Books and Brain Health: Help Your Kids' Minds Grow
By Brandi Goodman
Library Lovers' Month in February encourages people everywhere to get to their local libraries and check out some books. It is especially important to read to children and have them read themselves so they can grow their minds from young ages. Books and brain health coincide.
Expanding Vocabulary
If you've ever read a book and came across a word you didn't know, then you should realize just how much your vocabulary can expand when you read. You see it being used in this context and can infer what it's supposed to mean. Maybe you'll choose to look it up so you can understand what it's really trying to say. Expanding vocabulary expands your knowledge and boosts your brain. This is especially important for children who are just starting to grasp the concept of many things and will need to learn better and bigger words as they age.
Enhancing Memory Function
Reading can enhance your memory function. Even from a young age you should worry about your memory because it can quickly start to diminish as you get older and older. You use your brain power and memory function while you read. Pick up a book often and help yourself maintain your recollection of words and other things.
Understanding Emotions
When you read you get an inside look into other's emotions. Books often go into great detail regarding how people are feeling and what they're thinking and why. This allows us to better understand emotions. Understanding the emotions of others can help us be more empathetic. We can relate to their problems and realize why they may feel how they feel. It may help your child learn about their own emotions as well.
Reducing Stress
Stress can set in easily and for many reasons. You never know how much a bad day at school or a pile of homework can make your kids feel stress. Give them a book to read to help them reduce the stress they're experiencing. Reading can help people to relax and unwind. Your child can sit and read, focusing on the words in the book and the characters in them instead of their own worries. It takes them out of their own world for a while and puts them into the world inside the book. Both you and them can benefit.
Head to the library with your kids this month and pick up some books. It can provide some bonding time while also encouraging your children to read and teaching them that reading matters. It can be great for brain health and mental well-being.
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