Development of the parts of the brain responsible for language, emotion and cognition are supported by early attachment experiences when a child receives positive care giving.
Why sharing stories supports bonding
Sharing stories is a simple yet powerful way to establish and nurture bonds with the child in your care. It’s not just about reading the words on a page, but creating moments of connection, calm, and joy.
How sharing stories helps build that bond:
1. Closeness fosters attachment and trust
Reading a book together brings closeness and shared attention. These moments help children feel safe and appreciated. For children from vulnerable family backgrounds, these moments are especially important as they provide opportunities for attunement, which is so foundational to building attachment.
2. Creates space for meaningful conversations
Sharing stories offers the chance to pause, notice what they’re interested in, ask questions, explore pictures, and talk about the story. This interactive experience strengthens your relationship and supports your child’s language and social skills. Some children just like to listen, but others love to take an active role in a shared story, and listening and responding to where they take things can help them to feel valued and understood.
3. It’s the time spent together that matters
You don’t need to worry about following the book word for word. Whether you’re looking at pictures, telling stories, or simply talking about the characters, what matters most is sharing it together.
References
Bell, K. (2020). Can participation in a shared reading activity produce relational benefits between foster carers and the children in their care? Adoption & Fostering, 44(3), 211–229.
Canfield, C. F., et al. (2020). Beyond language: Impacts of shared reading on parenting stress and early parent-child relational health. Developmental Psychology, 56(7), 1305–1317.
Groh, A. M. (2014). The significance of attachment security for children’s social competence with peers: A meta-analytic study. Attachment & Human Development, 16(2), 103–136.
Osbourne, C. (2010). Paired reading as a literacy intervention for foster children. Adoption and Fostering, 34(4), 17–26.
Rix, J. (2017). Reading in Foster Families. BookTrust and National Children’s Bureau.