Why I Never Miss Reading My Child A Bedtime Story

Since my daughter was born, I committed to giving her the best life in every way I can. When she was about five months old, I bought a few picture books and began reading to her every night. This was not something natural to me because I could only recall very few times when my mum would read a book to me and my siblings when we were younger. So, reading a book to my own child is something new to me as well. 

To be honest, the first few times I read to my child, I felt quite silly. I don’t understand if it’s really making a big difference because babies don’t react that much when you’re reading for them. But, I committed to it anyway. Day by day, week after week, I noticed a change. A week or two later, I observed that my daughter was becoming more comfortable with bedtime reading, it has become a part of our life now, and books are not something new to her anymore. 

Child development and early years education experts would suggest over and over again bedtime reading with your kids. Bedtime reading has a multitude of benefits to your child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. Studies also found that bedtime reading is an effective way to prepare your child for the challenges of school. When your child builds a reading habit early, he/she becomes more prepared to start school. 

The challenge is that many parents fail to understand the importance of bedtime reading and miss out on its benefits. But for me, as a first-time mum, I would rather be different. The reason why I never miss reading my child a bedtime story is because I want her to know that bedtime reading is an extension of a mother’s love. 

Benefits of Bedtime Reading 

Bedtime reading set up a routine for children 

Are you having a hard time putting your child to sleep? No matter how much they play and run around the whole day, they would still stay up at night. For many parents, it can be challenging to put children to bed and expect them to go asleep right away. Establishing a bedtime routine that includes reading a story to your children will help them unwind, relax, and lower their stress levels at bedtime which will improve their sleep.

Improves parent and child relationship 

One of my favourite benefits of bedtime reading is its ability to build a strong relational bond between you and your child. During bedtime reading, you cuddle with your child and it opens an opportunity for you to engage in a conversation with them. 

Develops the child’s brain 

Bedtime reading develops your child’s brain. The child’s brain is 95% developed when they are five years old. This is the reason why the first five years of life are the most crucial years of development. Bedtime reading is best established during these early years of life because reading develops your child’s mental ability. 

Reading widens your child’s vocabulary which forms the foundation for their reading comprehension. It also improves your child’s thinking and increases their knowledge of the world. 

Reading makes children emotionally intelligent 

Regular bedtime reading develops your child’s emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is developed when reading because it exposes your child to different characters that they can empathize with. When you are reading with your child, you also have the chance to discuss with them different emotions which helps them identify, understand, and control their own. 

Bedtime reading was never an easy journey for me. Some days, I’m too sleepy to grab a book and read with my little one. On lazy days like these, I always go back to the reason why I dedicated my early motherhood years to bedtime reading. 

If you’re struggling with a reluctant reader, I would suggest getting a book that your child can relate to. Personalised books are proven to improve comprehension in children by up to 40%! Studies conducted by the National Literacy Trust on the effect of personalised books show that children are more engaged in reading personalised books vs non-personalised books.