Why Reading Aloud Matters for Child Development

Reading aloud to children is more than just a bedtime ritual; it’s a cornerstone of their development. This simple yet powerful activity lays the foundation for cognitive, emotional, and social growth. When parents read aloud, they expose their children to the rhythm and structure of language, helping them understand how words and sentences come together to convey meaning. This early exposure to language builds neural connections in the brain, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

However, new research from HarperCollins UK reveals a concerning shift: fewer than half of parents with children up to 13 say reading aloud is “fun for me.” Among Gen Z parents, who grew up with screens and digital media, reading is increasingly seen as a subject to learn rather than a fun or enriching activity. This change in attitude risks disrupting one of the most effective ways to foster early literacy and emotional connection.

Enhancing Language and Vocabulary Skills

One of the most significant benefits of reading aloud is its impact on language development. Children are naturally curious, and books provide a treasure trove of new words, phrases, and sentence structures for them to explore. Hearing these words in context helps them understand their meanings and usage, enriching their vocabulary over time.

Yet, the report shows that reading frequency is declining sharply. In 2012, 64% of children aged 0–4 were read to frequently. In 2024, that number has fallen to just 41%. The drop is even more pronounced among boys, with only 29% of 0–2-year-old boys being read to daily, compared to 44% of girls. This early disparity in language exposure can have long-term consequences for vocabulary acquisition and literacy development.

Strengthening Parent-Child Bonds

In today’s fast-paced world, finding quality time to connect with children can be challenging. Reading aloud offers a perfect solution, creating moments of intimacy and connection that strengthen the parent-child bond.

Sadly, the latest data indicates that only 40% of parents say reading aloud is “fun,” and over a third wish they had more time to do it. While parents may feel stretched thin, making space for shared reading—even in short bursts—can significantly improve emotional connection and child development outcomes. As Consumer Insight Director Alison David notes, “Children who are read to daily are almost three times as likely to choose to read independently.”

Boosting Imagination and Creativity

Books are a gateway to endless possibilities, and reading aloud unlocks the full potential of a child’s imagination. Through vivid descriptions and compelling narratives, children are transported to magical worlds, historical eras, and far-off places.

Yet for many children today, this imaginative gateway is closing. The number of children aged 5–13 who see reading as “more a subject to learn than a fun thing to do” has grown to nearly one in three, up from 25% in 2022. This perception—especially strong among children of Gen Z parents—undermines reading’s role as a source of creativity and joy.

Supporting Academic Success

The link between early exposure to reading aloud and academic achievement is well-documented. But the latest research underscores a critical challenge: reading for enjoyment is steadily declining. Only 32% of 5–10-year-olds now say they frequently read for fun, compared to 55% in 2012.

This loss of joy in reading may stem from both academic pressure and reduced family reading time. In 2024, 49% of parents said their children had “too much schoolwork” to read, nearly double the 25% reported in 2012. To reverse this trend, it’s vital that reading be reintroduced as a relaxing, non-evaluative activity.

Encouraging Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Stories are powerful tools for teaching empathy and emotional intelligence. However, when reading is framed as schoolwork, children lose out on these emotional benefits. New initiatives like HarperCollins’ “Social Reading Spaces” experiment with book clubs where reading is not mandatory. Instead, they foster conversations around books in a relaxed, peer-led environment, successfully improving emotional connection and reading engagement, especially among adolescent boys.

One boy described it as “a fun way of communicating and getting to read more books and become friends at the same time.” These programs prove that with the right environment, even reluctant readers can rediscover joy in stories.

Building Attention Span and Listening Skills

In an age of constant digital distraction, the act of sitting still to listen to a story is more valuable than ever. Reading aloud develops attention, memory, and comprehension skills essential to both academic and real-life success.

Still, with the rise of screen time and decreased daily story sessions in schools (only 24% of children aged 5–10 now experience daily read-aloud time from teachers), the burden increasingly falls on families. Consistent home reading habits can fill this gap, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day.

Tips for Making Reading Aloud Engaging

• Use expressive voices to bring characters to life.

• Ask questions and encourage predictions to spark curiosity.

• Involve children in book selection so they feel invested.

• Create a no-pressure environment—it’s about enjoyment, not performance.

If time is tight, don’t stress. Even short sessions matter. What’s most important is that children associate reading with warmth and connection.

Recommended Books for Different Age Groups

Toddlers (1–3 years):
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.

Feelings on the Farm by Heather Wall LCSW & Claire Young

Preschoolers (3–5 years):
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Day I Had A Series by Ashley Wall

Early Readers (5–7 years):
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne

How to Get an Alligator Out of the Bathtub by Lynsey Martin

The Long-Term Benefits of Reading Aloud

Despite shifting trends, the benefits of reading aloud remain profound. It builds literacy, nurtures emotional well-being, and creates lasting family memories. As the research makes clear, it’s never too late to start—or restart—the habit. Children quickly come to love being read to, and this joy can reignite their desire to read independently.

In a time when reading risks becoming another academic checkbox, parents have the power to make it magical again. By reclaiming reading as a moment of connection, play, and curiosity, we can help the next generation fall in love with books—and all the lifelong benefits they bring.