5 Reasons Why Reading to Your Child Each Night Helps Them Thrive

Homework is done. Teeth are brushed. Bedtime is approaching. Your little one is excited for the simple joy of snuggling up with you and their favorite storybook. This one-on-one time with your child has many benefits for their cognitive development and even a few benefits for you as a parent. 

1. Emotional Learning & Development – According to The Cleveland Clinic, It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Even as babies, children notice your facial expressions relating to certain characters in the story. They learn as they observe the tone of your voice over a frustrated character or your smile at a happy ending. This teaches them emotional cues. Kids utilize these cues when interacting in their daily routines and communicating with peers, friends, and family. 
2. Broadening Their Vocabulary – Reading to children broadens their access to new words. Having an expanded vocabulary helps a child to advocate for themselves more efficiently as they get older. A study conducted by: Pub Med in 2019 showed that children who are read to nightly during the first five years of their lives are exposed to 1.5 million more words than children who are not read to during those first years. Just like when we read books as adults and come upon words we may have never known before and then commit them to our memory, children do the same. Having an expanded vocabulary helps a child to advocate for themselves more efficiently as they get older. 
3. Increased Attention Span – Children begin their lives with short attention spans. As they grow, their ability to stay on task does as well. Reading to your child at an early age encourages them to actively listen, which enables their attention span to increase with time, age, and exposure. According to Healthline, children who are read to consistently learn to become active listeners, who sit sill, fostering a longer attention span while also working on their memory retention skills. This leads to an increased ability to think critically and problem-solve later in life. 
4. Creativity- Reading boosts creativity in young children. They visit faraway places and read about characters who go on brave adventures. It can be looked at as a form of play. This teaches children to think outside of the box. It sets the tone for their interests and likes as they grow. According to experts at PBS, reading and encouraging creativity in children helps to foster their emotional health. 
5. Bonding – It doesn’t matter whether it’s five minutes or fifteen minutes each night. The amount isn’t as important as the consistency. Setting aside focused time each evening to read to or with your child builds the parent-child bond. It gives you time to unwind, put aside the day, and spend time doing something enjoyable and impactful together. This time together will create memories for both of you that will last for years to come. 

Snuggling in and reading a good book together each night is a great addition to your child’s bedtime routine. Hearing your voice and being close to you provides a sense of calm and comfort. 

For an easy way to find great books and new adventures to read about, check out this list of Triad Libraries created by Triad Moms on Main. A great bonus resource is the story times offered at local libraries here in the Triad. 

If you’re pregnant or a new mom, another awesome resource is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. You can visit the link provided to sign your child up to receive free monthly books to the address of your choice that are age-appropriate for your child. They give a book per month until the age of 5. This is a great way to ensure you have new and exciting books to share with your child. 

It’s never too late to start a positive new routine. So tonight, snuggle up with your little one and go on an adventure. You won’t regret it.