S1.E18: The Power of Reading

Imagination is one of the most powerful tools we have as humans. It allows us to think beyond the boundaries of our everyday lives, transporting us to different times, places, and even worlds that don’t exist. But why is it that some of us are more imaginative or creative than others? Scientists have yet to determine the exact reasons—there may be some genetic factors involved, but much is still unknown.

Regardless of how imaginative or creative you believe you or your children are, there is always room for growth in these areas. One of the best ways to bolster imagination is through reading. Reading, especially fiction, has the unique ability to suspend our reality and open our minds to new perspectives, ideas, and possibilities. It can transport us to different eras, help us imagine life in space, or even introduce us to talking animals. Through reading, we gain new knowledge that we can piece together with our thinking skills to create something entirely new.

If your child loves fiction, that’s wonderful! Encourage them to keep reading what they enjoy, but also nudge them toward other genres. The more diversified their reading, the broader their vocabulary and understanding of the world will become. As Dr. Seuss famously wrote, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

Reading offers numerous opportunities beyond just expanding the mind. It can even help your child land a better job in the future. A strong vocabulary and comfort with higher-level words can make them appear better educated and more valuable to potential employers. Moreover, reading and writing go hand in hand. The more we read, the better we understand the structure of narratives, poems, and even scientific articles, which in turn improves our writing skills.

Reading is also a great way to relax and decompress. It provides a mental escape from the hectic world around us, offering a much-needed refuge. For parents, cultivating a love of reading in our children can mean precious alone time for everyone with their respective books.

But what if your child doesn’t seem to enjoy reading, despite your best efforts? This is a common challenge, and it often comes down to two factors. First, the book might be too difficult for your child to understand. It’s important to find a book that matches their reading level. You can use the five-finger rule: if a child struggles with more than five words on a page, the book may be too challenging for them. In such cases, consider reading the book together or redirecting them to something more suitable.

The second reason could be a lack of interest in the book itself. Are you choosing the books, or is your child? Even if the books are appropriate for their level, they might not align with their interests. Let your child have a say in what they read. Take them to the library, offer a few options, and let them choose. If they pick something too easy, that’s okay—they’re still reading, and that’s what matters.

Remember, the principles of fostering a love for reading apply to us as well. As parents, we are our children’s first and best teachers. What they see us doing has a profound impact on their own habits and interests. By valuing books, reading with them, and being readers ourselves, we set a powerful example. It’s not just about raising a thinker—it’s about continuing to be thinkers ourselves.

So, go grab a good book, immerse yourself in it, and encourage your child to do the same. The journey of reading is one that benefits us all, young and old alike.