Reading Books and Telling Stories: A Simple Act That is Not Always So Simple
Elsa Soares
Reading books and telling stories may sound easy — but for many families, it is not.
From our experience working with parents and caregivers across the world, we know that daily routines can be exhausting and unpredictable. That is why we always encourage families to create a specific, dedicated moment each day for shared story time. Whether it’s right after bath time or just before bed, what matters most is consistency — the same time, every day.
More importantly, parents and caregivers need to be present and emotionally available. We want story time to become a joyful moment — not a stressful task. Yes, at the beginning, it might feel difficult or even frustrating. And every child is different: some may resist, others may get distracted, and some might not sit through the whole story. But don’t give up. Over time, this shared moment becomes more meaningful and more enjoyable.
Why is story time so important?
Because it builds skills that are crucial for a child’s development:
- Communication: Choosing a book, expressing preferences, asking questions.
- Attention: Focusing on the story and following what’s happening.
- Language: Listening to new words, understanding concepts, observing illustrations.
- Cognitive Skills: Making connections between images and words, predicting outcomes, retelling.
One key factor? Choosing the right books for the right ages. Very young children may not sit through an entire story — and that’s completely okay. What matters is keeping the routine without hesitation. Let it grow over time.
And as this routine develops, you will discover new things — about your child, your family, and even yourself. We’d love to hear what you learn on this journey.
If you need support choosing books, toys, or games — or if you want to learn how to tell stories in a way that truly engages your child — don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to help.
Dr. Elsa Marta Soares
Senior Speech and Language Therapist
Specialized in Early Childhood Intervention
PhD in Child Studies