If there is one thing that I will treasure most from my childhood, it is the fact that my parents always took the time to read books to me – always. Our situation may have been a bit extraordinary as we grew up without a television at home so we ended up loving books with a passion. Still, I believe it was our parents’ initiative that nurtured that love of reading which has undoubtedly contributed much to our formative years.

Now that I am in my mother’s place, I recognize the importance of reading to children, no matter how old they are. From infanthood till the time your child learns to read, reading to them everyday is important. Simple stories, picture books, and the like – these are vital in the development of your child.

Once he learns to read on his own, should we still read to him? I think that it shouldn’t stop just because he can do it by himself. Bedtime stories are one of the things that your child will remember when he grows up. More than an intellectual activity, this is also a perfect way to bond with your child. It is one way of showing him that he is important and a priority for you. I still remember slowly drifting away to Neverland with the soothing voice of my mom or my dad in the background – a perfect way to sink into the thralls of night of peaceful sleep!

So, do you read to your children? Do you spend enough time doing this?