Dr. Bob: I keep hearing about the importance of books for children. I don’t understand how books early will make a difference. Children cannot read in infancy, so it seems like a wasted effort to try and read to them. When should I start reading to them in earnest?
Answer: I am so glad that you asked that question. Let me be direct – I want you to start reading to your children right away. Yes, right after birth is not too soon! If milk builds strong bones, books build strong brains. Let’s talk about why.
- There is strong evidence to link early reading efforts to parental bonding and early school readiness. You are right that children cannot “read” in early infancy but the process of holding your infant, cuddling your infant and sharing a mutual source (a book) strongly enhances bonding and nurturing overall. They can hear the words! The times that infants are alert and not being fed allow for enrichment of the parental/infant bond. Comforting and engaging in a joint activity like book reading provides strong bonds and normalizes this behavior going forward. It allows the parent to calm down from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life. It allows the parent to learn how to regulate (able to provide calm, attentive, attuned and responsive behavior) when with the infant at other times. It sets aside valuable time and energy to an activity that is so important. It lets everyone know that this special time is to be treasured and set aside for this important activity. So even if the infant cannot “read,” she/he can respond to the words and the motions of reading. This ingrains this activity and pairs it with quiet nurturing time.
- Two important programs (along with others) are available to encourage early reading. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library initiative provides free books monthly from birth to age 5 – as of February 12th, currently enrolled 1706, total graduated 1985! Folks can sign up in Greenwood at the library and other sites. A national Reach Out and Read program distributes books through pediatric offices. This program is over 35 years old.
- Books are so important. They strengthen relationships with parents and other caregivers. They provide interactions that occur at a critical time in child development, stimulate brain wiring connections that are so important to the developing brain, and solidify early attachments through the physical contact. Since the first three years of a child’s life, we want to start to work right away to enhance brain development and brain wiring.
- Books are often that key to making stronger relationships between parents and child.And other caregivers can get in the act also. My granddaughter loves to jump in my lap for a reading session. We started this process very early. Relationships are key to building those strong brains. Books are an integral part of providing SSNRs (safe, stable nurturing relationship) for our children and our families.
- I am a firm believer that books are our “ticket to the world” – not phones, tablets or computers.Books require more engagement and that is crucial to this process. Books make us be more interactive and encourage more independent activity in the future.
The evidence is clear – reading to your children from birth is critical to developing a healthy child and healthy relationship with your child. It is not a wasted effort. When not reading, also be talking and singing to your child. A word-rich environment is so important.
Dr. Saul is Professor of Pediatrics (Emeritus) at University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Greenville and his website is www.mychildrenschildren.com. Contact Dr. Bob at askdrbobsaul@gmail.com with more questions.