even extend to their teen and young adult years.
How to get a child reading
Finally, reading to children can also be great for parents and other family members! Parents who regularly read are more likely to have children who enjoy reading. Modeling this good behaviour can encourage your kids, whilst you enjoy the benefits of reading, too.
It may seem like a tough task, but there are many great ways to make reading a regular part of your family’s day:
- Schedule story time – Pick a time during the day for reading (first thing in the morning, over afternoon tea, at bedtime) and make it part of your daily routine.
- Let them pick the book – Giving your child some control over story time can help spark their interest—even if they want to hear the same story over and over!
- Visit your local library – The library is a great way to add variety to your reading, without breaking the bank. It can also help teach children responsibility and the importance of caring for other people’s things.
- Read whatever you’ve got – You may already find that your little ones ask you to read the words the see all around them. Encourage this curiosity however you can. Read them magazines, the newspaper, food boxes, road signs… almost anything can teach them new words and ideas!
However you decide to champion reading in your own home, its positive effects could impact your child for the rest of their life.
Household chores are another activity that can teach kids lifelong lessons. Learn seven reasons why helping around the house might be so important.
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
1. New York Times, Pediatrics Group to Recommend Reading Aloud to Children From Birth
2. New Zealand Book Council, Why reading for pleasure is important?
3. The Telegraph, Reading ‘can help reduce stress’
4. Public Library of Science, How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation
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