Why Reading Together Is One of the Most Powerful Parenting Tools You Have
Let’s be honest—we’re parenting in a world where screens compete constantly for our kids’ 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 to read together offers something screens simply can’t replicate: connection, conversation, and brain-building magic wrapped into one cozy moment.
To dig deeper into the impact of reading with kids, we spoke with Matt DePietro—author of From Pups to Grown Ups and dad to his son, Leo—about how story time supports development while strengthening your bond with your child.
Here’s why reading together matters—and how to make the most of it.
Stories Help Kids Make Sense of Big Feelings and Real-Life Lessons
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.
When Matt started writing From Pups to Grown Ups, he wanted to highlight life lessons he hopes to pass down to his son—things like showing appreciation for loved ones and treating others with kindness.
“While sitting in a dog park before Leo’s premature birth, I realized many of the lessons I wanted him to learn were behaviors I saw naturally in our dogs,” Matt explains.
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.
You can deepen that learning by turning story time into conversation time. Try asking:
- “How do you think that character felt?”
- “Have you ever felt something like that?”
- “What would you do if you were in that situation?”
These simple questions help children practice empathy, emotional regulation, and problem-solving—all essential developmental skills.
Books Introduce Kids to Community, Giving and Helping Others
Storybooks can also introduce children to the idea that their actions—even small ones—can positively impact others.
Many children’s books support charitable causes, which opens the door to meaningful conversations about generosity and community care. For example, From Pups to Grown Ups supports animal shelters, which often operate with limited resources while caring for animals waiting for their forever homes.
Moments like these give parents a natural way to talk about:
- Why helping others matters
- How communities support one another
- Simple ways kids can give back (donating books, toys, or supplies)
Helping children understand giving early builds compassion and strengthens their sense of belonging in their community.
Reading Builds Creativity, Imagination and Cognitive Growth
Remember believing giants lived in the clouds or that animals could talk? That imaginative thinking isn’t just adorable—it’s critical for brain development.
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.
In From Pups to Grown Ups, 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.
Beyond creativity, reading also supports:
- Vocabulary development
- Listening and comprehension skills
- Early literacy readiness
- Attention span and focus
These foundational skills support learning both inside and outside the classroom.
Reading Strengthens Your Parent-Child Bond
Perhaps the most powerful benefit of reading together has nothing to do with academics—it’s about connection.
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.
You don’t 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.
Making Story Time More Engaging (and More Effective)
If you want to get the most developmental value out of reading together, try:
- Letting your child choose the book—autonomy builds engagement
- Using different voices or expressions to bring characters to life
- Pausing to ask questions or predict what might happen next
- Connecting stories to real-life experiences your child understands
- Re-reading favorite books—repetition strengthens comprehension and comfort
The Bottom Line
Reading with your child supports far more than early literacy. It helps them understand emotions, strengthens creativity, teaches empathy, and builds lifelong learning skills—all while creating meaningful moments of connection between you and your child.
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.
