Reading aloud to children is key to healthy brain development, strengthens family bonds, and increases kids’ understanding of the world around them. Spending time together reading aloud also helps children improve their language and listening skills. When your kids listen to you share a story, they’re also learning how to focus their attention — they don’t want to miss out on what happens next! They’re also learning to take an interest in the thoughts and feelings of others. Through the stories you share and talk about, your kids discover what it means to listen and care.
Your child has probably seen you pay close attention to what they say in a way that makes them feel heard and understood. At the same time, your child is learning to understand how others feel and how they want to be understood.
Reading together leads to empathy — when kids can listen and understand the thoughts and feelings of others and show that they care.