Parents are instrumental in setting the stage and supporting the habit of reading for pleasure as well as for instruction. When a parent takes the time to read with their children, they demonstrate that books are truly a “magic carpet” that will take them anywhere their imaginations care to roam. Listed below are ten reasons why parents should read with their children:

Encourages Bonding: Intimate contact while reading with your family can become the basis for trust. Bonding on a daily basis makes the private time with our children a source of comfort. When they have doubts and questions, they will know we are there for them.

Bridges the Generation Gap: Shared reading time is a great time to discuss issues with out children.

Encourages Character Development: One way to teach character development is through exposure to good characters from great books.

Explains the Meaning of Success: Commitment, goals and hard work … these concepts become understandable to children of all ages when they read stories about the success of others.

Builds Self-Confidence: We feel good about our family ties and ourselves when we spend time reading together.

Teaches Responsibility: Reading helps prepare children to learn how to accept their own responsibility and helps prevent them from accepting any burden that isn’t theirs.

Increases Sense of Worthiness: Encouraging our children to select reading materials strengthens their sense of self worth, good judgment and independence.

Shows Family Support: By reading aloud to our children and with them, we show that we support them as they are learning how to read.

Encourages Self-Expression: Exposure to reading enables children to better express their thoughts and ideas.

Develops Integrity: Reading can help develop a child’s values and morality through exposure to good and bad characters, situations and their outcomes.

Source: 101 Reasons to Read with Your Child, Brenda Star, StarGroup International Book Division.