You know the scene: the kids have their baths, get into their pyjamas, and then snuggle in bed, waiting for mum to read them a bedtime story.
Mums, you may want to hand dad the task of reading that story after you read this article!
New research headed by Dr Elisabeth Duursma of Harvard University in the US has revealed that kids benefit more from their dad reading them bedtime stories rather than mum.
According to the results of the study, more “imaginative discussions” take place and more language development occurs because of the way kids’ thinking is challenged with dad is doing the reading.
Girls, in particular, benefitted more when read to by a male.
Dr Duursma says, “The impact is huge – particularly if dads start reading to kids under the age of two. Reading is seen as a female activity and kids seem to be more tuned in when their dad reads to them – it’s special.”
What do dads do differently?
A report in The Telegraph about this study highlights that men and women approach the task of reading quite differently.
Mums are more likely to ask factual questions, for example, “How many apples do you see?”
On the other hand, dads prefer asking more abstract questions that get their kids’ imaginations and language skills working and developing.
Dr Duursma says, “Dads were more likely to say something like, ‘Oh look, a ladder. Do you remember when I had that ladder in my truck?’”
She explains that this is better for children’s language development because it’s more “cognitively challenging”. In other words, kids need to use their brains more to answer such questions.
So there we have it. Dads, it’s now official — you are hereby appointed chief bedtime story reading officer! Now grab that storybook, cuddle down with your little ones and get reading.
To help you along, here are three great articles by theAsianparent on finding that perfect story book for your children:
The best picture books for baby
The 10 best books for infants and toddlers
Hands up if you are a dad who loves reading bedtime stories to your little one! Please share with us your child’s favourite story — just leave a comment below.