Reading is part and parcel of your child’s early development. Although it is a skill that is typically encouraged in schools, it is just as important that they are reading for pleasure in their own time. Some children may not enjoy reading as a past-time; however, making it less of a chore starts with allowing your little one to choose their own books. Research suggests that when a book is chosen on their behalf, kids are more likely to lose interest and motivation in reading. With this in mind, we should aim to allow children to explore their choices when taking a trip to the bookstore.

In this guide, we’re going to look at some of the key reasons as to why this is the case:

  • Enhances decision making 

In a child’s eye, choosing a book from the shelf is an exciting and rather important decision. Being able to make their own decisions based on which titles and cover illustrations fascinate them plays a part in developing your child’s interest in reading, as well as inquisitiveness. As this pastime requires undivided attention, they must have some form of interest in the book, or they will likely become bored rather quickly. 

  • Become risk-takers

Children are keen to explore new things. Therefore, having the freedom to choose their own titles allows them to become familiar with new genres and styles of writing. Kids who are forced into sticking to a certain genre are less likely to develop their own interests and may even be less likely to take risks in the future. Researchers have also discovered that choosing their own books may also develop a greater sense of self-confidence in shier children.

Paying a trip to the bookstore can be an overwhelming experience for any newbie reader. Therefore, an easier option would be to sit with your child and browse titles online together, which are separated by category at Blurb Bookstore. 

  • Improves physiological development 

The brain is the organ that commands memory, emotions, and overall function. When it is stimulated by a thought-provoking read, for example, it can have an extremely positive impact on a child’s psychological development. When your youngster takes a real interest in a book, they are far more likely to:

  • Improve their spelling and vocabulary by learning specific words and phrases 
  • Be mindful of sentence structure; therefore, enabling them to become better writers
  • Remembering key moments in chronological order 
  • Improvement of social skills – particularly empathy

Becoming an avid reader starts as early as childhood, and as a parent, you may have the ambition to stimulate this interest as early as possible. Ensuring you give your child the freedom to choose their own books is a starting point in developing their interest in reading from a very early age. By making this decision to foster such independence, you may notice a major improvement in both their creative and academic abilities as they grow into teenagers and young adults.