Page 29 - FWG Issue 4 May 2023

Today’s Child

HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR

CHILD TO READ

B Y NICOLA KILL OPS

hen I was a child, one of my Unfortunately, reading has become a lost the emotional and social benefits, reading
favourite activities was the art in today’s fast-paced world. With so is also essential for the brain’s development.
weekly trip to the local library many distractions, forgetting the wonders Studies show that reading accelerates brain
Wwith my mom. I was an avid of getting lost in a good book is easy. Yet, development and improves cognitive
reader from a young age and grew up in a reading is one of the most wonderful abilities.
home filled with books. I vividly remember hobbies one can have. It opens up new
the first time a teacher introduced me to the worlds, stimulates the imagination, and Reading also improves vocabulary and
wonderful minds of authors like Roald Dahl, expands your knowledge. It is a hobby that general knowledge, enhances empathy
Judy Blume, and Enid Blyton. Although I can bring a lifetime of pleasure. and emotional intelligence, and even
have adapted an evolved with the times – reduces stress. It develops critical thinking
getting most of my reading material in the Why should you read to your children? skills and encourages creativity. So how can
form of ‘e’ and audiobooks – nothing makes As a parent, you have the power to shape you ensure that reading doesn’t become a
me happier than browsing a traditional your child’s future. Reading aloud with your lost art in your home? Here are a few tips:
bookshop. I run my fingers over the covers, child, whether young or old, can create a
smell the pages and have to stop myself deeper bond between parent and child. It 1. Don’t fear or undermine technology:
from buying 20 books for the ever-growing also instils a love for reading, which they The modern world is filled with tech,
‘to-be-read list.’ can carry throughout their life. Aside from and our kids need to be exposed to it

Fourways Gardens • 27 • May 2023