How reading can be the best way to bond with and spend time with your child

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

It can be difficult to find the time or the opportunity to bond one to one with your child in the middle of a busy day. However, sitting with your child for as little as a few minutes day and reading a book out loud to them can have vast and remarkable long-term effects.

Children learn best by engaging and interacting with those around them. When you read out loud you are giving your child your undivided attention. You are following their cues, giving them eye-contact and encouraging communication which all play vital roles in building happy relationships and promoting emotional intelligence. It is precious time to really focus on and engage with your child.

I have not yet come across a child who does not enjoy reading a story with an adult. Most children want the same story to be read to them over and over again. It can be frustrating but children love repetition and they also love hearing the sound of your voice -so take advantage of this and use ‘reading’ as a bonding opportunity. Be silly and animated! Remind yourself how it was like to be a child.

If you have younger children (babies/toddlers/pre-schoolers) make reading interactive and engaging by asking them to point at where objects or people are on the page. Let them touch and turn the pages, repeat the sounds and explore the colours and shapes on the page.

If you have slightly elder children, then reading with them can be used as an opportunity to bond with them by drawing out wider conversations from the book. Ask them deeper questions such as; ‘Who is your favourite character and why?’, ‘What would you do in this situation?’ ‘What do you think would happen next in the story?’ This will prompt them to think outside the box, think creatively & mindfully and most importantly, it can be the the start of interesting discussions with your child.

Remember, time spent reading with your child is NEVER time wasted.