The answer to this question became too long to write about using paragraphs in a blog!  I’m confident that there are many other reasons that didn’t even make the list.   Here are SOME of the convincing arguments for us as adults to make time to read with our little ones:

READING:

*helps them understand language; improves literacy

*stimulates the imagination

*stimulates/expands vocabulary

*expands understanding of the world

*helps develop problem solving strategies

*helps develop listening skills (read aloud)

*helps interpret meanings of specific text later in life

*stimulates curiosity

*helps develop the brain and the ability to focus

*helps develop the ability to concentrate

*helps develop social skills and communication by modeling correct/incorrect behaviors

*helps with discerning the difference between real and make-believe

*can reduce stress

*can improve memory

*can help with decision making as knowledge grows

*expands the mind!

*can improve sleep

*provides a safe way of exploring strong emotions

*can be motivational or inspiring

Reading to and with our kids at an early age can literally prepare them for academic success.  Academic success can prepare them for real life success as adults! 

Reading strengthens cognition.  The principal at our elementary school always promoted this saying:   Knowledge is Power!   I believe this and the fact that reading provides knowledge of the world around us.

But maybe the most important reason isn’t even on the list.   Sitting down and reading a book with our kids provides TIME, time away from the many distractions of our busy, exhausting world.  It provides meaningful time to just be together and block out everything else.

There’s another relevant reason that we as adults should still be following this advice: studies show that reading can even help prevent Alzheimer’s disease later in life!  Let’s keep that brain muscle active for as long as possible, for our kids and for ourselves.

Thanks for reading; please join me for a weekly blog!