Reading connects! Books strengthen relationships with young children

Reading connects! Books strengthen relationships with young children

The importance of reading to children cannot be overstated. Recent recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) underscore the importance of reading in early childhood. According to the AAP, shared reading not only promotes language comprehension, but also children's social and emotional skills.

Dr. Perri Klass, a professor of journalism and pediatrics at New York University and lead author of the updated AAP guidelines, says reading with children should be integrated into everyday rituals. “This habit creates valuable moments and strengthens the bond between parent and child,” says Klass. The new guideline appeared Sept. 29 in the journal Pediatrics and is the first update since 2014.

The benefits of reading together

The AAP emphasizes that reading aloud creates a solid foundation for academic and personal development. This includes not only the linguistic, but also the emotional and cognitive development of the children. Dr. Dipesh Navsaria from the University of Wisconsin-Madison summarizes his impressions: "Image-rich, high-quality books are invaluable. They offer an interactive experience that goes far beyond the passive consumption of digital content."

The AAP's recommendations for pediatricians are clear: Reading should be encouraged from birth and continued beyond preschool. Particular attention should be paid to culturally diverse books that represent different characters and themes.

In addition, Dr. It's great that reading skills in the third grade are closely linked to school graduation and later professional success. Children who experience reading from an early age develop positive associations with books and stories. They associate reading with security and interaction – fundamental elements for their healthy development.

The AAP calls on parents to make books an integral part of everyday life. “Use reading time as an opportunity to wind down after a long day and build a deeper connection with your child,” says Klass.

Research clearly shows that early experiences with books and reading moments can lay the foundation for a successful educational career. For these reasons, reading aloud and discovering stories together are essential for a child's development. We recommend reading more about this topic at www.yucatan.com.mx.