As parents, we are always trying to find ways to express our love to our children. We all express that love differently in the form of holding them close, using our words to express our love, buying gifts, and taking them to places they love. In fact, everything we do for our children, despite our feelings, emotions, comfort, and energy levels, is a unique expression of love. But have you ever considered simply reading to your child as an expression of love? When you think of expressing love, it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s a genuinely positive and magical way to express your love to your children.
Children love to be read to
Thinking back to your childhood, you may have memories of reading with mom, dad, loved ones, or teachers. You loved that book your mother read to you over and over. As you know now, as a parent yourself, she probably didn’t want to read it that 5th or 6th time in a row when she had a dozen things on her to-do list.
We know without a doubt that children love being read to. With babies, they’re always handing you the book or asking for you to read it again and again. As they get older, they ask for “just one more” book at bedtime. It’s a beautiful way to spend time with your child, allowing them to explore the photos and words on the pages, sit close, and indeed be present with each other. While we, as adults, may not think of reading to our kids as an expression of love, it’s clear that our children appreciate it when we express our love for them in this way.
Encourages healthy development
Often the way we express our love comes in ensuring that our children are healthy, developing as expected, and prepared for the future. Any child expert will tell you that reading to your children, even when they’re sweet babies who can’t understand what you’re saying, is beneficial to set them up for the rest of their lives.
Instilling a love of reading, spending time bonding, and helping them to develop language and reading skills are all significant benefits of reading. Children who are read to are also more likely to be reading at an early age. Putting aside some time in our busy lives to sit with our kids and read, make them feel happy and truly enjoyed, and help develop their cognitive and communication skills is the ultimate expression of love.
Provides your undivided attention
Sitting close with our children, either cuddled up in bed or on the couch or sprawled out on the floor with stacks of books to read, is a highlight of their day. Not only do they get to sing nursery rhymes, learn about new people and places, and go on adventures in their imaginations, they get your undivided attention, which we know can be rare in the constant busyness of life
Teaches a love of reading
There’s not much more warm and comforting than curling up with your children and a book. Expressing love through reading to your children not only has benefits for their development but allows you to communicate your love for them in a new and exciting way. Providing your child with a love of reading as they grow into older children, teenagers, and adults is one of the most valuable gifts you can give them.
As Mother’s Day quickly approaches, we challenge you to use reading to express love for your children. Some of our favorites for young children are our Thank You Nursery Rhymes musical book and LOVE Nursery Rhymes musical book. These books provide fun illustrations and music to make them a more interactive experience for you and your child.