In a world full of screens, notifications, and endless digital entertainment, encouraging children to pick up a book can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But pediatricians at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) say helping children develop a love of reading may be one of the most valuable gifts parents can give.
The good news? It doesn’t require expensive gadgets, elaborate lesson plans, or hours of free time. Something as simple as reading together for 20 minutes a day can make a lasting difference.
Laying the foundation for a lifelong reader
Long before children can recognize letters or sound out words, they are already benefiting from books.
“We recommend starting in infancy to read to babies well before they can read,” said Suzanne LaForte, MD, a pediatrician at UTMB Health. “Reading together for 20 minutes starting in infancy helps create a strong bond between parents and children. It’s quality time that helps kids feel secure and loved.”
In fact, pediatricians encourage parents to begin reading aloud even during pregnancy. Hearing familiar voices, rhythm, and language helps support a baby’s rapidly developing brain.
“The brain is developing rapidly during those first years of life,” said Hannah Peterson, MD, a pediatrician at UTMB Health. “Reading gives children so many kinds of input. They’re hearing sounds and words, seeing pictures, learning problem-solving skills and interacting with the people reading to them.”
For babies and toddlers, books offer more than language development. Turning pages, pointing to pictures, and listening to stories all help build important cognitive, motor, and social skills.
The benefits go far beyond the page
Parents often think of reading as an academic skill, but its benefits extend beyond the classroom.
“It's a really long list,” LaForte said. “Reading level is associated with education level and with health outcomes. Learning to read unlocks opportunities. It helps children navigate the world one day, find a good job, and become independent.”
Reading also helps children learn empathy, understand different perspectives, and make sense of the world around them.
“Stories teach social skills in ways people don’t always realize,” Peterson explained. “Children see characters interact, solve problems and work through conflicts. They’re learning skills that can help them in their own relationships.”
Maria J. San Andrés, MD, a pediatrician at UTMB Health, says reading also strengthens imagination and critical thinking.
“When you’re reading a book, you’re using your imagination,” she said. “You can talk about the characters, what happened, and why. That helps children learn critical thinking skills that they’ll use throughout school and life.”
Strengthening family bonds
For busy families, it can be easy to think of reading as just another item on an already packed to-do list. Pediatricians encourage parents to look at it differently.
Reading together creates opportunities for connection.
“It’s where everybody’s relaxed and sitting next to each other,” LaForte said. “It’s a chance for parents and kids to come together in a relaxing situation, cuddle, have quiet time together and develop an important bond.”
San Andrés sees this benefit firsthand.
“It's the fun times that kids remember,” she said. “Maybe you’re reading about animals and talking about the trip you took to the zoo. Those memories form, and that bond forms. It’s so important.”
Many families discover reading becomes one of the most anticipated parts of the day.
“When we traveled and forgot our books, my children asked, ‘Mommy, are you going to read us a story?’” San Andrés recalled. “That’s how much it had become part of our routine.”
Helping reluctant readers find joy in books
Parents of reluctant readers aren’t alone.
Both Peterson and LaForte recommend focusing on a child’s interests rather than treating reading as a chore.
“If they’re really into sports, find books about sports,” LaForte suggested. “Maybe it’s football players, comic books, or stories about their favorite characters.”
Peterson agrees.
“The worst thing you can do is make reading feel like punishment,” she said. “Try to find books they enjoy. Graphic novels can be great because they still have lots of pictures and interaction without feeling overwhelming.”
Sometimes children simply need choices.
A trip to the library, bookstore, or even picking between a few books at home can give children a sense of ownership and excitement.
The power of repetition
Parents of toddlers know the experience well: the same book, night after night after night.
While it may test an adult’s patience, pediatricians say repetition is a valuable learning tool.
“Kids love to read the same book over and over,” Peterson said. “It sounds repetitive to parents, but it’s how they learn. They learn the words, the story, and the patterns.”
Even before children can read independently, they’re building vocabulary, memory, and early literacy skills through repetition.
Finding balance with screens
Technology isn’t going away, and pediatricians recognize that screens are part of modern life. The goal isn't perfection or eliminating screens. It’s to create a healthy balance.
“I don’t think we’re going to convince anybody to get rid of electronics altogether,” LaForte said. “We just have to figure out how to set reasonable limits.”
Experts recommend delaying screen exposure for infants and limiting recreational screen time as children get older. Too much screen time can interfere with sleep, attention, emotional regulation, and social development.
“When children are constantly getting rapid stimulation from screens, it can affect focus and increase anxiety,” Peterson explained.
Reading offers a different experience: one that is calmer, more interactive, and often shared with family.
“If you’re going to limit something that’s really attractive, like video games, you have to have something else to do instead,” LaForte said. “Reading together is a great alternative.”
Easy ways to incorporate reading into daily life
Creating a reading habit doesn’t have to be complicated.
Some ideas from UTMB Health pediatricians include:
- Read together before bedtime.
- Visit the library regularly.
- Let children choose books that match their interests.
- Read recipes, grocery lists, and signs together.
- Keep books in places where children can easily reach them.
- Give books as birthday and holiday gifts.
- Model reading by letting children see you read.
“Having a home environment where reading is encouraged is important,” Peterson said. “When children see their parents reading, they’re learning that reading is something people enjoy.”
And if reading feels difficult for parents, that’s okay too.
“Even looking at pictures and talking about what's happening in them is valuable,” LaForte said. “You can make up stories together. It’s still an important way to spend time with children and help them learn to love books.”
A takeaway for parents
If there is one message all three pediatricians agree on, it’s this: Every little bit counts.
“Read every day for 20 minutes and limit screen time,” LaForte said.
“Read every night with your child for as long as you can,” added Peterson. “Even when they're older.”
San Andrés said, “Every little bit counts for reading. Limiting screen time as much as possible helps you enjoy that time with your children.”
A daily reading habit may seem small, but over time it can strengthen literacy, boost learning, deepen family bonds, and open doors for a child’s future. All it takes is one book and a few minutes together.