We\u2019re parenting in a world where screens compete constantly for our kids\u2019 attention. And sometimes? The quiet that settles over the house when your child is absorbed in a tablet can feel like absolute bliss (no judgment here).<\/p>\n
Still, when you can, carving out time to read together offers something screens simply can\u2019t replicate: connection, conversation, and brain-building magic wrapped into one cozy moment.<\/p>\n
To dig deeper into the impact of reading with kids, we spoke with Matt DePietro\u2014author of From Pups to Grown Ups<\/em> and dad to his son, Leo\u2014about how story time supports development while strengthening your bond with your child.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s why reading together matters\u2014and how to make the most of it.<\/p>\n Children learn about the world through stories long before they fully understand complex emotions or social situations. Books give kids a safe, approachable way to explore kindness, empathy, gratitude, and relationships.<\/p>\n When Matt started writing From Pups to Grown Ups<\/em>, he wanted to highlight life lessons he hopes to pass down to his son\u2014things like showing appreciation for loved ones and treating others with kindness.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile sitting in a dog park before Leo\u2019s premature birth, I realized many of the lessons I wanted him to learn were behaviors I saw naturally in our dogs,\u201d Matt explains.<\/p>\n When children connect with characters, they begin recognizing their own emotions in those experiences. That emotional connection helps build early self-awareness and social skills.<\/p>\n You can deepen that learning by turning story time into conversation time. Try asking:<\/p>\n These simple questions help children practice empathy, emotional regulation, and problem-solving\u2014all essential developmental skills.<\/p>\n Storybooks can also introduce children to the idea that their actions\u2014even small ones\u2014can positively impact others.<\/p>\n Many children\u2019s books support charitable causes, which opens the door to meaningful conversations about generosity and community care. For example, From Pups to Grown Ups<\/em> supports animal shelters, which often operate with limited resources while caring for animals waiting for their forever homes.<\/p>\n Moments like these give parents a natural way to talk about:<\/p>\n Helping children understand giving early builds compassion and strengthens their sense of belonging in their community.<\/p>\n Remember believing giants lived in the clouds or that animals could talk? That imaginative thinking isn\u2019t just adorable\u2014it\u2019s critical for brain development.<\/p>\n During early childhood, imagination fuels problem-solving skills, flexible thinking, and creativity. Books expose children to new ideas, worlds, and perspectives they may not encounter in everyday life.<\/p>\n In From Pups to Grown Ups<\/em>, two shih tzu puppies narrate their experiences growing alongside their new baby brother. Stories like this invite children to stretch their imagination and engage with storytelling in playful, meaningful ways.<\/p>\n Beyond creativity, reading also supports:<\/p>\n These foundational skills support learning both inside and outside the classroom.<\/p>\n Perhaps the most powerful benefit of reading together has nothing to do with academics\u2014it\u2019s about connection.<\/p>\n Reading creates predictable, calm moments where children receive your full attention. That consistency builds emotional security and strengthens attachment, which supports confidence and resilience as kids grow.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need elaborate routines to make reading meaningful. Even ten minutes before bed or a quick story during quiet time can become a cherished daily ritual.<\/p>\n If you want to get the most developmental value out of reading together, try:<\/p>\n The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/p>\n Reading with your child supports far more than early literacy. It helps them understand emotions, strengthens creativity, teaches empathy, and builds lifelong learning skills\u2014all while creating meaningful moments of connection between you and your child.<\/p>\n Your child may not remember every story you read together, but they will remember the feeling of sitting close, turning pages, and sharing that time with you. Those moments shape how children view learning, relationships and storytelling for years to come.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Reading Is One of the Most Powerful Tools You Have We\u2019re parenting in a world where screens compete constantly for our kids\u2019 attention. And sometimes? The quiet that settles over the house when your child is absorbed in a tablet can feel like absolute bliss (no judgment here). Still, when you can, carving out time […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":548,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30,27],"tags":[],"content_type":[57],"age_stage":[54],"tone":[64],"persona":[110,108,106],"class_list":["post-547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cognitive-development","category-development","content_type-article","age_stage-baby-4-12m","tone-quick-tips","persona-prefer-not-to-say","persona-caregiver","persona-parent"],"yoast_head":"\nStories Help Kids Make Sense of Big Feelings<\/h2>\n
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Books Introduce Kids to Community<\/h2>\n
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Reading Builds Creativity, Imagination + Cognitive Growth<\/h2>\n
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Reading Strengthens Your Parent-Child Bond<\/h2>\n
Making Story Time More Engaging (+ More Effective!)<\/h2>\n
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