The other night I was thinking about how my boyfriend’s niece loves bedtime stories (especially with voices) and how I used to love bedtime and how my mom would read to me. From Dr. Seuss to Russell Hoban’ s Bread and Jam with Frances the badger to Shel Silverstein poems from Where the Sidewalk Ends. Everyone knows there are benefits to reading to your child at bedtime, but what are those benefits exactly?
A parent who reads to his or her children provides
- A foundation of intellectual development
- A calming routine for healthy sleeping habits
- Encouragement of creative and imaginative thinking
- Strengthening the bond between a mother or father and child
Foundation of Intellectual Development
According to Kids Health Organization, “Studies show that kids with active exposure to language have social and educational advantages over their peers — and reading is one of the best exposures to language.”
Storytelling that engages children in an imaginative way or helps them to identify everyday objects will help inspire their curiosity which will in turn enhance their listening skills and language development. Try to speak to your child about the story and provide an open dialogue. For example, ask questions about the story or replace a character’s name with their name and point and ask about pictures in the book to make them relatable.
Calming Routine for Healthy ZZZZs
Oye veh – trying to calm down a hyper toddler before bedtime can always be a challenge, but reading in a relaxed child’s bedroom can be a good recipe to help wind down his or her energy. Continuously having story time before bedtime each night becomes a healthy routine for the child and parent alike.
Along with special mommy and daddy time to bond, the routine will encourage healthy sleep patterns and will help the child to understand that reading means quality time with his or her parents.
Creative and Imaginative Thinking
A love for books often begins in childhood. When children are encouraged to read, it stimulates their imagination and provides other forms of entertainment that are healthier and more interactive than the tube (aka the television). A parents’ role in literary development should begin early, because aiding their child in the discovery of fun and educational books pave the path for a future full of curiosity and knowledge.
To conclude – “leaders are readers” and developing your child’s reading habit begins at home – you are giving your child one of the best advantages for life for years to come.
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