Reading with Your Child – Benefits You Could Be Missing Out On
In today’s busy world, reading with your child can sometimes feel like “just another thing” to fit into an already full day. But what if those 10 quiet minutes together could shape your child’s confidence, school success, emotional wellbeing — and even your relationship?
Many parents don’t realise just how powerful shared reading can be.
Let’s explore the benefits you might be missing out on — and some simple, realistic ways to make reading a joyful part of your daily routine.
Why Reading with Your Child Matters
A child who loves reading often finds school easier, learns more confidently, and gains access to wider opportunities later in life. But that love doesn’t usually happen by accident — it grows from shared experiences.
Reading together from an early age helps children:
📚 Develop Strong Reading Habits
When reading becomes part of daily life, it feels natural — not forced. Children who grow up seeing books as enjoyable are far more likely to become independent readers.
📖 Find It Easier to Read Later
Early exposure to stories builds vocabulary, listening skills, concentration, and an understanding of how language works. This makes learning to read independently much smoother.
🌟 Discover the Joy of Stories
Understanding words and pictures brings stories to life. Children begin to connect meaning, imagination, and emotion — which strengthens comprehension and creativity.
It’s More Than Just Reading – It’s Connection
Reading together isn’t only about literacy. It’s about bonding.
When you sit down with a book together:
💬 It Opens Conversations
Picture books can gently explore fears, worries, friendships, kindness, or change. Stories often help children express feelings they struggle to explain themselves.
This builds:
✔️ Emotional literacy
✔️ Confidence in sharing feelings
✔️ Stronger social skills
❤️ It Strengthens Your Relationship
That shared laughter, curiosity, and closeness creates powerful moments of connection. These small, consistent interactions build trust and security.
🌍 It Allows You to Share Values & Identity
Books offer opportunities to talk about choices, kindness, culture, family traditions, and the world around us.
🧠 It Supports Mental Health
Reading together promotes calm, relaxation, and emotional safety — for both parent and child. It can become a comforting daily anchor in a busy routine.
What Can Get in the Way?
Let’s be honest — life is busy.
Many parents feel:
✔️ “How am I going to fit this in?”
✔️ Guilt when they miss a day
✔️ Unsure if they read well enough
✔️ Worried they’re choosing the wrong books
✔️ Frustrated when their child resists reading
Here’s the reassuring truth:
👉 Just 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference.
👉 Skipping a day is not the end of the world.
👉 There is no “perfect” way to read together.
Reading is not a performance. It’s a shared experience.
And if your child is learning to read and becomes frustrated — that’s completely normal. It takes patience, encouragement, and sometimes a little creativity to keep it positive.
Practical Tips to Make Reading Easier
⏰ Find Small, Natural Moments
You don’t need a full hour. Try:
✔️ Before bedtime
✔️ Before breakfast
✔️ After nursery or school
✔️ Whenever your child asks
Consistency matters more than duration.
🖼 Start with Pictures
Talking about pictures in books, magazines, or even on digital screens builds storytelling skills and vocabulary — even before your child can read.
Ask:
✔️ “What do you think is happening here?”
✔️ “How do you think they feel?”
✔️ “What might happen next?”
Before Your Child Can Read
✔️ Use picture books and explore the illustrations deeply.
✔️ Let your child choose the story — even if it’s the same one again and again!
✔️ Repetition builds confidence and understanding.
When Your Child Is Learning to Read
Avoid comparisons with other children. Confidence grows when children feel safe, not pressured.
📘 Make It an Invitation, Not a Chore
Instead of:
✔️ “You need to read now.”
Try:
✔️ “Shall we read this page together?”
💤 Match Reading to Energy Levels
If they’re tired, keep it short. Let them decide when to stop.
👏 Praise Effort, Not Just Accuracy
“Well done — that was a tricky word, but you kept going!”
This builds resilience and motivation.
🔄 Take Turns
You can:
✔️ Help with difficult words
✔️ Read parts yourself
✔️ Read more advanced books aloud to stretch their imagination
Be the Example
Children copy what they see.
If your child sees you enjoying reading — even occasionally — you’re showing them that books are valuable, relaxing, and meaningful.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be genuine.
Final Thoughts
Reading with your child is not about being a perfect parent.
It’s about creating moments.
✔️ Moments of laughter.
✔️ Moments of curiosity.
✔️ Moments of comfort.
✔️ Moments that quietly shape their future.
Just 10 minutes a day can strengthen literacy, confidence, emotional wellbeing, and your bond — all at once.
And that’s something truly powerful.
✨ Secure Your Child’s Place
Spaces are limited for our new term. Give your child the best possible start in a caring, stimulating environment where their confidence and skills will blossom.
📞 Call us today: 0161 205 9067
📧 Email: info@wmbchildcare.co.uk
