Why Reading to Children Is So Important

In the middle of busy days, overflowing laundry baskets, and bedtime routines that never quite go to plan, reading to our children can sometimes feel like one more thing on the list. But reading isn’t just a “nice extra”, it’s one of the most powerful, simple ways we can support our children’s growth, connection, and emotional wellbeing.

1. Reading Builds Strong Emotional Bonds

When you read to your child, you’re doing more than sharing a story, you’re sharing your attention. Sitting close, hearing your voice, and experiencing a story together creates a sense of safety and connection. For children, especially young ones, this time says:

“You matter. I’m here. You’re safe.”

Those quiet moments can become anchors in a child’s day, particularly in homes full of noise, siblings, and busy schedules.

2. It Supports Language and Brain Development

From birth, children’s brains are developing at an incredible speed. Reading helps grow vocabulary, listening skills, and comprehension long before a child can read themselves. Even babies benefit from hearing words, rhythm, tone, and repetition.

Books introduce language children might not hear in everyday conversation, helping them express feelings, ask questions, and understand the world around them.

3. Reading Encourages Emotional Understanding

Stories help children make sense of emotions. Through characters, children learn that it’s okay to feel jealous, excited, nervous, sad, or proud. They see problems being solved, mistakes being made, and relationships growing.

This is especially important in stories about family life, siblings, and change so where children can recognise themselves and feel understood.

4. It Creates Calm in the Chaos

Reading naturally slows things down. It offers a pause from screens, overstimulation, and rushing from one task to another. Whether it’s part of a bedtime routine or a quiet moment during the day, reading helps children regulate their emotions and feel grounded.

For parents, it can be calming too. A moment to breathe, sit, and just be with your child.

5. It Builds a Lifelong Love of Learning

Children who are read to regularly often grow up seeing books as a source of comfort, joy, and curiosity. This early positive relationship with reading can support confidence in school and a love of learning later in life.

And it doesn’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to finish the book, read every word, or use different voices. What matters is the experience not the performance.

6. Reading Shows Children They Are Worth Your Time

Perhaps most importantly, reading sends a powerful message:

“You are important enough for me to stop and be present.”

In a world where parents often feel pulled in every direction, those small, consistent moments of reading can leave a lasting impact.

A Gentle Reminder for Parents

You don’t need to read for long.

You don’t need to read every day.

You don’t need to read the “right” books.

A few minutes counts. One page counts. Reading the same book over and over counts.

In the chaos of family life, reading is one of the simplest ways to connect, calm, and nurture for both you and your child.