Teach Them to Read—Before Life Teaches Them the Hard Way

 

Teach your child to read—and you might Just avoid the school discipline call.

As a public school teacher, I’ve seen the ripple effects of children who struggle with reading. When a student can’t read with confidence, they often act out, get frustrated, or drift toward misbehavior. The good news? There’s a practical solution you can begin at home: teach your child to read. Seriously. If you don’t want to be that parent getting a call because your son poked another kid with a pencil or your daughter said horrible things to someone else—start with reading.

Start Early, Even When They Can Barely Hold Up Their Head

Research consistently shows that children who are read to from an early age develop stronger vocabularies, greater comprehension, and higher academic success (National Institute for Literacy, 2008). Yet, beyond academic benefits, reading together nurtures emotional bonds and models the joy of learning. When a parent opens a book, they are opening a child’s world.

Reading does not require elaborate effort or special training. It can happen in ordinary moments — before bedtime, in the car, or while waiting for dinner. Begin reading long before your child can say the alphabet.

The Power of Parental Modeling

Children imitate what they see. When they watch a parent enjoy reading — smiling at a story, flipping through a magazine, or discussing a book — they learn that reading is valuable. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (2022), students who report seeing their parents read are significantly more likely to read for pleasure themselves. It’s not just about the words; it’s about the example.

Grab a board book, settle into a comfortable chair with your youngster leaning against you, and read aloud. Point to characters, shift your voice to a playful tone (“What will happen next? Let’s see…”), and invite curiosity. Research shows that infants who are read to daily hear tens of thousands of additional words and build stronger language foundations. When you add this gentle routine, you aren’t just teaching reading—you’re also building a confident brain, a calm routine, and a relationship that says your child matters (Verywell Family, Benefits of Reading to Your Child: https://www.verywellfamily.com/benefits-of-reading-to-your-child-620902).

A Small Investment, Big Returns—for Your Child’s Mind, Your Relationship, and Your Health

Just 15–20 minutes each evening… that’s all it takes. Sit with your child. Read. Laugh. Turn the page. Over time you’ll notice: fewer tantrums, more focus, and a stronger bond. And here’s another benefit: your body and mind feel different. Research into adult and child shared reading experiences finds that reading aloud together fosters calm, lowers anxiety, and deepens connection. (The Guardian+1) That 15–20 minutes is self-care as much as it is childcare. You’ll begin to look forward to that reading time—and that makes you healthier, calmer, and stronger.

Reading Teaches Life-Hacks—Quiet the Mind, Reset the Spirit, Build Faith 

When you teach your child to read, you’re giving them more than vocabulary—you’re teaching life skills. For example: bad dream at night? A book becomes a brain “reset.” Bored, upset, socially out of sync? A story becomes a safe space. Reading becomes a habit of retreat and renewal. And for families who value faith? Sitting down and reading a faith-based book invites spiritual truth naturally. As a teacher, I’ve watched students who fall behind in reading act out, struggle with transitions, and disengage from learning. (IDRA) Reading changes that.

As We Approach the Holidays
As we move into the holiday season, the days can fill quickly with shopping, gatherings, and travel. Yet this is one of the most meaningful times to slow down and preserve the reading routine. Don’t skip those quiet moments of connection with your children. A short Christmas story or a favorite picture book by the tree can become a treasured family tradition.

Books also offer gentle guidance during the emotional ups and downs that come with busy seasons. When a child feels worried, frustrated, or overwhelmed, you can reference familiar stories: “Remember Jolly the Snowman? What did he do when this happened to him?” This kind of connection helps children process emotions through story, building empathy and critical thinking.

A Strong Country Begins with Readers

At Artisan Shop USA, our mission is Faith, Family, and Country. Reading to your child allows you to share your values organically—through stories filled with truth, wonder, and hope. You strengthen your family bond, build your child’s mind, and support our nation by raising literate, thoughtful citizens.

If you don’t have a young child, but you know someone who does, give the gift of an age-appropriate book. Based on what we’ve just talked about—you’re giving much more than “reading material.” You’re giving peace, connection, and the foundation of a brighter future.

 

 

I’m Lauren—a writer, educator, and novelty quilter with over 30 years of experience in service and sales. I’ve taught high school English, worked as a journalist, and now run Artisan Shop USA, a marketplace supporting handmade artistry and the sharing of faith, family, and country. I’m also a wife, mom, and lifelong lover of storytelling.