Between television, video games and all of the other daily distractions, some people often forget to read between the lines, or read at all, for that matter. When it comes to activities you do with your children, there is no substitute for reading. The American Association of Pediatrics maintains that reading not only fosters the emotional bond between parent and child, but it also boosts brain development.{relatedarticles} Just like you teach your children to brush their teeth on a daily basis, the same recommendation goes for reading. And that's for children of all ages. A commission on reading report found that the most important activity for ensuring that your child is a success in the future. Research indicates that children who are exposed to books at an earlier age benefits in a multitude of ways, both large and small. Did you realize that children who are read to have stronger language skills and cognitive abilities? Experts recommend reading to children as soon as they're born. Reading to an infant helps stimulate the child. They also will associate the act with feeling attended to and loved. It assists in speech development.
In toddlers and older children, reading serves as an aid for vocabulary and pronunciation. Having a set reading time also prepares smaller children for school. Once they are in the classroom, they'll be prepared and attentive when the teacher has storytime. For elementary school kids, it also builds skills for grammar and sentence structure. {relatedarticles}Children whose parents read to them are better readers and perform better in school, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. When you compare the benefits of reading to those of playing video games, there's no comparison. Teaching your child to love reading at an early age will serve them well throughout their school years. You want your child to have positive feelings about reading. It's also a great way to help your child wind down after a long day. So what are you waiting for? Crack a book tonight.