Growing Bookworms – Reasons why reading is good for your child or teenager’s mental health
Posted: July 12, 2023 Filed under: Books, Children's Books, Growing Bookworms, Literacy, Reading, Reading Therapy, Teaching children | Tags: Children's Books, Growing Bookworms, Mental Health, Reading Therapy, Recomendations, Robbie Chedle, Writing to be Read 58 Comments
From March 2020 mental health increased world-wide and those affected include children and teenagers. Post-pandemic, mental health issues continue to be prevalent among children and teenagers. Although most children and teenagers who contracted Covid-19 did not experience severe symptoms, numerous mental health problems have emerged among children and teens exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic, including anxiety, stress, depression, panic, irritation, impulsivity, physical symptoms caused by mental or emotional factors, sleep problems, rapid and extreme changes in mood, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal behavior.
Reading to your child, or your older child or teenager reading to him or herself, has the following mental health benefits:
Reduces stress
Reading is a wonderful form of escapism for everyone, including children. Following the White Rabbit down a hole, going on an adventure with Will Solvit or Percy Jackson or travelling across America in a pioneer wagon with Laura Ingalls Wilder, all help children escape their problems for a few hours. Reading also aids concentration which reduces stress and tension. According to studies, 30 minutes of reading relieves the same amount of tension as doing 30 minutes of yoga.
Improves emotional development
Reading exposes children to characters in books who may be going through a vast spectrum of experiences and emotional responses. Reading about how characters in books react to situations and the emotions those characters have and express help children and teens to normalise their own emotional responses to situations. Children and teens can feel isolated if they think their reactions and emotions are unique and not experienced by others. Reading helps reassure children that the feelings they have are experienced by others in similar situations.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a wonderful book to teach youngsters about inappropriate and spoiled behaviour and its consequences as well as demonstrating the worthiness of mature and considerate behaviour.
Blurb –
When orphaned Mary Lennox comes to live at her uncle’s great house on the Yorkshire Moors, she finds it full of secrets. The mansion has nearly one hundred rooms, and her uncle keeps himself locked up. And at night, she hears the sound of crying down one of the long corridors. The gardens surrounding the large property are Mary’s only escape. Then, Mary discovers a secret garden, surrounded by walls and locked with a missing key. One day, with the help of two unexpected companions, she discovers a way in. Is everything in the garden dead, or can Mary bring it back to life?
One of the most delightful and enduring classics of children’s literature, The Secret Garden has remained a firm favorite with children the world over ever since it made its first appearance. Initially published as a serial story in 1910 in The American Magazine, it was brought out in novel form in 1911.
Loneliness
This is particularly common in teenagers who feel isolated and lonely when they are caught up in a whirlwind of hormones that they don’t understand and can’t control. Teenagers want to be ‘part of the herd’ and the same as their friends and peer group. If they aren’t the same for various reasons including health issues, learning barriers or abilities, isolation can set in. Reading about other youngsters who are experiencing the same challenges or even unusual physical or intellectual achievements, helps promote self acceptance and reduce loneliness.
A good example of a book that involves peer pressure and the need to belong is Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Blurb: Margaret Simon, almost twelve, likes long hair, tuna fish, the smell of rain, and things that are pink. She’s just moved from New York City to Farbook, New Jersey, and is anxious to fit in with her new friends—Nancy, Gretchen, and Janie. When they form a secret club to talk about private subjects like boys, bras, and getting their first periods, Margaret is happy to belong.
But none of them can believe Margaret doesn’t have religion, and that she isn’t going to the Y or the Jewish Community Center. What they don’t know is Margaret has her own very special relationship with God. She can talk to God about everything—family, friends, even Moose Freed, her secret crush.
Margaret is funny and real, and her thoughts and feelings are oh-so-relatable—you’ll feel like she’s talking right to you, sharing her secrets with a friend.
Reduces depression and anxiety
Reading a good book full of joy and happiness helps lift low spirits. For example, reading about the dwarves and Bilbo enjoying clotted cream and honey on freshly baked bread at the home of Beorn, is uplifting. Reading about Harry Potter and his friends defeating Voltemort and his Deatheaters is absorbing and fills the reader with courage and enthusiasm. Many books give the reader a wonderful sense of well being and satisfaction when the adversity comprising the plot is resolved.
Developing social skills
Reading helps youngsters learn how to negotiate and deal with different social situations. It teaches them about romance and the emotions of love, and also rejection and sadness when romance ends or goes wrong. Reading about other people experiencing traumatic and difficult situations helps develop empathy and facilitates the development of meaningful relationships with different people from different backgrounds, cultures and religions.
I am David by Anne Holm is a wonderful book to teach children about gaining social skills. David has to learn to socialise with Maria and her brothers after he saves her from the fire. It is difficult for David who grow up in a concentration camp and only socialised with adults held in captivity.
Blurb – David’s entire twelve-year life has been spent in a grisly prison camp in Eastern Europe. He knows nothing of the outside world. But when he is given the chance to escape, he seizes it. With his vengeful enemies hot on his heels, David struggles to cope in this strange new world, where his only resources are a compass, a few crusts of bread, his two aching feet, and some vague advice to seek refuge in Denmark. Is that enough to survive?
David’s extraordinary odyssey is dramatically chronicled in Anne Holm’s classic about the meaning of freedom and the power of hope.
Winding down
Reading is a wonderful way for children and teens to wind down before sleeping. Today’s children and teens are continuously busy and subject to an endless barrage of mental stimulation. This can make sleep elusive and lack of sleep is very bad for mental health. Reading before bed is the perfect way to wind down after a long day.
About Robbie Cheadle
Award-winning, bestselling author, Robbie Cheadle, has published thirteen children’s book and three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
The ten Sir Chocolate children’s picture books, co-authored by Robbie and Michael Cheadle, are written in sweet, short rhymes which are easy for young children to follow and are illustrated with pictures of delicious cakes and cake decorations. Each book also includes simple recipes or biscuit art directions which children can make under adult supervision.
Robbie’s blog includes recipes, fondant and cake artwork, poetry, and book reviews. https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/
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My mother instilled a love of reading in me at a very young age. I believe it has been key in my development and successes I’ve had in life! I have thanked my Mom over and over again for this gift! 🙂
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That is wonderful, Penny. I started reading at four when one of the nuns taught me. I also never looked back.
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Same here, Penny. My parents also got rid of the television, for which I am eternally grateful.
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We always had a television but I never watched it we have three televisions now and no-one watches them except Terence for occasional sporting events.
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All of these are true, Robbie. There is so little of value on TV or internet these days, reading should be the preferred option.
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It should be a preferred option but I don’t think it is. The majority of kids just want to play computer games.
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[…] Growing Bookworms – Reasons why reading is good for your child or teenager’s mental health […]
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I agree. I was a child that worried a lot and reading certainly took me away from my worries. All great examples.
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I totally agree with all you say here Robbie… The Secret Garden one of my favourites as a child too.. The other was The Borrowers, by Mary Norton… 🙂
I am pleased I passed on the passion of reading books to my children and Granddaughter.. These last couple of years especially I know my granddaughter has found solace in the companionship of being able to dive into a good book.
Mental Health issues so important.. ❤ Thank you for posting x
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Hi Sue, children who read, in my experience, always have parents or other caregivers who encouraged reading and read to them as youngsters. Children usually follow the example set by their parents. I’m glad you enjoyed this post 🌺
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I did, thank you Robbie x ❤️
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I never read the secret garden as we were focusing on Swedish literature when we were kids. However, it sounds like a lovely story. What you mention, I think I’ve noticed the decline in mental health in young people and maybe the pandemic had something to do with it, but I am also wondering what social media is causing. I use social media a lot and I think it is a mess. Mostly a show case of the worst of humanity. Thank you for an interesting read.
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My pleasure, Thomas. I think our age group is better able to filter what we see and read on social media, and make better choices as to who we interact with. Kids don’t have those social skills and there is a lot of cyber bullying now. Neither of my sons have any social media. Their choice.
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I couldn’t agree more, Robbie. Reading can be a wonderful way to destress and get away from overwhelming social media.
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Hi Teri, yes, it is a big distress or for me and I read every night.
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So many benefits to reading, Robbie – and a fantastic list of books.
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Thank you, Toni, for me, no media will ever compete with the written word. I finished Grapes of Wrath during my vacation and am now reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy.
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An inspirational post
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Thank you, Derrick 💖
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As a child, books were a source of refuge, adventure, and learning about the world. I was very fortunate to have books in my life then and now as they remain the same source of refuge, adventure, and learning.
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Hi Bernadette, it is the same for me. I read a great deal and books are my relaxation.
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Great article, Robbie. You always give good advice about books and reading. You chose some good books here.
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Hi Norah, thank you, I’m glad you enjoy these posts. I try to make them relevant and topical.
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You succeed!
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Spot on, Robbie!
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Thank you, Jennie
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You are welcome, Robbie.
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Your points are more than valid, and your book selections are excellent!
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Reblogged this on A Teacher's Reflections and commented:
Reading is fundamental to a child’s growth and development in so many ways. The social and emotional benefits are most important. Thank you, Robbie, for this excellent post.
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Thank you for sharing, Jennie 💗
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My pleasure, Robbie. 😍
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Wonderful post. As for me, I always keep a book close at hand and a spare one to read when I finish the first.
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Thank you, Don. I am the same and have numerous physical, ebooks and audio books lined up.
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How does tha like thysel ?
And Martha’s response to a neglected child trained to be racist.
Thanks for this inspiring post.
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My pleasure. That is true, but Mary was young enough to change and live a better life. She
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I wanted to add, she even helped change Colin.
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Very inspiring–thanks for the examples, RObbie!
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My pleasure, Marian. I’m glad you enjoyed this post 💚🌷
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My mother relied on books and records to pull me out of an “acky” mood when I was little. Worked every time!
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I’m sure it did. I was always reading and I’m still always reading. I’ve replaced my records with audio books.
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Stopped over from Jennie’s blog and love this post. I’ll have to keep reading. 🙂 I didn’t have books as a child but when I found a library, it was like a bee to a flower. I was drawn in and never left. I think I’ve spent more on books for myself and my children than on clothing or other toys. I will probably die buried under my stack of TBR books. 🙂 Reading to my children made them voracious readers too. They still are. We all cope with life by reading. Thanks for this.
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It is my pleasure. I also grew up reading and I also mainly read library books. Reading has helped me through many difficult times in my life including Covid. My sons both read too 😊💞
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Becoming literate opens up the doors to imagination and helps one to become a more well-rounded person. We were read to all the time as children, and that love of reading has stayed with me my entire life.
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Hi Pete, we were the lucky kids as our parents spent time reading to us. My Granny Joan also read to me. I started reading on my own at four and I’ve never looked back 🌸
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Of course, this was always true of reading, long before COVID. An important reminder.
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Yes, that is correct. Covid has exacerbated depression and mental health issues and I think computer games can make it worse while reading makes it better 😊
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Fabulous post Robbie, And some great book mentions. I saw the movie last week – Are You There God, it’s Me Margaret. I haven’t read the book, but I can tell you the movie was done fantastically. I watched with my 11 year old niece and we both loved it. ❤
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Hi Debby, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I haven’t seen any of the movies if these books, but I’ve heard Are You There God … is well done 💖
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Hi Robbie. Yes, when you get a chance, I think you will enjoy the movie very much. It was very well done. ❤
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👍🏻😊
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All of these are great, Robbie. My daughter loved Judy Blume. I hope reading won’t go out of style now that devices seem to be in the lead for entertainment. I’m glad I don’t have little kids now, but I’ll worry about my grandkids when they come. I’m grateful my son and daughter still love to read, so I know they would instill it in their children. Wonderful post! ❤️
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Thank you, Lauren. My boys both read, although not as much as I did. I was unusual even for the 80s as I’ve never watched TV. I always preferred books.
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Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks for sharing 💕
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Thanks for sharing useful information and these great recommendations, Robbie!Thanks for your work on teaching children for better life. Best wishes, Michael
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Thank you, Michael. I am delighted you enjoyed this post 💚
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I added ‘the secret garden’ in my shopping wishlist;I was little curious but not sure to read this book. Today my vision become clear and I’m more curious to read all the three books. Your explanation of these books enhance my curiosity to read them. Thanks a lot for sharing this post. When I was child, my brother bought magazines for me and because of him my reading habit developed day by day; I’m greatful to him.
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Hi Puja, The Secret Garden is also my oldest son’s favourite children’s book. It is a beautiful story. I am happy for you that your brother helped you become interested in reading. He is a great brother.
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