Why Reading to Children is so Important

When I consult with parents, I often recommend that it is very important for them read to
their children, especially at bedtime. While it makes sense that reading to them supports
vital learning, the significance extends beyond simply learning about literature.

Following are a number of ways reading is beneficial for children:

1. Language development
   According to neuropsychologist, Laura Phillips, PsyD, “When kids are with caregivers or parents, they’re exposed to the same language, the same vocabulary words, the same patterns of speaking, which is wonderful, but books allow them to hear new vocabulary and new ways of putting words together, which expands their ability to make sense of and use language.” Reading increases children’s familiarity with a variety of word choices and expands their knowledge base. By the time children enter kindergarten, they can be exposed to a wealth of topics, such as transportation, geography, geology, astronomy, holidays and cultural diversity.
2. Empathy and emotional awareness
   Reading is an important psychological tool for children to learn about a range of feelings beyond happy, sad, glad and mad. It teaches children how express their emotions in healthy ways and how to cope with difficult ones. Parents can use books as a springboard to raise emotional awareness with questions such as “Have you ever felt like the child in this story?” “Have you ever felt embarrassed or frustrated like the main character?”
3. The parent-child bond
   In this age of technology, we find that nothing is as impactful as physical contact among parent and child. It generates an opportunity for connection, affection, and sharing. Dr. Phillips contends, “The physical contact that you get from being held by your parent while you’re reading actually helps to engage neurons in the brain, which make kids more receptive to the language and the cognitive stimulation that they’re getting from that experience.”
4. What to read
   Sometimes parents wonder what type of stories to read to their children. There can be benefits to read aloud while the infant is still in the womb and after birth despite a baby not seeming to comprehend. The value for them is hear the comfort of their parent’s voice and what language is. As children grow up, selections can be based on themes that are relevant to their lives, such as starting school, making friends, caring for pets, or adjustment to divorce. Books can reflect their interests in areas like sports, dance, nature, geography, etc. This makes reading fun and rewarding for children. I recall one father-son who liked to read history books together and discuss differences in life “back then in the old days.”
5. When to read to children
   Children benefit from being read to any time and certainly throughout elementary school, even when they can read to themselves. In my psychology practice, I often encourage mothers and fathers to take turns reading. Hearing a parent’s voice can internalize bonding, which is imperative with both parents.

► Reading to your children at bedtime fosters calmness, security and nurturance
along with tucking them in, a kiss on their forehead and a wish for sweet dreams!

Reference:
Phillips, L, PsyD. (2025, Dec. 12) Why is it important to read to your child? Child-Mind
Institute. https://childmind.org/article/why-is-it-important-to-read-to-your-child/