Reading to your baby can not only be a fun activity but it has also been proven to have many benefits. Discover more benefits for reading to your baby.
Nothing beats picking up a classic children’s book and reading it to your child.
Even if your baby cannot grasp a book or make a sound from the letters of the alphabet, it is never too early to introduce your child to the magic of books. Reading stories can create special moments for both parents and children. But did you know that reading aloud can also aid in language development, emotional learning, academic success, and other areas? Here are five reasons why you should read to your baby frequently and early:
Reading encourages bonding and emotional connection
Cuddling up to read a book conveys feelings of safety, love, and closeness. The one-on-one time you spend with your baby helps to strengthen your bond. It’s not just the pictures in their favorite books that babies are examining. They can see you scowl when a fictional character in a book expresses annoyance or smiles when the story has a happy ending. Your infant imitates your facial expressions and voice. That aids in early brain development.
Reading improves language skills
A baby’s developing language abilities start to take off when they hear words read aloud.
Reading exposes them to more words and complex language than they might encounter in everyday conversation. Reading exposes your child to new ideas as they get older. It aids in your child’s acclimation to the language’s sounds and rhythms.
Listening skills and attention span
Your baby must have some level of comprehension to hear a story read aloud. Additionally, comprehension depends on listening skills, or paying attention. Your baby will develop listening skills, which are essential before they can read for themselves if you read to them often and early on. Reading to your child fosters important self-control and concentration skills in them.
At story hour, you might have to deal with a restless child. But you might also notice that children eventually learn to listen to understand when you read frequently to them. Additionally, they are more likely to remain still, have a longer attention span, and even practice their developing memory retention skills when they are listening.
Creativity
For your child, books and stories open up a completely new world. Undoubtedly, there are many non-fiction books available on dinosaurs, insects, and airplanes. However, fantasy elements used in fiction stories take them outside of the realm of reality and encourage children to think creatively.
Reading encourages children’s creativity, as they already have active imaginations. Keep in mind that creativity promotes emotional health and the development of interests and ideas.
Establishing routine
Children of all ages benefit from routines. A wonderful addition to the daily routine is reading. A book, for instance, can alert a baby that it is time to slow down and get ready for sleep if you make it a habit to read before bed. (Moreover, anything that makes going to sleep easier is worth it).
Reading to your baby promotes language skills, emotional intelligence, and academic success. It also strengthens bonding and emotional connection. Regularly reading aloud at a young age enhances language abilities and extends listening and attention spans. Additionally, it may develop important routines, self-control, concentration, creativity, and listening skills. Also, it fosters the development of ideas and interests, as well as emotional health.