In today’s world, reading books has become a lost art. According to a recent Gallup poll, Americans read fewer books than ever. This decline in reading is likely due to the rise of digital media and technology. However, reading books with your child provides a unique opportunity for quality bonding time, education, and intellectual growth. The benefits of reading books with your child are numerous and cannot be overstated. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to restore the lost art of reading with your child and the many benefits that come with it.

Benefits and tips for building strong reading habits in your kids. 

Reading books with your child is a beautiful way to bond with them while also encouraging their intellectual and emotional growth. However, it’s not always easy to make the time or create a habit around reading, especially with so many competing priorities. But we know there is so much value to be gained in reading to, and with, your kids, so we’ve created seven tips to help you restore the lost art.

1. Make it nostalgic for yourself: buy your favorite childhood books and read them to your child.

One of the best ways to make reading with your child enjoyable is to choose books you love. You can share your memories and experiences with your child while also introducing them to some classic children’s literature. Our childhood favorite books for school-aged kids include, Because of Winn-Dixie, Ramona Quimby, Age 8, and Charlotte’s Web.

2. Get both parents involved. 

Getting both parents involved in reading to your child is a great way to create a strong family bond around books. It’s also helpful for sharing the responsibility of reading time, making it easier to maintain a consistent routine. Plus, it’s good for kids to experience reading with more than one person as it helps them to retain information, not expecting it to come in the same way each time. 

3. Step away from that mobile device.

We’re all guilty of it; spending too much time on our phones. After all, with sites like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, there is so much exciting stuff to peruse. But the fact is the average person spends nearly seven hours a day on screens connected to the internet, and that isn’t necessarily just for work. However, we can’t get it back when it comes to time with our kids. So push those devices aside, or put them in another room, and settle in for a great night of reading and exciting stories.

4. Get a library card. 

A library card can be an excellent resource for finding new and exciting books to read with your child. It also promotes a love for reading and learning and can be a fun activity to do together. And libraries are more popular than ever, with content ranging from books to movies and more. Over 174 million people in the country are registered at a local library. That’s nearly 54% of the U.S. population!

5. Start reading to your child, even before they are born.

If you’re expecting a new baby, there is no time too soon to start reading to them. Reading to your baby during pregnancy can stimulate their brain activity and support the development of early literacy skills and language abilities. Promoting literacy skills continues to be reinforced when reading to your baby after birth, even though they may not yet be able to communicate verbally. Despite their inability to talk, reading helps babies learn about their environment and fosters early cognitive growth. And if your baby is already here, no worries! It’s never too late to start reading together and establishing great reading habits.

6. Make reading together a family tradition. 

Making reading together a family tradition can create a sense of excitement and anticipation around reading time. It can also reinforce the importance of reading and make it a consistent part of your family’s routine. Plus, remember that reading is a healthy habit. Building healthy habits is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being in the long term. Incorporating positive habits into your daily routine can improve your overall quality of life and reduce the risk of chronic diseases and mental health issues.

7. Don’t set a timeline for your child’s reading skills.

Encouraging your child’s love of reading is all about allowing them to explore at their own pace. Avoid placing undue pressure on them to reach certain milestones by specific ages. Instead, celebrate their progress and let them read whatever sparks their interest. Good children’s books can be fascinating for both children and adults, making them ideal for quality family time together.

Remember, reading is a joyful and rewarding activity that can open up new worlds and promote a lifelong love of learning. And remember how we suggested finding some books from your own childhood to read together? Well, here is where we insert our shameless plug: why not add books such as Curious George Visits the Dentist or The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist to your family reading list?

Reading books with your child will pay off in dividends. 

Reading books to your child is a rewarding experience that can create a deep bond between you and your little one. Not only does it promote early literacy skills and language development, but it also provides an opportunity for quality one-on-one time that your child will cherish. Remember, often the simplest things create the best, longest-lasting memories for your children. By sharing a book together, you’re creating a foundation of shared experiences that will last a lifetime.

If you’re the parent of a toddler, don’t be afraid to read the same book repeatedly. Many toddlers thrive on repetition, and revisiting familiar stories can help them to build important language and cognitive skills. Additionally, keeping a book in your purse or bag is an easy way to make the most of downtime, whether waiting in the reception room at the dentist’s office or enjoying a day out at the park. 

At Must Love Kids, we love books, too!

Reading is one of those lost arts that we hope to resurrect with our patients and our families. We hope these recommendations from your pediatric dental office in Vancouver, WA, will help you to start reading with your kids. Let us know how it’s going at your child’s next dental appointment. And let us know if you have any favorite books that we should add to our recommendations list.

Request an appointment with Must Love Kids today.