A latest study highlights the benefits of reading books aloud during bedtime to infants and toddlers. Researchers emphasize that this practice plays a crucial role in brain development, enhances interactivity, and fosters relationship-building between parents and their children.
U.S. researchers are encouraging parents and caregivers to read aloud to their newborns and young children to help build strong, loving relationships during a critical period of brain development. This simple yet impactful activity supports cognitive growth and emotional well-being in young children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its guidelines for the first time since 2014, advising pediatricians to offer families guidance and provide books during well-child visits. The revised recommendations aim to promote early literacy and language skills among children, ensuring they have a strong foundation for future learning.
The updated report highlights evidence that shared reading strengthens relationships, stimulates brain development, and forms early emotional bonds. The AAP recommends making reading a part of bedtime routines, using books to connect and relax after a busy day, and integrating reading into everyday life with young children. Establishing a habit of reading early in life can significantly benefit children’s overall development.
Furthermore, the AAP advises pediatricians to promote shared reading starting from birth and continuing at least through kindergarten, even in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Early exposure to books and storytelling can enhance a child’s language skills, attention span, and emotional intelligence.
Pediatricians are encouraged to develop skills to suggest enjoyable and developmentally appropriate reading activities while promoting meaningful, language-rich interactions with books, pictures, and written text. By incorporating storytelling into daily routines, parents can create positive experiences that nurture a love for reading and learning.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from the original source and aims to inform readers about the importance of reading aloud to children. Readers are advised to consult pediatricians or child development experts for personalized recommendations regarding early childhood reading practices.
(Source: https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1231069)