As a debut children’s author of "Ike the Fox and His Journey", I want my first post to focus not on my writing journey but on the importance of reading itself. My ultimate goal is to inspire a love for reading in my audience—and hopefully spark joy with my book in particular. In this and the next few posts, I’d like to dive into some of the many benefits of reading, focusing primarily on two areas close to my heart: the importance of reading to children and fostering empathy.
Reading
The benefits of reading for children are undeniable. In our high-performance society, the advantages of reading books—such as developing cognitive skills, expanding vocabulary, and sparking creativity—are often emphasised and framed as investments in future competitiveness and productivity. While those aspects are undoubtedly important, growing as human beings is crucial for our children's future, their thriving, fulfilment and happiness, and, in a broader context, for society and future generations.
Time is the most valuable and scarce resource. In this regard, a working poor and a billionaire are equal. Attention is the most sought-after gift. Taking time for your child and dedicating it to meaningful moments is what we can give our children, which would stay with them and warm their hearts when they grow up. This is what they would pass along. Reading to children fosters connection and creates opportunities for meaningful conversations about important topics, allowing us to engage in discussions that explore the world through their perspective.
Reading to my son every evening while he was little was priceless and a cherished memory. I enjoyed using different voices, laughing, and wondering together. Later, when he became a teenager, we moved on to watching 'Friends' as an after-dinner activity😊 This is our all-time favourite TV show.
I believe it’s just as important for parents to connect with their children as it is for the children themselves. Parents should also check in with their own inner child. This one gets neglected often, too, but that’s a different story.
Mia Feuerbach
