The beliefs, preferences, and behaviors of parents directly influence the education of their children. According to researchers, parents who regularly engage in reading with their children find it easier to nurture and educate them. Such parents often encounter less difficulty in parenting, and their children develop a considerable level of tolerance, along with a lack of attention-related issues.
Research published in the Journal of General Development and Behavioral Pediatrics highlights the additional benefits obtained from the habit of reading together for both parents and children. When parents and children read together, their bond strengthens.
According to the research, making reading a daily routine provides educational benefits and emotional advantages, which can contribute to success in school and later in life.
Here are five successful steps to follow when reading with your child:
1. Establish a Routine:
Finding a suitable time to sit and enjoy reading together can be challenging. If possible, set a consistent time each day to establish a routine, allowing you to stick to reading sessions regularly. Reading together before bedtime can be a beneficial habit.
2. Allocate Short and Frequent Reading Sessions:
Reading together can be a manageable amount of time. Even spending just ten minutes a day can have a positive impact. If your child is engrossed in a study session, continue, but if they are tired after a busy day at school or work, maintain the routine by reading a few pages.
3. Create a Reading Environment:
Learning to read can be challenging, especially when there is excessive noise at home. Try to find a quiet place where distractions from TV, other children, or pets are minimal. Consider a well-lit and comfortable area for a peaceful reading experience, enhancing your child's enjoyment.
4. Stay Calm, Engage in Reading, and Provide Support:
Ensure that you and your child are in a place where expressions are easily visible and that you can support your child during reading sessions. Your crucial role is to check the accuracy of word reading and comprehension.
5. Praise after Reading:
When your child is reading, it's essential to encourage and acknowledge their efforts. Even if the session is not highly successful, try to find at least one accomplishment and praise your child. Ending the session on a positive note can help your child stay focused on the next one.
Research from the Journal of General Development and Behavioral Pediatrics, based on interviews with over 2,000 mothers and children from 20 major cities in the United States, showed a correlation between reading with a child for two years and the child's temperament during the first three years of life.
The study found that a greater inclination toward reading with a two-year-old child was associated with less challenging temperament during the first three years of parenting. Similarly, a higher inclination toward reading with a three-year-old child, when combined with parenting, was linked to a less challenging temperament during the child's first five years of development.
Mothers who actively read with their children reported fewer complaints about the child's temperament, indirectly indicating a reduced tendency of challenging parenting. Moreover, cultivating the habit of daily book reading with children has long-term positive effects on their upbringing and personality development.