Writer: Hannah Sheldon-Dean

Clinical Expert: Laura Phillips, PsyD, ABPdN

Why is it important to read to your child? Parents hear all the time that it’s important to read to kids. But why exactly is that? The benefits of reading together go far beyond learning to read. See some of the reasons below.

1. Reading to young children is an important way to help them build language skills. It exposes them to new words and ways of using language.
2. It also helps them learn general information about the world, which makes it easier for them to learn about new subjects once they get to school.
3. Books also help children build empathy and learn how to handle challenging feelings. Parents can use reading time as a chance to talk about emotions and how to cope with them. For example, you might say: “Have you ever felt as angry as the girl in this book? What would you do if you did?”
4. Even a few minutes of reading together gives you and your child a chance to slow down and connect with each other. And the sensory experience of sitting with you and hearing your voice also engages their brain in a way that makes learning easier.
5. There’s no one right way to read to your child. You can read to them in any language, or multiple languages. You can do it at the same time every day or change up the routine.
6. Your child doesn’t even need to be sitting with you — just sitting nearby with a book while they play can be a way to connect.
7. The important thing is for your child to hear words and language and to have books be part of their daily life. Any steps you’re able to take can make a big difference.