Storytelling has always been an essential part of our society, and today it continues to play a powerful role in child development. Reading with your child from an early age not only promotes early literacy skills, but also strengthens social and emotional well-being.

When parents and caregivers take time to read with their children, it creates opportunities for bonding, trust, and consistency. Shared reading helps children explore new perspectives, build empathy, improve problem-solving skills, and reflect on real-life experiences in a safe and imaginative way.

The benefits of storytelling go beyond academics—it helps children develop emotional regulation, communication skills, and critical thinking. These are foundational elements of social-emotional learning that prepare children for healthier relationships and lifelong success.

We know it can be challenging to find time for reading, especially in busy households. But even small moments—bedtime stories, reading during meals, or listening to audiobooks together—can make a big impact.

Up next, we’ll explore practical parenting tips and creative ways to make reading a consistent and enjoyable part of your child’s routine.

5 Ways to Make Reading Part of Your Child’s Daily Routine

1. Create a Consistent Reading Time

Choose a specific time each day—such as before bed, after dinner, or even during breakfast—for reading time. Consistency helps children see reading as a natural, enjoyable part of daily life rather than a chore.

2. Make Books Easily Accessible

Keep a wide variety of books in different areas of your home—bedrooms, the living room, even the car. When children see books around them, they’re more likely to pick one up and explore. Include picture books, chapter books, magazines, and comics to give them plenty of choices, since every child has unique interests and reading preferences.

3. Use Storytelling in Everyday Moments

Reading doesn’t always mean sitting down with a book. Storytelling can happen at mealtime, in the car, or while waiting in line. Many games, songs, movies, and TV shows also carry storylines that can spark meaningful conversations. Talking about these everyday stories helps children build imagination, strengthen social-emotional learning, and deepen family bonds.

4. Incorporate Technology Wisely

Audiobooks, e-readers, and interactive reading apps can be helpful tools for busy families. Listening together or following along with an audiobook builds early literacy skills and encourages discussion. However, younger children especially benefit from physical books with illustrations, which help with focus, comprehension, and connection.

5. Model the Love of Reading (or Learning)

Children learn best by example. Let your child see you enjoying a book, magazine, or article. If reading isn’t your favorite pastime, you can still model curiosity and a love of learning in other ways—listening to podcasts, exploring hobbies, or researching a new interest. When parents show genuine enjoyment of reading or learning, children are more likely to develop lifelong positive habits.

Why Social-Emotional Learning Matters

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is all about helping kids understand their feelings, manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make thoughtful decisions. These skills are just as important as academics, because they prepare children to navigate everyday challenges with confidence—both in school and in life.

Research shows that children who practice SEL often enjoy stronger friendships, better mental health, improved problem-solving, and even higher academic achievement. The good news? SEL doesn’t have to be complicated. Parents and caregivers can weave it into everyday life through simple activities like conversation, storytelling, and shared reading.

Books are one of the most powerful ways to introduce SEL. Stories give kids the chance to see the world through different perspectives, watch characters work through challenges, and reflect on their own emotions in a safe, engaging way.

Ready to get started? Here are some age-appropriate SEL book recommendations to help your child build empathy, resilience, and emotional awareness.

Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2–5)

The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions by Anna Llenas — A fun, visual way to help little ones name and understand feelings.
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek — A beautifully illustrated story exploring a wide range of emotions.
Hands Are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi — Teaches self-control and the importance of gentle behavior.

Early Elementary (Ages 6–8)

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud — Encourages kindness, empathy, and positive actions.
What Should Danny Do? by Adir Levy & Ganit Levy — An interactive book that lets kids practice problem-solving and decision-making.
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld — A heartwarming reminder of the power of empathy and listening.

Upper Elementary (Ages 9–12)

Wonder by R.J. Palacio — Promotes kindness, acceptance, and understanding different perspectives.
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt — A story about resilience, self-confidence, and navigating learning differences.
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson — Highlights empathy and the lasting impact of missed opportunities for kindness.

Teens (Ages 13+)

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas — Explores identity, empathy, and social justice through a teen’s perspective.
Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri — A powerful memoir-style novel about resilience, cultural identity, and finding hope.
You Will Be Okay: Find Strength, Stay Hopeful and Get to Grips with Grief by Julie Stokes — Offers compassionate support for teens coping with grief and emotional challenges.

Reading with your child is more than an academic exercise—it’s a powerful way to build trust, connection, and emotional growth. Even a few minutes a day can spark imagination, strengthen empathy, and create lasting family bonds. By weaving stories into everyday life, you’re not just raising a reader—you’re nurturing a resilient, compassionate, and confident child.

Nurturing Hearts and Minds: How Stories Shape Children's Hearts and Minds