The power of reading to your child is incredible. You already know how great it is for their brain development – how it builds their vocabulary, language, and communication skills. But the real beauty in reading together is in the way it strengthens your relationship with your child.
Children need to feel loved, nurtured, and close. It’s these feelings of love and intimacy that lead a child to have a healthy sense of security and social-emotional skills as they grow. It makes your child feel safe. That sense of security and trust is so important for success in school! While every act of parenting you comes from a place of love, there is something extra special about reading together from a very young age that builds that connection.
Pediatricians know this – that’s why pediatricians urge parents to start reading with your baby from the start! The sound of your voice is magic to a baby’s ear. It’s a soothing, reassuring sound they love to hear. Your toddler treasures the special time you spend just with them. That time spent together teaches your daughter how important she is to you, and increases her self-confidence.
Every time you read to your son, you send his brain a message that reading is pleasurable. And as much as they might love the bright pictures or playful animal in the story, what they really love most about reading is reading with you. That connection between reading and “pleasure” is the foundation of a love of reading, that if fostered now, will be followed by a lifelong love of learning.
