Early in our parenting journey, we made a decision about the kind of children we hoped to raise. We wanted kids who felt secure, demonstrated self-control, were emotionally regulated, able to focus and pay attention, and who were good listeners. These are essential life skills that help children succeed academically, socially, and in every aspect of life.

There was also one more “little” thing that we knew was actually a big thing — we wanted our kids to be readers. Research consistently shows that reading to your children when they are young — and continuing as they grow through “family story time” — not only increases their love of reading but also provides a wide range of lasting benefits.

Creating a habit of investing just 10–15 minutes a day in dedicated recreational reading time (not schoolwork) can significantly support your child’s emotional development, as well as their academic and social success. This simple daily practice helps in several important ways:

  • Builds language and vocabulary
  • Strengthens brain development
  • Improves attention and listening skills
  • Sparks imagination and creativity
  • Creates strong parent-child bonds
  • Builds emotional intelligence and social growth
  • Encourages a lifelong love of reading
  • Supports literacy skills

Most parents want these outcomes, yet many aren’t making this simple investment of time. Educators and the medical community are seeing firsthand that children’s literacy readiness is declining — and not just because of COVID.

Susan Neuman, professor of childhood literacy and education at New York University, explains, “The gap really begins very, very early on. I think we underestimate how large a gap we’re already seeing in kindergarten.” While the benefits of reading to children may seem obvious, many parents are surprised to learn that research suggests children who are regularly read to hear approximately 1.5 million more words by the time they are five years old compared to children who are not. Experts often refer to this as the “million-word gap.”

Why Aren’t Kids Being Read To?

We believe one reason may be that other activities have quietly taken the place of reading for fun and relaxation in our lives — namely our phones, video games, and other digital distractions. We think we’re relaxing, but we may actually be missing meaningful opportunities for connection.

How often have you been at a restaurant or event and seen entire families on their devices instead of engaging in conversation? Or caught yourself doing the same thing at home — sitting together on the couch, your child watching a show on TV or a tablet, while you and your spouse scroll on your phones? Then suddenly, it’s bedtime after a long day. Taking ten to fifteen minutes to read to your child can, at that point, feel like just one more laborious task.

Another reason some parents may read less to their children is frustration when kids want to hear the same story night after night. While these “read it again” phases can test a parent’s patience, they are actually an important part of brain development, especially for young children. Re-reading favorite stories provides powerful benefits:  

  • Predictability gives kids a sense of control and reduces anxiety, especially at bedtime. Kids have a hard time with the transition to bedtime, so a consistent bedtime with parents and their favorite story is a comforting ritual.
  • Repetition leads to deeper learning and mastery.  Kids notice new details, meaning and patterns with every re-telling of the story.  This creates layers of understanding leading to mastery. Mastery is rewarding and builds confidence. 

How to Create a Reading or Story Time Habit

When our boys were little, we read a couple of stories before prayers at bedtime. We also set aside 15 minutes after dinner for family devotions or Family Story Time, often reading from The Chronicles of Narnia. As our boys got older, they spent a few minutes reading on their own before lights out. We also made trips to the library and school book fairs fun family activities.

Making reading enjoyable — and keeping it fun for the whole family — is key. Here are a few simple tips:

  • Choose books that both you and your children enjoy
  • Make time to let your children look at the pictures and ask questions
  • Take turns reading parts of the story
  • Read with enthusiasm and expression
  • Ask your child questions about the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and the plot

Reading aloud to your children is a powerful way to bond. It creates treasured memories, builds emotional intelligence, promotes literacy skills, and cultivates a love of reading that can last a lifetime.

So make the time investment. Just 10–15 minutes a day can create a joyful, meaningful habit that may truly change your child’s future. 

Blessings to your family,

Shelly & Rich