Reading to young kids improves their social skills − and a new study shows it doesn’t matter whether parents stop to ask questions

New research shows that parents who read to their 6- to 8-year-olds nightly boost their children’s creativity and empathy.

By: Erin Clabough, University of Virginia, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 11, 2026

Words: 1,281

Last Updated: 1 month ago

By Erin Clabough, University of Virginia

In 2024, 51% of families read aloud to their very young children, while 37% read aloud to their kids between the ages of 6 and 8 years old.

Some parents have said they stop reading aloud to their school-age children because their kids can read on their own.

I’m a neuroscientist with four children, and I wondered whether children might be losing more than just the …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.