5 Unique Reasons To Read To Your Child
Children’s books are embedded with their own rhythm. Authors take extra care to create them that way. Once you start reading aloud, your voice naturally finds that flow much to your child’s delight. As your breath is being measured by the pauses taken between words, so does his.
1. Reading is a calming activity.
I have read to my son since before he was born. I was still at it when he started toddling and puttering about. I read because I knew he needed a safe space to come down to after all the running and jumping. The calm we gained from reading was as much for him as it was for me.
2. Reading is a valid reason to sit with your child and a book on your lap.
Gone were the days when I was a harried mom. I have long since learned that pacing my day makes me more productive. It allows me to be fully aware of where I am and what I am currently doing. When I take a small chunk of time to stop and read aloud to my son, I am validating his presence as much as acknowledging my need to connect throughout the day.
3. Reading is a precious opportunity to observe your child’s response to what’s happening before him.
I did this a lot especially when my son was still a baby. When I read, I would run my fingers across a page or point to something on it and I would see how he would react. Would he focus on my finger or at the object I am pointing? Would he startle if I raise my voice a little. I learned a lot about him- the things he likes, the words he understands, how strong his grasp is by observing him while I read.
4. Reading offers a different kind of fun- the slower and quieter kind.
Lighthearted pleasure can also be found in quiet moments. That’s one of the things I showed my son early on. Although romping on a mat or making a mess with playdough has its merits, sharing story books or even just looking at the pictures in it can be enjoyable well.
5. Reading is a gift that just keeps on giving.
You are opening doors to countless worlds every time you share a book with your child. Whoville, the Hundred Acre Wood and even that old house in Paris that is covered in vines are great places you can visit together. The more you read, the more his interest will grow and that will make things easier once you start teaching him the basics of reading. Once he gets into reading, a lot of things will happen that can only bring him much good like improved focus, memory, critical thinking skills, imagination and empathy.
