The Importance of Reading to Your Children

Reading to your children is a valuable activity that supports their development in numerous ways. Here are some important elements to consider:

1. Consistency: I know it's hard making time to read at bedtime. There's work and sports and sometimes it feels like you just want to put the kids to bed so you can breathe. From my perspective though, the time you have to read to your children flies by and once kids are older, they won't want to make time for you. You will look back and regret your choices so make reading a regular part of your daily routine. Consistent reading helps establish a habit and shows children that reading is an enjoyable and important activity.
2. Engagement: You are not just giving your kids or grandkids your time, you will bond with them. Encourage active participation. Ask questions, make predictions, and connect the story to your child's experiences. This interaction enhances comprehension and critical thinking skills, and the closeness you bring to their emotional well-being is invaluable. 
3. Variety: Offer a wide range of books. Include different genres, cultures, and topics to expose your child to diverse perspectives and ideas. Help them to see the beauty in the world by introducing them to life coming to know itself in a myriad of different ways. 
4. Expression: Use different voices, tones, and expressions to bring the story to life. This makes reading more fun and helps children understand the emotions and actions of the characters. Plus, it's fun. My husband had a voice for every bear in our kids' collections. 
5. Visuals: Choose books with engaging illustrations. Visuals help children understand the story better and keep them interested. Bright primary colors still continue to be the best way to captivate them. 
6. Comprehension: Discuss the story after reading. Ask your child to summarize, talk about their favorite parts, and discuss any lessons or morals. This is so important. If you cannot be with your kids on the playground, introduce them to topics they will confront so they know how to deal with the situation. 
7. Environment: Create a comfortable and distraction-free reading environment. A quiet, cozy space with good lighting can make reading more enjoyable. Most kids love snuggles and if yours doesn't for whatever reason, let them be in their safe place, but still read to them. It is astounding to see how much they pick up from you. 
8. Modeling: Show your own love for reading. Let your children see you reading for pleasure. This sets a positive example and reinforces the importance of reading. And not just reading on your computer or tablet. Let kids feel books. Let them hold them in their hands and let them see you hold them too. There is just something about curling up with a book that is so nice. 
9. Choice: Let your child choose books that interest them. This fosters a love of reading and ensures they are more engaged. But don't forget to introduce them to new topics too. Kids have an amazing collection of interests. See if you can foster that. 
10. Repetition: Don’t hesitate to read favorite books multiple times. Repetition helps with language development and memory. Plus, it develops security. They know what is going to happen, when, and how. That is good thing for them to know. It is also good for them to be open to change. 

Incorporating these elements into your reading routine can help foster a love of reading in your children and support their overall development. Developing children's emotional intelligence is just as important. Tackle the issue by expressing yourself through books so that children understand there are a variety of emotions to choose from.  Teach them not to fear their emotions, but to embrace them.

Emotions are the human way of coloring our existence and our experiences.