You always hear how important reading is for your child, but you probably didn’t know that it has so many benefits.  In an age where technology is so abundant, it is so nice to go back to the simple things in life that we grew up with.  No fancy learning gadgets, just back to basics.

You are recommended to start reading to your child as early as you want.  Babies are constantly learning, and even though they don’t comprehend what you are saying, you are still introducing words to them, different tones in your voice, and promoting bonding between parent and child.  It is recommended that you read 20 minutes a day to your child.  However, this can be broken up to 10 minutes here, 10 minutes there. 

Reading to your child largely increases their potential for academic success in the future.  It builds your child’s vocabulary and is important in language development.  Children love to read; so its fun for them.  It promotes communication between you and your child, and brings you even closer together. 

Other benefits include increased confidence to ask questions, it increases the child’s attention span which will be important for school, and it fosters a child’s curiosity.  It is a wonderful teaching opportunity for you to help them learn about various things such as animals, alphabet, shapes, numbers, colours, life lessons, etc.  The possibilities are endless.

I think my favourite book that I enjoy reading to the girls is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.  When my oldest gets to the pages where there is an assortment of food, she begins to lick the pages.  Thank goodness for board books.

Open a book today with your child.  It will help shape your child for future success.