In this gizmo-freak world of lifeless interactions, reading out to your baby is the best thing that could happen. It is a great way to spend quality time with your baby and build a bond with him. Along with the bonding, his cognitive faculties are also boosted. Know the brainy benefits of a bedtime story.

This is rightly said that there is no substitute for books in a child’s life. Nothing can beat the feeling of snuggling next to your little munchkin as you read out to him. Isn’t it? Apart from just being a source of joy, this simple practice of bedtime stories can benefit your baby in various ways.

According to research, 18 to 24-month-old children who have been read regularly for a year were able to understand and speak more words comparatively. A child who is read out to since early age experiences stimulation in that part of the brain that helps in understanding and enhances language. It will help him in everyday communication.

According to AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), parents should start reading to their children since infancy. Good habits are developed at an early age and stays with children for their lifetime.

Benefits of Bedtime Story

1. Enhances language and communication skills

It is proved that children who have a reading routine at an early age develop language, communication, and curiosity about the world around them.

By interacting with the characters of the story, your child gains valuable communication skills. The pictures and words they come across while reading or story time build their vocabulary. This is the reason why schools conduct fancy dress competitions. By getting dressed up in various characters of fancy dress ideas, children learn various things.

Always use body language during the storytelling session. To make reading more alive use interactions. Encourage kids to respond, touch, feel and explore the books. Let them ask questions in between and make it interactive by involving them. Let them name the characters of stories.

2. Gives wings to imagination

Reading makes sufficient room for self-expression. It opens up the window and gives wings to a child’s imagination. It also raises curiosity levels and raises the IQ by over 6 points.

Use illustrative books to help children discover the world around them. Big and colorful illustrations always help them to understand better.

3. Increases focus

Seated in one place for some time and narrating a story keeps your baby focused. It will strengthen his concentration level. Their observational, visual and motor skills are enhanced through storytelling.

4. Develops healthy bonding

Reading to your child develops a healthy and positive relationship. It facilitates the quality time you can spend with your child. Just snuggle up your little one and start making your own stories. In this way, you can also teach them various life lessons.

At times, lectures get boring but stories can never get boring and you can indirectly pass your message to your children. This works even with young kids as well!

5. Encourages the love for books

Reading or storytelling at an early age helps build the love for books. You should also start enjoying reading to set an example for your little ones.

Inculcate the habit of reading in kids by creating a comfortable reading zone. Always place books within their reach and visibility. It will remind them to read. Moreover give them age appropriate books including your mother tongue language.

Hope these parenting tips will help you to stimulate your child’s cognitive faculties.

Happy Reading and Happy Sleeping!