For the past few days, my 3.5-year-old son has been conversing with us in English. It’s broken, but he’s getting better. This might be due to the influence of Peppa Pig or the recent switch to the Paw Patrol series. However, there’s another factor at play. Just as we did with our firstborn, I read books to him while he drinks his milk, once in the morning and again at night. I’m amazed to see that he remembers the entire story, line by line. He finishes sentences for me and is quick to correct me whenever I make a mistake, whether it’s accidental or deliberate.
Our daughter has officially earned the title of bookworm, and I can see my son heading down the same path. Many of my friends often ask what they can do to help their children develop the habit of reading. My answer is always the same: make it a habit — something as natural and routine as eating their meals. Telling them to read simply doesn’t work.
My first choice of gift for children is always a book — unless I know for sure that the child won’t enjoy it or has a different interest. I don’t take credit for our children’s love of books. They’ve inherited that trait from their father and grandmother, both of whom have always loved reading. As a child, I didn’t enjoy books much myself, except for secretly reading my mother’s subscribed magazines (to her dismay): Grih Shobha and Sarita. Later, my father subscribed to Reader’s Digest, which was considered a great option at the time for improving one’s English and reading skills.
Even when our daughter had no idea what I was holding, I would read her picture books. Gradually, we progressed to sensory-touch books, first-word books, read-along books of her favorite characters — and she just took off. Now, there’s no stopping her (and no storage left in our home for books!).
That’s why I say reading must be built as a habit. Expose children to this wonderful world while they’re still very young. When we’re traveling or not at home, my son often reverts to watching TV while drinking his milk. But as soon as we return, we make it a point to get him back to his book routine. Are we forcing him? You could say that — but it’s a very gentle, subtle nudge toward a much healthier habit (compared to watching TV), one that will benefit him throughout his life.
How can books help a child?
- They build an amazing vocabulary. There are words my daughter uses that even I don’t recognize.
- They expose children to various cultures. That too, without them ever leaving their homes. I’m currently reading The Secret Seven by Enid Blyton from my daughter’s collection and enjoying the glimpse into British culture. Sudha Murty, on the other hand, transports us to South Indian villages and traditions.
- They improve concentration. Admittedly, this can backfire when it becomes difficult to get them to put the book down — but that’s a trade-off I’ll take.
- They foster self-expression. When given the right books at the right age, children learn to articulate themselves well. Often, readers become good writers — maybe not professionally, but they find it natural to express themselves through writing.
- They provide an escape. I’ve found great comfort in reading when life feels overwhelming. A good book transports you to another world. I remember crying each time I read A Thousand Splendid Suns, thinking how much more pain Mariam was enduring than I was. My own suffering felt smaller in comparison. Though Mariam was a fictional character, the setting, turmoil, war, and suffering of the Afghan people were very real.
- They never go out of style. Yes, digital books are here to stay, but hardcovers and paperbacks will always have their charm, just like printed photographs.
As someone who picked up this habit later in life, I can say without a doubt: books are the wisest investment – for your children and yourself, too. And if you want your child to get into reading, the best thing you can do is pick up a book yourself. You won’t regret it.
Can you think of any more advantages of reading books? Add them in the Comments section below!
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Picture Courtesy: Photo by Tadeusz Zachwieja on Unsplash
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