The Value of Reading to Your Children (Even When They Can Read)

We know deep down that what children need most is quality time with their parents. Too often though, we find ourselves overwhelmed at the costs and time involved in the extra-curricular activities we feel our kids must do in order to become well-rounded human beings. 

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a cheap way to take them on an amazing adventure that they'll remember all their lives? 

There is. Read them a book.  Here are just a few of the benefits:

Improved Vocabulary. Books expose us to words outside our everyday usage.

Increased Attention Span. While small children find it difficult to sit still for very long, starting out with short stories and picture books can help keep them entertained.

Bonding. Children appreciate the time their parents spend with them, and reading is an opportunity to be close physically too.

Improved Listening Skills and Memory. Often when we read to ourselves, we don't hear the beauty of the language an author might have written, so it's wonderful to hear it actually spoken aloud. Also when reading to kids, pause occasionally and discuss what you're reading. Ask questions, like “what do you think will happen next?” or “what if this happened to you, what would you do?”

Inspire imagination and creativity. Books can take us away to other places, let us meet other people, and show us things we never even dreamed of.

Spend some quality time with your kids tonight with a good book—they'll remember it forever.