5 Reasons Why It Is Imperative to Read to Your Child Every Day

At the end of a long day, it could prove difficult to convince your child to get into bed, let alone dedicate the extra time it takes to read with them on a regular basis.

Trust me, we’ve been there – the precious alone time parents get to themselves once their child is in bed is their opportunity to unwind, catch up on their favorite show, and maybe even indulge in a glass of wine.

However, taking the time to read to your child on a nightly basis is truly an investment in their future. It can have a significant impact not only on their development but on the parent-child relationship as well.

Reasons to Read to Your Kids Every Night

But you already knew that reading to your child has serious benefits, right? It is a well-known fact – one of those things most involved parents just accept without question.

In reality, many of us are less aware of what these specific benefits are and the particular ways it can shape your child into a bright young adult.

Below, you’ll find a list of five reasons why it is imperative to read to your child every night (or day).

1. It increases your child’s brain activity.

The brain of a child develops rapidly between the ages of 0 and 5, and the more you read to your child, the more you will nurture this mental growth.

The left side of the brain, or the side responsible for understanding language and reasoning, becomes more active when reading or listening to a story. This means that as you read to your child, you quite literally have a direct impact on the rate at which their young minds are developing- and this begins as soon as they are born.

2. It helps your child reach important milestones.

Your child will go through a series of important developmental milestones as they get older, beginning as soon as they are born. The majority of children learn to read by the age of 6 or 7, but an early start of reading to your child can speed up this process.

Your child may be able to read on their own by the age of 4 or 5 with continued nurturing and a book-friendly home! This will give them an advantage no matter what type of "formal education" they will attend. Plus, you are actively ensuring that your child meets this critical early milestone.

3. It helps your child’s imagination and creativity grow.

As adults, it may be hard to recall the childlike sense of wonder that allows kids to be fascinated by almost anything they see. This magnificent imagination helps them to see the world around them as full of possibility, and books open the doors to new fantasies.

If your child is at an age where they are able to recall stories they’ve heard, the silly farmhouse story you read to them the night before may stick in their minds the next time they run into a cow or chicken.

When they see that animal after hearing your stories, they will look past the bumbling bovine and see a gentle creature that had to go through a farmhouse adventure and came out better for it on the other side. They will begin to weave their own silly tales, which can bring extra enjoyment to you and your family.

4. It creates a deeper bond between you and your child.

Reading to your child every night deepens the bond that already exists, not only on a physical level but also on an emotional and mental level. Reading to them before they go to sleep has the immediate effect of a physical closeness and intimacy, but also gives them the opportunity to ask important questions they may not get to ask otherwise.

Fostering a parent-child relationship based on trust and honesty may begin during these early stages in their reading journey, so take advantage of the special bond reading can bring to your relationship.

Answer important questions, teach them the life lessons many children’s books have in their storylines, and enjoy the chance to be the person who reinforces these lessons at home.

5. It is fun for everyone!

Spending time each night reading to your child should be seen as an opportunity, not as a chore.

Take advantage of the opportunity to be the source of magic and wonder as you read aloud tales of talking animals, strong-willed princesses, or adventurous kids just like them. Soak up the sound of your child’s laughter as you use silly voices for each of the characters, or have them point out what they see in the photos on each page.

Reading a book to your child in the comfort of their bedroom (or yours!) is an excellent end to a day, and will help them fall asleep faster than watching TV before bed. (In fact, watching television or looking at another electronic screen is one of the worst things your children can do before bed.)

Encouraging Your Young Readers

While these tips reinforce reading to your child, it is important not to forget the importance of reading once your child can read independently.

Even when they become experts of the written word, dedicate some time to have them read aloud to you, or ask questions about what their favorite books are.

Before you know it, you will have a little bookworm in your house who begs for trips to the library instead of the arcade! Fostering a love of reading can lead to a love of learning, which will benefit your child in the long run.

Encourage your child to pick out books they find interesting or keep an eye out for bestsellers at your local library. We promise you will not regret it–happy reading!

Reading Resources for Parents

Here are some links to great resources listing the most popular children’s books of all time to start (or continue) your reading journey with your child:

• Homeschool Base's collection of reading lists
• Amazon's Best Selling Children's Books
• New York Public Library's 100 Greatest Children's Books
• Scholastic's 100 Greatest Books for Kids

The links above are great starting points but don’t forget about local resources that can also turn into fun family outings. Your local library is an excellent, free destination to explore with your kids, and many have regularly scheduled events to encourage your little ones to continue their reading adventures with other kids in the community.

What books do your children love? Let me know in the comments below!