SHOULD YOU READ TO YOUR BABY?
Iknow you just had a baby, and you are mentally and physically trying to get your act together. The nights are long and the days are even longer with the amount of washing burping, rocking to do. So I'm not trying to push you over the deep end, new mother, when I say got a few minutes to spare?..well, why not read to the baby?
My new findings come with a bombardment of experts confirming that reading to your baby has had a bountiful of positive effects. Once over the new born phase, your baby will be a curious bundle of energy. He or she will start to take an interest in their surroundings, will develop an attachment to a favourite toy or blanket and also start to be more interactive with everyone.
Therefore as their consciousness is becoming more astute and alert, this is the perfect time to start reading to them. Reading aloud to your baby not only helps to strengthen the bond, but also helps the baby start to have a connection with books. In this day and age our quickest response is to place an infant in-front of a technological device. As much as this is enticing, it does not offer the multitude of benefits that you as a parent can cultivate with the one on one interaction. Here are some proven benefits as to how reading can affect your baby positively.
Reading aloud to your baby not only helps to strengthen the bond, but also helps the baby start to have a connection with books
Reading opens the world's doors. As you start reading to your children, it not only strengthens the parent to child bond, but it also opens the world to your children. Simple words, sounds, animals, places become familiar to them. Hearing then constantly encourages them to start imitating and become more familiar with the terminology
Reading aloud stimulates. Reading aloud stimulates language skills, cognitive thinking skills and enhances memory. It has been found that older children who do better at school, were constantly read to and started reading at any early age. The right stimulus given at the right time, can reap many benefits as the child's brain develops.
Encourages talking. Children who are constantly in interaction either through being read to them or are in constant conversation, start mimicking the sounds you make and eventually start to speak sooner. As they begin to speak they can be introduced to sounds and words and this encourages development helping the child to hit the required milestones.
Children who are constantly in interaction either through being read to them or are in constant conversation, start mimicking the sounds you make and eventually start to speak sooner. As they begin to speak they can be introduced to sounds and words and this encourages development
Helps to solve problems. Reading can also help a toddler overcome certain growing up issues, like potty training, letting go of teddy or even sleeping in the big boy/girl bed. When children read stories about similar situations this helps them to express any fears or queries that they couldn't voice. It gives them confidence to deal with the problems and this is a more positive way of dealing with little childhood situations.
Therefore do not overlook the fact that your little one is just a baby and reading will not benefit them. On the contrary you are giving them their first lessons in life and enriching their growth. Have a moment, then read to the baby.