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My boys’ elementary school passed out a flyer (image below) at the Meet the Teacher Night for several years, and it left a lasting impression on me. It reinforced the homework policy – just 20 minutes of reading outside school every day. Besides an occasional worksheet, this has been all the homework my boys have had in elementary school.
It’s a great reminder that reading with your child is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your child’s education, emotional well-being, and future.

Why Reading With Kids Is So Important
Reading is beneficial on many different levels. According to the Child Mind Institute, reading with children boosts development in these key areas:
- Language development
- According to Laura Phillips, PHD, “Just exposure to words is the single most important thing that you can do to help build the language pathways in your child’s brain.”
- The more children are read to (and read independently), the more words they are exposed to.
- This builds their comprehension, understanding and vocabulary as well.
- Empathy and Emotional Awareness
- Stories introduce children to characters from different backgrounds, cultures, life experiences, and perspectives, helping them to relate to people different from themselves.
- Many children’s books present opportunities for children to discuss feelings and reflect on their own emotions.
- The Parent-Child Bond
- Reading together – whether it’s holding your child or snuggling on the couch – deepens connection.
- Your touch and presence provide comfort and sensory input while the story feeds their imagination and curiosity.
- It’s a shared experience that fosters lifelong memories.
More is Caught than Taught
There is a quote that I love by Emilie Buchwald:
“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”
If you want your child to fall in love with reading, you need to set the example. Here are some practical ideas to make reading a part of your family’s culture:
- Start early: even from birth. Don’t wait until they’re “old enough” to understand.
- Make library trips a tradition – pick out books together, taking turns choosing what to read.
- Take books with you everywhere – doctor’s office waiting room, sports practice for a sibling, car rides, etc. Leave the electronics at home and make books the default.
- Establish a family reading time – read the same book aloud or have everyone read independently in the same room. (Get ideas for family read-alouds at Read Aloud Revival)
- Pair books with experiences – in my family, when we read a book, we watch the movie version together. Some favorites: Charlotte’s Web, Where the Red Fern Grows, Swiss Family Robinson, Old Yeller and Harry Potter.
What About Reluctant Readers?
If your child sees reading as “boring” or a chore, you’re not alone. I wrote a post about how to motivate reluctant readers that’s filled with tips and book suggestions. Read it here.
Final Thoughts
Reading to your children has immediate benefits and long-term rewards. It builds their vocabulary, strengthens your relationship, teaches empathy and sets them up for success at school and in life.
There is no downside – only growth, connection and joy.
What are you reading with your children right now? Share your favorites in the comments!
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