10 minutes a day is all it takes to reap the benefits of reading for pleasure and yet many children don't do it. Why is that?
"No time to read, Ma'am. Lot's of school work to do."
"How do you unwind everyday?"
"I watch Netflix for a bit."
Unwinding in front of the T.V is what many of us do, adults and children included. There is something alluring about the T.V and it is sometimes hard not to binge watch. While it seems like a great way to relax, it does little in terms of helping with a good night's sleep for example. T.V time just before bedtime could interfere with sleep patters as images tend to stay more vivid in the mind.
Reading, on the other hand, can be a wonderful way for children to unwind and at the same time enjoy numerous benefits. Here’s how:
Calming Effect: Unlike the bright screens of TVs and tablets, reading provides a calming effect. It allows children to immerse themselves in a story at their own pace, which can help them relax and unwind before bedtime.
Improved Sleep: Engaging with a book before bed can help clear the mind of the day's stresses and distractions, leading to better sleep quality. The absence of screen glare also aids in preventing sleep disruption.
Enhanced Imagination: Reading stimulates the imagination as children visualize the characters and settings described in the text, fostering creativity and cognitive development.
Increased Empathy: Through stories, children can experience different perspectives and emotions, which can enhance their ability to empathize with others.
Better Focus and Concentration: Reading requires attention and concentration, skills that are beneficial in academic settings and everyday life.
Language and Vocabulary Development: Exposure to new words and sentence structures helps children improve their language skills and expand their vocabulary.
Therefore, incorporating reading into a child's routine can be a more effective way to help them relax and enjoy a range of developmental benefits. If there is time for Netflix, then squeezing 10 minutes somewhere close to bed time could be a good calming bed time ritual. If it is possible to read together, then the added bonus of bonding with family. What could be a better way to end the day?
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