We all know you’re supposed to read to your child every day. But with busy schedules, working from home, e-learning, grocery pick up, and all of the other things you have to get done, how do you fit it into your day? Try reading to your child at bedtime! Here are some reasons why this can be so beneficial.

Quality Time

Reading to your child at bedtime is an excellent way to squeeze in some quality time. There is no housework, e-mails, or television to create a distraction; just special bonding time for you and your child. As your child grows older, it may be harder to find distraction-free moments, so reading each night is a great way to ensure this quality time is not lost.

Consistent Routine

It is well known that a consistent bedtime routine lends itself to healthy sleep habits in children. Why not include a story or two as part of this routine? Most children will look forward to this step in their bedtime routine, as it allows them to peacefully transition from the chaos of the day to the calmness of nighttime.

Increased Vocabulary

The more language your child is exposed to, the more opportunities there are to expand their vocabulary. Reading to your child exposes them to new words and phrases, beyond the ones they would commonly use in their everyday life. Increased vocabulary is associated with better reading comprehension, writing abilities, and self-confidence!

Teaching Important Lessons

A bear learns the importance of sharing, a monkey learns to love his curly tail, and the list goes on. Many of the stories you read to your child include important messages about morals and values. As a parent, you can choose books that teach age-appropriate lessons, based on what you want your child to learn. The lessons in children’s books are often demonstrated in fun, practical ways that your child can understand.

Building Imagination

Listening to stories about new and whimsical worlds will help develop your child’s imagination. You may even see these stories or characters come to life in a game outside or a drawing on a page. Fostering your child’s imagination will greatly benefit their creative endeavors for years to come!

Written by Registered Psychologist with Wildflowers, Rachelle MacSorley.