Beyond Bedtime Stories: The Lifelong Benefits Of Reading To Your Child

Reading a book to your child doesn't just create sweet bedtime memories—it's laying the foundation for their future success. When you snuggle up with a book, you're not only strengthening your emotional bond but also building critical brain connections during their most formative years. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognizes these profound benefits, recommending that parents read with children from infancy through kindergarten.

“We just think about the importance of bonding with your children and the relaxation and fun that comes with it,” said Daina Roberson, MD, pediatrics and internal medicine physician at Franciscan Physician Network Dyer. “Still, research shows that reading together with infants and young children can strengthen their relationships with their parents and caregivers.”

Dr. Roberson explained that reading with children promotes early brain development and attachment, especially during those crucial growth stages.

“It also lays the groundwork for school readiness and long-term benefits throughout life for literacy skills,” Dr. Roberson said. “So, it helps the whole family to develop a love for reading and family bonding time, which is important to any child's emotional development as well.”

Several Franciscan Physician Network practices, like Roberson’s, have incorporated AAP’s recommendation into its work with families. Using the nationally recognized “Reach Out and Read” initiative, practice physicians educate parents on the value of childhood literacy during child well visits (regular checkups). The practice acquires age-appropriate books at significant discounts from Reach Out and Read-affiliated publishers. Physicians receive training to coach parents on the best ways to read with their children.

Corin Marshall, MD, a pediatrician at Franciscan Health Network Heartland Crossing Pediatrics, has been using the Reach Out and Read method for several years and is convinced of its value in encouraging family reading.

“Having these tools helps start a conversation with the parents about the importance of books and speech, especially for kindergarten readiness,” she said. “It’s a great experience when you see children who received books return for their next visit carrying those same books with them. That is how we know the program’s potential impact for families.”

Dr. Roberson explained that while providers focus on areas such as early language exposure, naming pictures and rhyming words, their goal is to promote early literacy and to help cultivate the children’s love for reading.

“During every visit, we introduce a new developmentally appropriate book to help build the kids’ libraries,” Dr. Roberson said. “By the time they get to kindergarten, they're already exposed to books, have a love for reading and they'll continue to build their libraries in their homes.”

Dr. Roberson said the space in the lobby at Franciscan Physician Network Dyer adds a flow of reading opportunities for the kids as they wait for their appointment.

“Kids can certainly look at books and read through them while they're waiting to be called back to the exam rooms,” Dr. Roberson said. “We have a little library with shelves and books. Kids can come and pick out a book, if they like. We’re continuing to make it very child and family-friendly so that kids can develop that love for reading every time they visit.”

Recognizing the promise the reading program holds to increase childhood literacy, the Franciscan Health Foundation and Franciscan’s Community Health Improvement professionals plan to expand the use of Reach Out and Read throughout Franciscan’s service area.

Reach Out and Read has been proven effective, through independent, peer-reviewed research to make a difference in children’s lives.

• Participating families read more frequently to their children. Studies show that parents are 2.5 times more likely to read with their infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Additionally, they read to them more frequently.
• Children exposed to Reach Out and Read had higher receptive and expressive language scores.
• Increased exposure to Reach Out and Read led to larger increases in language scores.

“This is so much more than simply handing a child a book on their way out the door,” says Kate Hill-Johnson, director of Community Health Improvement. “It’s about equipping physicians to appropriately and efficiently mentor families on the importance of family reading, and to do it within the structure of the child’s well visit.

“We are working to identify interested participants throughout Franciscan’s physician network. A practice in Lafayette has started the program and we’re hoping to identify a physician in the Burmese community to work with their patients, which will aid them in learning English, as well.”

For more information about Reach Out and Read, go to Reachoutandread.org.