Sharing stories: supporting your child through difficult times
When children are going through challenging times, reading together can offer comfort and stability. Establishing a reading routine not only helps children feel secure, but also gives them the tools to understand and cope with their feelings.
How reading together can make a difference:
1. Routine creates predictability and stability
A regular reading routine can provide a sense of predictability that children need, especially when life feels uncertain. Knowing that they have a special time to share a story with you each day helps build a feeling of safety and stability.
2. Stories help children understand themselves
Reading stories that reflect different experiences allows children to explore their feelings in a safe way. Through the characters and situations, they read about children can start to understand and express their emotions.
3. Quality time strengthens your bond
Sharing a book together creates moments for connection. Whether it’s a few minutes or a longer story time, this time spent together builds the relationship between you and the child in your care. It reinforces their sense of belonging and gives them the emotional support they need to feel cared for.
Even if you have a busy schedule, just a few minutes of reading together can make a big difference, creating space in the day where you share something calm, creative or silly together.
References
Batini, F., et al. (2020). The association between reading and emotional development: A systematic review. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 9(12–37).
Meetoo, V. (2020). Complex ‘everyday’ lives meet multiple networks: The social and educational lives of young children in foster care and their foster carers. Adoption & Fostering, 44(1).