As a children’s author and a mom, reading has always been a huge part of my daily routine with my kids. It’s not just about sharing a story, but also about spending quality time together, creating memories, and opening the door to endless worlds of imagination. There’s something magical about the way a child’s face lights up when you’re immersed in a good book. But, beyond the magic, there are some really compelling reasons why reading to young children (ages 3-7) is so important for their development.
Books have this incredible ability to shape how kids see the world. Through the eyes of characters, children learn about emotions, how to solve problems, and even how to navigate real-life challenges. The stories they hear at a young age lay the foundation for their emotional and social development. In fact, studies show that kids who are regularly read to show better emotional understanding and empathy as they grow. In my World of Kids Emotions series, I wanted to create characters who reflected the diverse emotions children experience. Hearing these stories helps them learn to name their feelings, which is an essential step in managing them!
Okay, so let’s talk about the science! When you sit down to read to your child every day, you’re doing much more than entertaining them—you’re building their brain. Research shows that reading aloud to children stimulates the part of the brain that helps with language development and literacy. The American Academy of Pediatrics found that children whose parents read to them frequently show stronger language skills and have larger vocabularies by age 5 than those who weren’t read to regularly.
A study published by the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics showed that children who were read to at least three times a week were more likely to develop strong cognitive skills by the time they reached kindergarten. These early years are critical for brain development, with about 90% of a child’s brain growth happening by age 5! So, those nightly bedtime stories are doing wonders for your child’s future learning success.
The ages between 3 and 7 are crucial for shaping how children see themselves, others, and the world. This is why it’s so important to choose stories that reflect positive values, inclusivity, and problem-solving. Whether it’s Nick and Melissa learning how to work together in my My Way series or other characters navigating new experiences, kids are picking up subtle lessons about resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence.
Books also introduce children to new cultures, perspectives, and environments. Exposure to diverse stories helps children understand the world is a rich tapestry, full of different experiences, and that’s something I always try to highlight in my writing.
Reading daily not only builds strong language skills, but it also creates a special routine that strengthens the parent-child bond. It’s not just about the story; it’s about the shared experience. That 20-minute reading time before bed is a moment of calm and connection, allowing both parent and child to unwind. Kids thrive on routines, and those moments become some of their most cherished memories.
When you read to your child regularly, you’re also nurturing a lifelong love for books. Reading together makes children more likely to want to read on their own as they grow. And guess what? Studies show that kids who develop a love of reading early on perform better in school and tend to enjoy learning throughout their lives.
If you’re not already in the habit of reading to your child every day, I encourage you to start. Whether it’s just before bed or during a quiet afternoon, it’s a small investment of time with massive benefits for your child’s development.
In our fast-paced world, the simple act of reading can sometimes be overlooked. But remember, every book you share is helping your child build skills, develop empathy, and create treasured memories that will last a lifetime.
So, grab a book, snuggle up with your little one, and let the magic of storytelling unfold!
