Commentary: It's more important than ever to read to our kids

Did you know that the simple act of sharing bedtime stories together can change the trajectory of a child’s future? The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes the power of this interaction, and recently released a statement doubling down on its understanding and belief that shared reading supports the creation of healthy, stable relationships, language development and skills needed for future success. This statement, “ Literacy Promotion : An Essential Component of Primary Care Pediatric Practice,” underscores the mission of Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit that aims to strengthen all families with young children through guidance from clinicians about nurturing relationships through shared reading. As a pediatrician for 21 years, I am committed to practicing pediatric primary care with Reach Out and Read at the center.

At every well-child visit from birth until age 5, I walk into the check-up with a new, age-appropriate book. This affords me the opportunity to discuss with the family the importance of spending time together around books and shared reading. I model for families how this can be done and give them tips to help them feel more comfortable building this into their daily routines.



Each family leaves the visit with a new book, empowered and prepared to make reading together an enjoyable, nurturing part of the day. We know shared reading builds long-lasting bonds between caregivers and children and fosters early literacy and language skills, setting the stage for a child to learn and thrive. Having Reach Out and Read in my clinic helps me support not only the physical development of children, but also the social and emotional connections that are so important to their overall development.

In this new statement, the academy reinforces the importance of reading together as a critical component of a child’s healthy development, highlighting the role early literacy has on cognitive, emotional and social growth from birth. The new recommendation further validates our work to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of books and shared reading. By integrating Reach Out and Read into pediatric care, we not only nurture a love of reading, but also establish the foundation for lifelong learning, stronger family connections and improved health outcomes.

I am excited that the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes and is validating the role that primary care physicians play in this important part of a child’s growth and sees the promotion of literacy during our time with our patients as a core component of the care we provide. In South Carolina alone, we are reaching more than 165,000 children through more than 335,000 well-child visits each year. We have 803 Reach Out and Read trained clinicians across the state at 210 clinical locations.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes that reading together not only develops language skills but also helps families connect, bond and become stronger. Reach Out and Read should be scaled up to support all children and families in our state through pediatric primary care. Dr.

Susan Goldberg is the medical director for Reach Out and Read-South Carolina. She is a pediatrician at Palmetto Pediatrics in Aiken and an associate professor of pediatrics at Augusta University..