Dr. Bob: I have read so much recently about the importance of early reading with children. How early should I be doing this? Is some of this advice over-hyped since children might not be able to really process all of that information? My in-laws think that I am too compulsive with my reading routine with the children. What is the current pediatric advice?
Answer: I love this question since reading to children is my passion! Reading with your children from day 1 is so important. There continues to be sound scientific evidence that reading with your young infants and children –
- Strengthens relationships with parents and other caregivers
- Provides interactions that occur at a critical time in child development
- Stimulates brain wiring connections that are so important to the developing brain
- Solidifies early attachments through the physical contact
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) sees this as a critical component of primary care for pediatricians as they work with families to enhance the early development of their patients. (https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2024-069090) The AAP works closely with a national program called Reach Out and Read that is now 35 years old. Their mission emphasizes the importance of early reading – through empowering children, families, and communities, we can create a world where every child has the relationships and resources to learn and thrive.
Books should become a focal point of interaction between parents and children at calm times. During checkups in the office, I often declared to the children and families that “books are your ticket to the world!” I stand by that statement today. Studies have proven that in families where more verbal exchange occurs (reading together, reading aloud) that those children are more likely to enter school prepared for the challenge and ready to learn.
In Greenwood County, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library initiative distributes books monthly to all children that sign up free of charge from birth until 5 years of age. With generous support from individuals and businesses, the Emerald City Rotary Club has led the efforts here. They recently noted that as of early October 2024, there are 1,724 children in the program, which is over 40% of all children under age 5 who live in Greenwood County. Also, 1,826 children have reached their 5th birthday and graduated so they have served 3,550 children altogether. They have mailed a total of 87,514 books!
We now know that relational health is a vital component of our health picture. That term might sound odd, but it is tied to our ability to make connections with others and for our children that means creating and sustaining safe, stable nurturing relationships (SSNRs) that are the secret sauce for their development. SSNRs affect physical health and mental health in the present and the future, so the relational health that is enhanced by books, reading, and parental bonds are critical to the development of our children. Be sure to use physical books not screens.
It is not a stretch to consider reading to your children while they are still in utero. At quiet times, reading can provide a calm environment for both mother and baby that contributes to maternal health. The baby benefits from this immediate effect and the long-term effect of a healthier mother.
It is often said the milk builds strong bones for children. I don’t think that it is a stretch to say that “books build strong brains.” So, keep those books coming! They are important to parents also so never diminish that effect for all.
Dr. Saul is Professor of Pediatrics (Emeritus) at Prisma Health and his website is www.mychildrenschildren.com. Contact Dr. Bob at askdrbobsaul@gmail.com with more questions.