A Novel Idea: The Health Benefits of a Bedtime Story
March 25, 2026
Categories: Pediatrics (Children's Health )
More than just a bedtime routine, reading aloud to a child is one of the most powerful ways to support their growth. Sitting together and sharing a story after a busy day offers an opportunity for both the adult and the child to slow down, take a break from devices, exercise imaginations and have a meaningful connection. It’s never too early to start reading aloud and you can continue through the teen years, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
Baby’s First Chapter
Even before a baby can understand or speak words, they benefit from hearing the rhythm and tone of a reader’s voice. This helps children develop early communication skills, and as they grow, reading aloud introduces new vocabulary, helps to develop sentence structure and build social skills. Nursery rhymes are a great way to introduce reading to your infant.
For some young children, reading may look more like chewing on the corners of the book. The idea isn’t to be perfect. You don’t need to have a background in teaching or master special character voices to be a reader. The most important part about reading to kids is to do it consistently and enthusiastically. The interruptions to ask questions and insistence on turning the pages are part of the learning process for young children.
Michelle Kasprick, MD on Reading Aloud:
"Reading is one of the most powerful tools we have as parents in our toolkit. Not only does reading foster language development, comprehension, increasing neural pathways and expands our knowledge. It also creates a space of comfort, safety and connection with our children."
Michelle Kasprick is a Pediatrician at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, Pediatrics - Schoolcraft Campus and children's book author. She combined her love for literacy and caring for children into a fun adventure, The Mitten Book Company. Her books are inspired by whimsical imagination and aim to make readers smile, laugh and find magic again no matter their age. She lives with her husband and three children in her favorite place in the world - Michigan!
Sensory Overload – But in a good way!
In our digital world, holding a print book offers a different sensory experience. Print books may have pop-ups, flaps to lift, touch, feel or even smell features. Involving all their senses helps children to absorb and retain more information. The vibrant illustrations just aren’t the same on a tablet or laptop. Plus, kids are less likely to be distracted by a hyperlink and more likely to keep their attention on the book and discussion that happens with the person reading to them. Digital books have their advantages, too, but are best saved for older, school-aged children.
Bonding Through Books
Sharing books with a newborn, a child, a tween or teen provides time for connection. Reading typically happens in a comfortable space and when made part of a routine, helps your child feel secure and loved. Books and the act of reading aloud build strong brains for learning and support healthy mental and emotional development right from the start.
Check-out Reading Resources
Purchasing books to build a home library isn’t necessary to incorporate reading into daily or nightly routines. Families can access free resources like public libraries, a free outdoor little library box or read aloud videos online. There are often free versions of book apps that have a selection of books that can be accessed at no charge.
At this point you can probably read between the lines – a book at bedtime has a powerful impact on a child’s cognitive and emotional health, all while providing special bonding time not just for the child, but the reader, too. So, this evening, don’t over think it, just pick up a children’s book (or better yet – ask you child to pick a book if they’re able), cuddle up and start reading!