Florenza Denise Lee

Early literacy doesn’t begin when a child starts nursery or school,  it begins the moment they’re born. The simple act of reading to babies, even in their earliest days, has a powerful impact on brain development, emotional bonding, and future success.

In today’s world of endless screens and digital distractions, books offer something unique and irreplaceable. They don’t just tell stories; they nurture curiosity, build language, and create connections that last a lifetime. If you’ve ever wondered whether introducing books to newborns really matters, the answer is a resounding yes.

This blog explores why reading from birth is vital, the long-term benefits of early literacy, and how parents and carers can make books part of everyday life.

Early Literacy Starts at Birth

Babies may not understand the words you read, but their brains are absorbing them. The first three years of life are a period of rapid development, with more than a million new neural connections forming every second. During this “critical window,” early literacy activities such as reading aloud have a profound effect.

When parents read to babies, they expose them to the rhythm, tone, and melody of language. This constant exposure builds the foundations for speech, listening skills, and comprehension later on. Far from being “too early,” reading to a newborn is one of the most valuable things you can do.

Building Strong Language and Communication Skills

Language development is one of the clearest benefits of reading to babies. Research shows that children who are read to regularly hear far more words before school than those who aren’t; sometimes up to a million more.

Books expose children to:

• New vocabulary beyond everyday conversation.
• Sentence structure that helps them understand grammar naturally.
• Repetition and rhythm, which reinforce word recognition.

Even simple board books with bright illustrations give babies a head start in learning how sounds link to meaning. By the toddler stage, this early exposure pays off in stronger communication skills and greater confidence in expressing themselves.

Reading Aloud Builds Emotional Bonds

Early literacy is about more than education.  It’s also about connection. Reading aloud creates a moment of calm where babies feel safe and secure. The sound of a parent’s voice, the warmth of a cuddle, and the comfort of routine all combine to strengthen emotional bonds.

When reading becomes part of daily life, children associate books with feelings of love and attention. This early association is powerful, shaping their attitude towards books well into later childhood.

Nurturing Imagination and Curiosity

Babies are naturally curious. They respond to colour, sound, and texture, all of which books provide in abundance. Interactive books for toddlers, such as touch-and-feel or lift-the-flap editions, stimulate exploration while also building early problem-solving skills.

Stories also encourage imagination. By hearing about different characters, places, and experiences, children learn to think beyond their immediate world. This ability to imagine is key not only for creativity but also for empathy and social understanding.

Creating a Lifelong Love of Reading

Introducing books early helps to establish reading as a normal, enjoyable part of life. Children who grow up surrounded by books are far more likely to become lifelong readers.

Making reading a habit from birth means:

• Children enter school with stronger early literacy skills.
• Books feel familiar and comforting, rather than like “homework.”
• Parents model positive reading behaviour, encouraging imitation.

When books are integrated into everyday routines, whether at bedtime, in the pram, or during playtime, children develop a natural love for them.

Academic and Social Benefits

The long-term benefits of reading to babies goes beyond language. Studies consistently show that children exposed to books early are more likely to succeed academically. They tend to have:

• Stronger focus and concentration.
• Better listening and comprehension skills.
• Higher achievement in literacy and other subjects.

But academic ability isn’t the only outcome. Reading also develops empathy by allowing children to see life from another’s perspective. It teaches patience, as stories require listening and turn-taking. It even boosts resilience, as characters often face challenges that mirror real-life struggles.

Practical Tips to Introduce Books From Birth

Parents don’t need a huge collection of books or hours of free time to make early literacy part of everyday life. Here are some practical tips for reading with babies and toddlers:

1. Start with baby-friendly books. Choose sturdy board books or soft cloth books that babies can safely chew and grab.
2. Keep it short and simple. A few minutes is enough — babies have short attention spans.
3. Use expression. Babies love the sound of your voice. Add rhythm, silly voices, and exaggerated tones.
4. Make it interactive. Point to pictures, name objects, and encourage your child to turn pages.
5. Create a routine. Bedtime stories help children wind down and associate books with comfort.
6. Lead by example. Let your child see you reading for pleasure.
7. Visit the library. Storytime sessions introduce books while offering valuable social interaction.

Common Concerns

Some parents feel they don’t have the time, the right books, or the confidence to read aloud. But perfection isn’t necessary. Reading a single page, telling a story in your own words, or even describing the pictures all count towards early literacy.

Other parents assume babies aren’t interested. In reality, interest grows with exposure. Babies may look away or wriggle, but persistence creates familiarity — and over time, enjoyment.

Final Thoughts: A Gift That Lasts a Lifetime

Books are not just for school; they are tools for life. By introducing books from birth, parents and carers give their children a head start in communication, imagination, and emotional development.

In a world dominated by technology, the timeless act of reading to a child is more important than ever. It doesn’t take expensive gadgets or formal lessons — just a book, a voice, and a few minutes of time each day.

Start as early as you can, and watch how every story shapes your child’s world. Because with every page turned, you’re not just building early literacy — you’re building a brighter, more connected future.

© Florenza Lee

Setting expectations and goals can be a powerful motivator, but when misused, they can lead to self-sabotage. Here’s how:

1. Unrealistic Expectations: When we set the bar too high, we set ourselves up for failure. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and disappointment, which can spiral into a cycle of self-sabotage.
2. Fear of Failure: High expectations often come with a fear of not meeting them. This fear can paralyze us, causing procrastination or avoidance, ultimately hindering our progress.
3. Perfectionism: Striving for perfection can be detrimental. It can lead to chronic dissatisfaction and frustration, as perfection is often unattainable.
4. Negative Self-Talk: When we cannot meet our goals, we might engage in negative self-talk, reinforcing a belief that we are not capable or worthy. This can damage our self-esteem and motivation.
5. Burnout: Constantly pushing ourselves to meet high expectations without adequate rest can lead to burnout. This affects our mental and physical health and our ability to achieve future goals.

Setting realistic, achievable goals and practicing self-compassion are essential to avoiding these pitfalls. Remember, progress is more important than perfection.

When their landing pad is your jump-off!

After transitioning from Germany to the US, we purchased a home rather than rent. Papa Bear and I created a list of our “must-haves” for our tiny babies and set out to find it. The house wasn’t pretty, but it was all we’d asked for and hoped for. With our realtor, we completed all the paperwork and celebrated. With the sellers’ permission, I had my last check forwarded to the house, and we swung by to retrieve it. Upon seeing us, the sellers slammed the door and refused to communicate further. Only after threatening to retain an attorney did they vacate the property. It was insane (and for the record, their delay cost them way more than had they just moved out). Finally, we took possession of the house and, with sweat equity, brought it up to our standards (see photo).

A few years later, I was in the backyard (something I rarely did), and Mr. Bill (the neighbor behind us) called me to the fence. I listened as he tearfully apologized for starting the petition to bar us from buying the property; every other word was “you people this and you people that.” Once he finished speaking, I said to him,

“Mr. Bill, thank you for apologizing, but please know this. Your issue isn’t just that I’m young and Black. Your real issue is knowing that no matter what you do or say, you can’t change the fact that this (I pointed to our house) is my jump-off and that (I pointed to his house) is your landing spot. Trust and believe that I will reach heights you’ve only dreamed of. This is your fear; for the record, it’s also my reality.”

Many years later, we were again stationed in VA, and Papa Bear convinced me to move back into our starter home. As we cleared the house of decades of renters, I could hear the words I’d spoken to Mr. Bill play over in my head. We popped a for-sale sign on her and moved to Old Wythe, our piece of paradise on the river (this came with its own challenges, but I’ll save that for another post). Now, as I sit and type this from our beautiful 7,000 square-foot lake house, a space that even I never could have envisioned, I want to encourage you with these words.

As you journey through this thing we call life, you will encounter many people like the Sewell family (the sellers of the home) and Mr. Bills. You cannot change their perceptions of who and who should not occupy the same space as they do. But you can know this. They aren’t angry that you are _______________ (fill in the blank). They’re upset that you dared to have the audacity to become what they envisioned no one but ______________ (fill in the blank) becoming.

It’s up to you what you allow to take up residency in your soul. You can let their negativity permeate your space, live rent-free, and stifle your growth, or you can do as I did. With grace and a bit of Ghost Pepper sauce, let the Mr. Bills of the world know, “Baby! You’re just mad that your landing pad is my jump-off. Now, stand back and watch me soar!”

The photo shows the house before and after. As with all our homes, once they are “Loved by the Lees,” they never look the same.