Why Reading to Your Child Every Day Matters More Than You Think
Bringing reading back into the home, one child and one book at a time.
“Will you read this to me?” Your child is holding a favorite book, ready to climb onto the sofa. You mean to say yes, but dinner needs attention, the laundry is waiting, and your phone lights up with another message. “In a minute,” you say. Then the evening keeps moving.
Families today are balancing work, school, activities, and everyday responsibilities. It is easy for a good intention to get lost in a busy evening. My hope is that reading together becomes something you look forward to, even when you only have a few minutes.
Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, you can make room for a story without finding a whole free hour. For children ages 2–7, family reading time can begin with a favorite book and 10 to 15 minutes together.
Reading Begins Long Before Kindergarten
A child does not need to recognize letters to enjoy a book. A baby can listen to your voice while looking at pictures. A toddler can point to a dog, turn a page, or insist on hearing the same story again. That counts as sharing a book, too.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends shared reading from birth to support language and early literacy development. (American Academy of Pediatrics: shared reading guidance) Reading to toddlers can be as simple as naming a picture and waiting for their response. You can talk about a book in the language your family feels most comfortable using. Let your child enjoy the pictures and the sound of your voice. The letters can wait.
Reading Builds More Than Academic Skills
Open a picture book and you have something new to talk about. Where is the little mouse going? Why does the cricket look worried? What would you do next? Children can wonder, make guesses, and tell you what they notice.
The benefits of reading aloud include opportunities to hear language and discuss a story together. Shared reading supports language and literacy development, which contribute to school readiness. (American Academy of Pediatrics: shared reading guidance) When you sit down together, though, you can simply enjoy the story. Ask a question if it fits, laugh at the funny parts, and see where the conversation goes.
The Connection Between Reading and Confidence
Sometimes a child has plenty to say about a story, even before they can read its words. Let them tell you what is happening in the pictures. Invite them to finish a familiar line or choose which character gets a silly voice.
I want children to feel that their ideas matter. When you ask what they think will happen next, give them time to answer. If a character feels nervous about something new, you might ask, “Have you ever felt that way?” You do not need the perfect response. Sometimes it helps just to listen and talk it through together.
Why Reading Together Strengthens Family Bonds
Family reading time gives you something to share that does not need much preparation. You sit close, follow the same story, and notice what makes each other laugh. A grandparent, father, mother, older sibling, or caregiver can all be part of that routine.
The AAP describes shared reading as an opportunity to nurture relationships through warm, responsive interaction. (American Academy of Pediatrics: shared reading guidance) Sometimes your child will want to talk about one picture for longer than you expected. Let them. There is no hurry to reach the last page. That little conversation is part of your time together.
Can Too Much Screen Time Replace Reading?
Screens are part of many families' days. Some digital stories can be enjoyable, especially when an adult joins in. Still, watching a story alone is a different experience from sharing one with someone who responds to your questions.
The AAP encourages back-and-forth interaction when families use digital books or audiobooks. (American Academy of Pediatrics: shared reading guidance) If a screen is taking up the time you hoped to spend together, try setting it aside for one short story. Try one book before bed, or a few pages after dinner. Start wherever it fits your family.
What Happens When Children Don't Develop Early Reading Habits?
Without regular opportunities to share books, children may have fewer chances to enjoy stories with a familiar adult. If books have not been part of your routine, you can begin today. You have not missed your chance.
Every child brings different interests and experiences to a book. Some want to hear a story right away. Others would rather look at the pictures or talk about their favorite animal. Begin with something your child likes, whether that is animals, trucks, a funny rhyme, or a familiar character. A library can help you find books without adding to the household budget. If reading remains difficult, ask your child's teacher about support. Shared reading can stay enjoyable while a child receives the help they need.
You Don't Need an Hour. Start With 10 Minutes.
I often encourage families to start with just 10 to 15 minutes. It is a small amount of time to set aside, and it does not need to be exact. If your child is ready to stop after a few minutes, that is okay. Choose a moment that already fits your day, such as after breakfast, before a nap, or while settling in for bed.
Let your child choose a book. Pause for a question, point to an interesting picture, or reread a favorite page. The AAP's reading tips encourage following children's interests and stopping when they lose interest. (American Academy of Pediatrics: reading aloud tips) You do not need funny voices, and you do not have to finish the book. Read in your own way. If you miss a day, try again tomorrow.
Why I Write Children's Books
As a children's author, my mission goes beyond writing books. I want to help bring reading back into the home, one child and one book at a time. I write stories that encourage imagination, confidence, and kindness, and I hope families enjoy reading them together.
In Too Excited to Sleep!, Jack is an excited little mouse learning to settle down at preschool naptime. His story introduces lessons about listening, patience, and rest.
Eric the Colorful Cricket Starts Kindergarten follows Eric as he faces the excitement and uncertainty of starting kindergarten. The story helps children explore confidence and courage when experiencing something new.
In Eric the Colorful Cricket Saves Christmas, Eric's Christmas adventure introduces themes of courage, kindness, and helping others.
I want my books to become part of your child's reading journey. Whether you read one of my stories or another favorite, what matters to me is that you spend a little time reading with a child.
Books by Tammy Christian · Illustrated by Jiya Daim
The Greatest Gift May Be Your Time
A favorite book does not have to be new. It might have bent corners and pages you have read so often that you know the words by heart. If your child still brings it to you, there is something in it they want to share again.
When your child brings you a story, they may also be asking for a place beside you. Some days you can sit down right away. Other days you need to finish dinner first. You can make a small, realistic plan: “Let's read that together after we eat.” The habit grows from returning to those moments when you can.
Bring Reading Back Into Your Home
When I talk about the importance of reading to children, I am thinking about families sitting together, enjoying a story, and making room for each other in a busy day. That is the kind of reading time I hope to encourage.
Choose a book tonight, or find a few minutes tomorrow. Even 10 to 15 minutes of shared reading can become a meaningful family habit. Let your child choose the story, ask their questions, and hear their favorite page again. Together, we can bring reading back into the home, one child and one book at a time.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. Beyond Literacy: Shared Reading Starting at Birth Offers Lifelong Benefits (2024).
American Academy of Pediatrics. Tips to Help Your Child Enjoy Reading Aloud (2018).
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