Reading to children has huge benefits

(FOX Providence) - Reading to children has many benefits. Because 75 percent of brain growth occurs during the first three years of life, it's important to being this experience as soon as possible.

You can start reading to children right from the moment they are born. As, infants they love to hear the voices of their parents.

"It is never, ever too early to start reading to your child. From birth or even before. There's research out there that shows that reading to children has enormous benefits for kids," said Heather Grocott of The Children's Workshop.

Even from infancy, reading is more than just reading. Let them hold the book, and see what they do with it.

"Allow your child to touch books, to see books, to feel books. To explore the pages. Look at the pictures."

Reading to children is so crucial that parents should find time to do it every day. And the time spent should be pleasurable and entertaining.

"It's a great way to bond with your child. And everybody is so busy with work schedules, and sports and activities. Reading aloud from a chapter book every night event to small children is really beneficial because it just gives you that closeness to your child and your both spending time together."

And as your child get older, if they see you reading, they'll be more likely to pick up a book of their own.

"So at home, it's important to know that it starts with you as a parent. You have to demonstrate that you are an avid reader. Do you read the newspaper in front of your child? Do you read cookbooks while you're cooking?"

One fun part about reading for children, is getting to pick out the types of books they want to read. Making trips to the library an adventure.

A great way to foster the love of reading is take your child to the library and get them a library card. They feel so special when they get that little card with their picture on it....and allow them to choose the book.

Reading can often feel like work for children. Especially if it's something they struggle with. But, that shouldn't stop them from keeping at it. As parents, you should focus on the positive.

"Really praise your child on what they can accomplish with reading. If you find they've picked out a book that is a little advanced for them, just say, 'here are the pictures in this book. Can you tell me the story you think goes along with these pictures.' And let them read to you even if they're not reading the exact words on the page."

And for mamas-to-be out there, experts say you can also begin reading while you're pregnant. In this case, it's never to early.