Page 31 - Waterfall City April Issue 2023

HOW TO ENCOURAGE

YOUR CHILD TO READ

By Nicola Killops

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

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