The Many Benefits of Fathers Reading to Children

I came across a very interesting article recently on the website moms.com about what experts are saying are the benefits associated with fathers reading to children. As the Stars of the Sky Foundation promotes literacy, as the ability to read well is such an important foundation for success. At early ages, children learn a variety of skills by being read to. Their brain is developing and soaking in all that they hear and see.

The following are some of the benefits of fathers reading to children:

Improved language development – According to an Australian study, researchers found “that fathers reading at two years promoted better language development by age four.
A more well-rounded development – Experts have found that when mothers read to their children, they focus on the content of the books. When fathers read, they talk about many different things and ask questions about the story. Children should have both methods of reading to be more well-rounded.
More gender equality – Oftentimes, women are associated with reading to children – whether they be mothers, grandmothers, or teachers. By having fathers read, children widen their perspectives of gender role models and see reading as an activity that men enjoy and do as well.
Stronger bond with children – A father taking the time to read to his children shows his love and commitment to their well-being. It tells his children that they are important to him. No one can take the place of a father as his love for and relationship with his children are extremely special and unique.
Enables relaxation – After a long day, a father who takes the time to read to his children can simultaneously relax. At bedtime, he can close the door, get out a book, and read to his child. By shutting out the world and the worries of the day, he can enjoy this time with his child.

To learn more, please visit:

https://www.moms.com/dads-read-kids-more-reasons-experts/

https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/early-learning/why-reading-with-dad-matters#:~:text=%E2%80%9CResearch%20has%20clearly%20demonstrated%20that,age%20four%2C%20but%20not%20literacy

In a study issued in April, 2015, the American Academy of Pediatrics revealed scientific evidence of the positive effects that reading has on younger children. For years, pediatricians have encouraged new parents to read to their babies as early and often as possible. Now there is actual scientific proof through MRI testing establishing how reading to children influences different brain activities which then helps in the development of oral language skills and ultimately reading skills. The children who were a part of the scientific study underwent MRI testing while they were listening to stories via headphones. The researchers were able to monitor their brain activity. Here is an excerpt from the article in Science Daily that discusses the findings:

“We are excited to show, for the first time, that reading exposure during the critical stage of development prior to kindergarten seems to have a meaningful, measurable impact on how a child’s brain processes stories and may help predict reading success,” said study author John Hutton, MD, National Research Service Award Fellow, Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Reading and Literacy Discovery Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. “Of particular importance are brain areas supporting mental imagery, helping the child ‘see the story’ beyond the pictures, affirming the invaluable role of imagination.”

— Science Daily

Read more of the article by CLICKING HERE.