Throughout the early childhood years, we always hear about the importance of reading to and with our babies. Research shows that children whose parents regularly read to them develop the vocabulary, comprehension and communication skills that support future academic success. Children who enter school with strong pre-reading tools are more likely to become confident, successful readers (and students and adults). And, of course, reading together nurtures the parent-child relationship.
So we develop these beautiful morning and evening reading routines with our precious littles, then we send them off to school and that’s it. They’re on their own. What comes next is an endless 12-year college readiness list of the rigor and demands surrounding book reports, reading lists and SAT prep, all on fast-forward, pushing aside the meaningful moments and bonus benefits of family reading time.
Reading Together = Connection
We as parents of tweens have our own homework: to do whatever it takes to connect. So here are 3 reasons to bring family reading back as you step into tweenhood!
1. Reading together is a gateway into learning more about who our children are becoming while our children learn more about us.
Without having to force conversation and navigate one-word answers to our probably annoying questions about their day, reading together initiates conversation about topics, characters and situations that our children aren’t dealing with in real life. Through chats about the books, personal opinions, interests and values surface. Our children’s and our own.
2. One of the most powerful messages we can relay to our kids is that reading isn’t something we do only for school.
Reading–rather, lifelong learning–helps us grow and better understand the world around us. When we become fellow learners with our children, we show them that asking questions and reflecting on ideas is for all ages. We teach them that curiosity, critical thinking and open minds are essentials for success in school, the workplace and society.
3. Reading together builds bonds.
Whether you pick up a copy of the book your child has to read for school, listen to an audiobook that one of you chose for when you’re in the car together or go to the library and check out two copies of the same book, reading together becomes a shared activity that is exclusively yours. Connection defines tween and teen years. Reading together leads to informal chats which lead to a sense of understanding which leads to acceptance which leads to the priceless fundamentals of solid parenting: trust and sense of belonging.
Try it this month. Humor your kids into thinking you’re helping them check off their summer reading, and give yourself a gold star and an A+ on the work that matters most.
