A new study shows that reading to young children can help them overcome the effects of maltreatment, neglect, and abuse, and not just in terms of better grades.
The numbers pertaining to child abuse and neglect are concerning and call for finding ways for children to cope as soon as possible.
According to the latest available data (2019), approximately nine in every 1,000 US children are abused or neglected. Furthermore, about 50,000 children were proven victims of abuse and neglect in Australia last year.
A large-scale study conducted by the University of South Australia revealed that parents and caregivers can boost the at-school resilience of their children by regularly reading to them.
As many as 3,414 of the 65,083 children aged 5–6 included in the study were identified as belonging to the high-risk category for maltreatment. Additionally, boys showed less resilience than girls, but both genders benefited equally from being read to.
Other studies have shown that reading to children increases the activation of certain brain regions, especially those linked to language development. The effects like improving school scores are also well-known.
However, no one expected outcomes like battling traumatic experiences.
Still, scientific evidence shows that reading to children is much more than quality time spent with them. It’s also a way to boost both their cognitive and emotional well-being.
So, lay back on your favorite reading chair and make reading to your children a regular habit.