Student Wellbeing
St John Vianney's Catholic Primary School
The Power of Reading Together: Supporting Children’s Wellbeing
Reading a book with your child is about so much more than developing literacy skills. It is also a wonderful opportunity to nurture their mental health, emotional wellbeing and relationships.
Taking time to share a story creates a special moment of connection between parents and children. Whether it is reading a favourite bedtime story, exploring a new adventure or revisiting a much-loved book, these simple moments can have a lasting impact.
How does reading together support children’s wellbeing?
- Developing emotional vocabulary and empathy: Stories introduce children to different feelings, experiences and perspectives. They help children recognise and name their own emotions while developing an understanding and empathy for others.
- Reducing stress and providing comfort: Sharing a story can offer children a calm and reassuring break from the busyness of everyday life. Books can also help children explore challenging situations and understand that it is okay to experience a range of emotions.
- Strengthening relationships and connection: Spending uninterrupted time reading together helps build trust, confidence and a strong sense of security. Children feel valued when adults take the time to share in something they enjoy.
- Building confidence and resilience: Through stories, children encounter characters who face challenges, solve problems and overcome difficulties. These experiences can help children develop problem-solving skills and understand the importance of perseverance.
Making reading part of everyday life
You don't need to set aside hours each day. Even 10–15 minutes of shared reading can make a difference. Here are a few simple ways to make reading together meaningful:
- Let your child choose a book they enjoy.
- Talk about how the characters might be feeling.
- Ask questions such as, "What would you do in that situation?"
- Make connections between the story and your child's own experiences.
- Enjoy the story without worry