I am grateful for the opportunity to talk about the importance of reading and the benefits that it can provide in improving mental health. I am a licensed mental health counselor and have been working with children and families since 2010. 

First of all, I would like to share the legacy of reading that my mother provided for me. She was a voracious reader and shared her love of books with me. I can remember her reading to me wonderful classics such as Little Women, Ferdinand the Bull, the Little House on the Prairie series, Trumpet of the Swan, and many others. As a child, reading was my mother’s window to the world outside of her life on the farm. She was the first one in her family to go on to college and get a degree. My mom set an example of lifelong learning.

I’ve been looking at the research on how reading improves mental health, and it confirms what I have already come to know in my practice in working with children. I often use books and stories in therapy. I discovered that if I can find a story that is similar to what the child is experiencing, or a social skill they need to learn, they more easily can take in the information for learning and application. Rather than talking directly to the problem behavior, it allows the child to feel safe enough to explore other possibilities. As the adult, we can talk with the child about what they are reading and help them make connections through their own struggles. This allows them to expand their understanding beyond their own perceptions, explore other options, and find hope that they can experience different outcomes.

It doesn’t seem to matter whether the character is real or fictional; there are several beneficial outcomes from reading stories with children. Reading has shown to increase empathy, social skills, and interpersonal understanding (Whitely, 2019). The child can see that others have common struggles, which increases their understanding of how to work through their personal problems. It also assists the reader in overcoming challenges by improving their problem-solving skills and providing greater perspective. It helps them put words to the emotions going on inside and see feelings as information for solving their problem. 

There are other benefits, as well. Reading stories can reduce stress, as it allows for a moment of escape. Reading also enhances cognitive functioning by building new neurological connections. In addition, “researchers theorize that reading allows us to mimic actual experience in our minds, providing us with the benefits of a character’s emotional growth and ability to overcome challenges without having to go through the experience ourselves”  (Renewal Lodge, 2019).

Keep reading and talking with your children about what they are reading. Help them bring meaning to what they are experiencing. Help them explore the world through stories. As they do, they will be able to see the world expand before them with increased understanding. 

Happy reading!

Citations:

Renewal Lodge Mental Health. (2019, September, 19). 5 Ways Reading Improves Mental Health.  Http//: renewallodge.com

Whitley, Rob. (2019, May, 24). Can Reading Books Improve Your Mental Health? Http//: Phychologytoday.com

Denise not only works as a full-time therapist, but also is a regional ecclesiastical leader, and actively keeps up with her adult kids and grandkids. I worked up the courage to ask her if she would be willing to share with us her professional opinion and experience on reading with children, half expecting her to say she was too busy. Denise was incredibly gracious and said she could work on it during her vacation. I am so very grateful she took the time to put this important message together for our benefit!

tawny ember