I loved reading to my boys when they were younger. Curling up on the couch or snuggling in bed and reading stories are some of my warmest and fondest memories. There are so many benefits to reading for you and your babies. I also encourage our Munchkin Minders sitters and nannies to do the same. The munchkins seem to love the sweet connective one on one time they get when reading with their parents and care providers.
Benefits of reading to babies
• Great opportunity for extra cuddles, strengthening the growing bond with your baby
• Introduces language and communication skills
• Reading to babies helps exercise their brain
• Supports the development of children’s vocabulary
• Is a great wind down inclusion for some quiet time before bed
Benefits of reading with young children
• Reading supports the development of early literacy skills
• Reading stories has shown to support children’s brain development particularly cognitive and communication skills
• Including specific reading time daily encourages children to focus and concentrate
• Encouraging children to read aloud can support speech and language skills
• Reading together supports children’s social skills
• Reading together supports the bond between adult and child
Benefits of encouraging independent reading in children
• Children learn to value books
• Children learn about culture, history and the world through reading stories
• Reading sparks children’s imagination, creativity and curiosity
• Reading provides an outlet for children, whether they need some quiet time or a positive distraction from any stress they may be experiencing
• Children learn the difference between “real” and “fantasy” by exposing them to both non-fiction and fiction books
• Providing children with their own reading area or bookshelf with books just for them also encourages caring for the books
Top tips for reading with children
• Let your child choose which book to read
• Engage in the story, by altering your tone of voice and giving life to the words on the page
• Connect with your child, if they want to turn the pages or tell part of the story, let them! Even if it’s not the same as what’s written in front of them, supporting their independence and creativity
• Repetition is your friend, even if you’ve read the same story over and over again there’s actually proven benefits to this.
• Enjoy it! Enjoy the story, enjoy the moment of peace, enjoy the bonding time with your child, enjoy the extra cuddles, simply enjoy the experience.
With love,
Danielle
~Munchkin Minders