One of the things I was most looking forward to when I heard the news I was going to be a Dad was the opportunity to be the teller of the bedtime story. I made it quite clear (in a stern, authoritative manner hoping my partner would allow) that it would be nominating myself as chief story teller as that was the job of the Daddy! Without hesitation the title was given to me and I proceeded from first bump to present day to read a story every evening possible.
I believe the reading of a bedtime story is very important for every child to experience but also for every parent to participate in too. I thought I would take some time and list the potential benefits to reading to your children in the hope that anyone reading this and not taking the opportunity would then pick up a book to spend just a short time with their little ones.
1. Building a bond
By reading with your child you will be spending some quiet, quality time with them. Not only will this be enjoyed by them it will also give you moments you can remember. If you were lucky enough as a child to experience a parent reading to you then surely you would want your children to have the same beautiful memories?!
2. Bedtime routine
If you are able to make this a regular part of putting the children to bed then it will quickly become a integral part of their routine. This will also mean that bedtime is looked forward too and doesn't become a chore for them or you.
3. Quality of sleep
It has been proven in many studies that reading over the watching of television/playing on devices before sleeping enables the brain to switch off and gives a better quality of sleep. Watching TV puts your brain into overdrive as the lights, movement and sounds over stimulate. Reading a book requires minimal work from the brain and as the stimulants (light, movement, sounds) are not present the brain is able to relax therefore resulting in a peaceful sleep.
4. Education
Children are like sponges when it comes to information and learning. Reading to or with them will promote their ability to recognize letters, numbers, words and sounds. If there are pictures, ask them to describe what's going on or create their own story from what they see as this will encourage their creativity.
5. Life skills
Most books these days have a hidden meaning, wisdom or moral. Reading to your children is the perfect way to convey the messages within the books on life without the child being aware they are receiving the information - who doesn't remember the story of the boy who cried wolf?? If your child has a behavioral issue then reading the books can be used as a tool to help you help them overcome the issue. Finally the books can be used to develop social skills that will serve them well as they grow into the adults you hope they will be.
My grandfather read to my father as a child, my father read to me as a child and I want my children to read to their children and so on. Too many present day children have the innocence of their childhood and imagination tainted by television or the internet so lets strive to give our children a better future by spending a little time reading with them...
