Ah, reading stories to your children! That sacred moment when, after a busy day, you settle down to share a precious (and often chaotic) moment, book in hand, ready to set off on an adventure... in your pyjamas. But have you ever considered what this simple activity, beyond the evening ritual aspect, can do for your child? You might be surprised!
Why reading stories to your children is essential? Benefits that go beyond words
We can't stress this enough: reading to your children is much more than a transitional activity before bedtime. In fact, reading opens doors to imaginary worlds, develops language skills, and creates unforgettable moments of complicity. And let's be honest, what parent hasn't secretly enjoyed the idea of traveling to the land of dragons and fairies, while sitting quietly in their living room?
Stories to develop imagination and creativity
Each book is a gateway to a new universe. Whether it's a story about a rabbit racing against time or a pirate in search of hidden treasure, children learn to imagine scenarios, solve problems and see the world from different angles. The wackier the story, the more your child's neurons light up like a Christmas tree. And who knows? Maybe that book you read together will give birth to a future writer, or even an inventor!
The benefits of reading stories to your children for cognitive development
Reading to a child also means teaching them to master their own language, understand complex concepts and develop their memory. Just imagine, every page turned is an opportunity to exercise that growing little brain. What's more, stories provide an ideal framework for learning new words, and not just for winning at Scrabble. Studies show that children who are regularly exposed to reading perform better academically and understand more complex information. All this, simply by reading a story about three little pigs!
I invite you to read neuron up France's article on the benefits of reading for the brain.
Strengthening the parent-child bond: the magical effect of bedtime stories
In fact, perhaps the most valuable aspect of all is the opportunity to strengthen the parent-child bond. Each book read together becomes a shared moment, an opportunity to connect, chat, laugh and even console. Let's face it, sharing a story is truly magical, especially those that start with 'Once upon a time' and end with 'And they lived happily ever after'.
The "I don't have time" myth
Of course, many parents think they don't have enough time to read a story to their child every night. Between work, errands, homework, and all the other responsibilities, it's easy to believe that a few extra minutes are impossible to find. However, sometimes it only takes five minutes or less to open a book and offer your child a priceless moment. These little interludes of reading don't require much, but nevertheless, they pay huge dividends for your child and your relationship.
How to choose the right stories for your children
Of course, not all books are created equal. Choosing the right stories is crucial to captivating your child and making every reading moment eagerly anticipated. Good children's books combine captivating stories with colorful, attractive illustrations. Think about your child's interests: from dinosaurs to princesses, there's a book for every passion. Vary the genres: a little poetry, an adventure, and why not a touch of humor to end on a high note?
Would you like to discover unique stories adapted for your children?
Explore our Educational Stories & Tales section on Play and Grow Together to regularly discover new adventures that nurture imagination and learning.
Final thoughts
Reading to your child is much more than just following the lines on a page. It's about opening horizons, making dreams come true, and giving your child the tools to grow as a student and as a person. When you open a book, you're doing much more than reading a story; you're enriching his world. You're shaping a little being who may well, one day, write his own.
And if you're looking for a helping hand in choosing the right stories, sign up on our platform. You'll receive a gift:
- an exclusive "How to choose the right book for your child" guide, with a list of recommendations for every age.
- Free access to the first page of each module
It's perfect for children to develop their creativity at an early age. Thanks for all the tips!
Thanks David for your feedback. See you soon!
For years, evening reading was a routine between my dyslexic son and me. Now he's 20 and listening to stories on YouTube. Thank you for this inspiring article.