Is Reading the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Child? If you had asked me that question ten years ago, I would have said absolutely! Reading is wonderful for bonding with your baby, soothing them with the sound of your voice, and laying the foundation for a love of reading later in life. But while reading is a fantastic way to connect, when it comes to your child’s developmental milestones, something even more essential takes priority: free movement and autonomous play.
What Parents Are Really Concerned About: Developmental Milestones
When we reached out to hundreds of parents and caregivers, their number one concern was understanding their child’s development—how to recognize important milestones and how to support their child’s growth. And we’ve worked to provide science-backed, research-based answers to help parents feel confident in this process.
The Power of Reading for Children 0-3 is Bonding, Not Developing
Don’t get me wrong—it’s wonderful to read to your child from the moment they’re born. They love to hear your voice, and it’s a soothing experience that builds a strong connection. Let’s call it bonding. And if that experience is positive, it can lay the foundation for a lifelong love of reading. However, reading alone isn’t what supports their developmental milestones. What your child needs most during this stage is the freedom to move and explore.
The Importance of Free Movement and Autonomous Play
As Maria Montessori said, “Play is the work of the child.” Children are born with everything they need to reach their developmental milestones. They don’t need us to rush them along, but instead, to observe, provide the right environment, and let them explore. Think of it like gardening: you can’t force a flower to bloom by pulling at it. You simply create the best conditions, and it will bloom in its own time.
Why Children Thrive When Given Space to Grow
Emmi Pikler emphasized this as well, saying, “It is not our job to ‘teach’ a baby what they already know how to do. Our role is to provide the time, space, and freedom to let them do it.” Rolling over, sitting up, standing—these aren’t just boxes to check off a chart. They’re complex, coordinated skills that engage a baby’s entire body and brain. These milestones represent so much more than physical abilities—they show how your child’s brain, muscles, and senses are growing in harmony.
How to Best Support Your Baby’s Development
While reading is a beautiful bonding activity, it’s important to recognize that supporting your child’s development requires more. Babies aged zero to three need opportunities for free movement and play to develop these critical skills. Every time they move, they’re working on motor skills, cognitive development, and building emotional resilience.
The Takeaway: Creating the Best Environment for Success
Next time you’re spending time with your little one, take a moment to watch how they move, discover, and grow. They’re learning more than meets the eye. By giving them the space and freedom to explore, you’re creating the perfect environment for their development and success.
