Reading plays a crucial role in a child’s educational foundation, and many parents engage in this activity long before their little ones can read independently. A pediatrician emphasizes the necessity of starting to read to children as early as possible to bolster their development. In a segment of a popular parenting series, Dr. Emily Hart discusses the long-term benefits of introducing books to infants.
Dr. Hart warns that if children aren’t prepared for learning by the time they reach kindergarten, they may struggle to keep up with their peers by third grade. “If they aren’t reading at grade level by third grade, this can lead to a cycle of disengagement and increased risk of dropping out later,” she states. This highlights the urgent need for parents to foster a love for reading from the moment their child is born.
“I would love to provide a book at every wellness check-up to motivate parents to start reading early,” Dr. Hart suggests. Reading together is not only a wonderful bonding experience but also vital for cognitive growth. “Ninety percent of brain development occurs before a child turns five,” she notes. “If we delay reading until they enter school, it may be too late.”
As a parent, I genuinely enjoy reading to my children, a practice my partner and I have embraced from day one. However, there are nights, especially after a taxing day, when the temptation to skip the bedtime story can be strong. Thanks to insights from this pediatrician, I realize that missing out on a story like “The Wizard’s Apprentice” might lead to my son struggling in the future.
While there is a clear link between reading proficiency and educational success, it’s essential to recognize that not every family has the capacity to read nightly. For busy single parents or those juggling multiple jobs, this can be a significant challenge. We shouldn’t instill fear about potential failures in their children’s futures.
On the flip side, perhaps a little urgency is warranted. For our next storytime, I might just introduce my son to a character from a horror story…
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In summary, pediatricians advocate for early reading as a vital component of child development, underscoring that starting this practice before school can positively influence a child’s future learning trajectory. Engaging with books from infancy can foster a deeper appreciation for reading, setting children up for success in their educational journey.