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“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.” Books feed our imagination; they give us the much-needed escape from everyday routine. When was the last time you lost yourself in the plot of a fantasy novel? What was the last character you fell in love with? Reading is a beautiful habit that everyone should indulge in, especially children.

 I remember how, as a child, I would love falling asleep with a book. Bedtime reading was a ritual in my household. Unfortunately, electronic media and technology have usurped that tradition. Kids these days don’t have the time or inclination to sit down with a book. They would rather stay glued to the TV or play on their phones all day long. Here are some reasons why reading to your children before bedtime is a good idea.

Improves Vocabulary

One of the most significant benefits of bedtime reading or just reading, in general, is that it enhances your vocabulary. There might be words that your kid might stumble across and not know the meaning of. Always have a dictionary and thesaurus in such situations. Also, just knowing the definition of a word is not enough. You must also teach them how to incorporate the word in everyday usage.

With reading, your child gets a better grip on grammar, sentence formation and language. Introduce them to different genres that have a mix of intense plots, fun reads and informative storylines. Some nights your young one would drift off with the story. On others, he’d stay up late in the night invested in the plot. That’s the joy of the entire process!

Widens Imagination

Reading opens up your mind to different ideas and perspectives. Bedtime reading is a good habit for both kids and adults. Kids, in particular, develop their logic and creativity through the plots and stories they read before bed. It acts as brain fuel, helping them figure out patterns, understand rational sequences and connect events in their heads. Scientific studies and observations further prove that reading makes you smarter!

 The latest gadgets offer audio-video stimulation to the viewer. This makes it easier for the audience to consume the content presented. They don’t have to paint the picture themselves. Instead, everything is spoon-fed to the audience. Kids, when exposed to such a medium, loose their creative faculties. Books, on the other hand, give them the space to imagine a character or scene any way they want.

Enhances Attention Span

In this age of social media, people crave immediate gratification and validation of their opinions. Today, we have new content popping up almost every day online. Websites and other mediums focus more on quantity than quality of the content they deliver. Videos, TV shows and advertisements lack the nuance and layers of a well-written book.

A good book holds your attention. The plot sucks you in, and the characters draw you inwards, they force you to focus. For, unlike a boring movie, you cannot just skip a few scenes and still get the hang of the story. The more you read, the more you develop your concentration power. As your child grows, start introducing them to more nuanced authors.

Informative and Entertaining

For very young children, I would recommend fantasy storybooks and picture books that look attractive. The older they grow, the more diverse their reading range would become. For your preteens and teenage kids, you can have a list of informative books. Introduce them to biographies, non-fiction books, autobiographies etc. This would help shape their view of the world. Some books discuss a wide gamut of topics- from politics to social issues and history- nothing goes untouched.

 Books also require a lot of work; you have to be invested in the narrative to grasp its meanings and metaphors. And contrary to popular belief, children’s books are not limited to fairytales. Instead check out books on entrepreneurship, management, finances, written to suit kids.

Inculcates Discipline

Bedtime reading also teaches a routine in kids. They have a fixed bedtime, a habit that goes a long way in ensuring they have a healthy lifestyle. Also, bedtime reading gives you some quality time with your children. Snuggle up to them with an exciting story about castles and kings. This also allows you to talk about their day and get to know more about their lives.

Bedtime reading is a great way to unwind after a hectic day. It helps people de-stress, rejuvenates the mind and ensures that you get a right shut-eye at night. And reading might even motivate your kids to try their hand at writing their own stories!

Lead by Example

You can preach all about the perks of reading, but it wouldn’t be as effective as you indulge in it. Kids often mimic their parents and elders. When you sit down with a book, the chances are that they might get intrigued to follow suit as well. Books are also a great way to bond with your children. Most children stories have some moral lesson that they can imbibe from the story.

Bedtime reading creates a space where you can discuss the shared values and worldly matters with your children. It even gives you valuable insights into how they see their surroundings. Young children are especially malleable and can be moulded with just a little nudge in the right direction.

Opens a Doorway to Writing

Reading before bed is a great way to boost brain power as well. And the more you read, the more you are encouraged to tell your own story. Books introduce you to multiple perspectives, opinions and ideas. They teach you the different narrative styles, techniques and mediums that you can use to express your views. Literature is a reflection of your inner thoughts and society at large. It is a space where you can show your anguish, your pain and your joys without any restrictions.

 Voracious readers often end up becoming great writers. They have the command over language and grammar. Also, books help you get in touch with your emotions. Some stories pose a challenge to the reader. Books are not like a movie where you get everything arranged on a silver plate. Books are addictive; they are challenging; they are exciting. So, pick up a book, get your little one and snuggle under the covers for a fantastic story!

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