I know, I know, it's sad.
If, like me, you are addicted to reading, you will know what I am on about. It's impossible to go more than a couple of hours without picking up a book. It doesn't matter whether it's fiction, non fiction or a reference book, it has to be read from cover to cover.
Readers do have other interests as well. Mine, for example, are camping, fishing and photography. But in between trips, I need to read. My imagination can run wild and it offers a positive way to escape from the every day negatives (if any).
The benefits of reading are numerous.
First of all there is an incredible amount of knowledge that can be gained from reading. Unfortunately for me, I'm not particularly bright, so I only remember anything I'm interested in. The useful stuff goes in one ear and out the other. But still, the potential is there to learn an amazing amount.
Another benefit is your grasp of the English language increases. (I would imagine that this would apply to other languages as well). It is interesting to note the different styles of writers, especially those of 50 years ago when compared to those of today. The expressive side of the language has changed dramatically and there are words in existence today that were unheard of 50 years ago. Try speaking to a young person today and see how long it is before they say something that bewilders you. I said hello to a young student, I guess he was about 12 years old, and he said, “Sup?" I actually said, “Sup what?" He looked at me as if I had some sort of communicable disease before walking off, sneaking the occasional glance over his shoulder. It wasn't until I had repeated it to myself several times that I realized what he meant.
To some people, myself included at times, reading offers an escape from the real world. If you have had a bad day at the office, or wherever else, it is great to be able to come home and lose yourself in a fictional story, imagining yourself as the story's main character. For me, this is important therapy. I would love to be able to come home, drop the work clothes, don the old clothes and nip off camping, but sometimes that isn't possible. Reading, along with the kids, offers me the escape I need.
Fiction is my favorite type of text, but there is a lot to be said about reading information concerning subjects in which you have an interest. Interest also includes obsession, as some pastimes can become. Give me a book on any of the above mentioned 3 topics, or surfing, and I'm lost until I finish it.
So if you have a child that does not seem to be interested in anything, let them read, if they have that inclination. They will soon become interested in a subject and, through information gained from books, will be more tempted to try it for themselves.
One of the most beneficial outcomes of reading for me is relaxation. The subject matter is irrelevant; if you become absorbed in the book, then you will feel yourself relaxing. Time passes quickly and you will no longer feel like causing yourself personal injury.
My daughter is a keen reader. She is only 10, but the benefits have already become evident. In language based classes at school she excels, and is quite good at poetry and writing stories. I have no doubt at all that this can be attributed to the amount she reads. I have also noticed that she is rather meticulous when it comes to research, which can only be a good thing and will help with her future studies.
Reading is not the be all and end all, and some people just don't like it (my wife for example. If it hasn't got pictures then she'll lose interest). A balance needs to be reached. It would not be good for anyone to have their nose continually inserted into a book. A good dose of the outdoors, including some kind of exercise, is essential of course, especially for the young members of the family.
However, I think the benefits of reading are understated, both from a recreational and educational viewpoint. Maybe reading will provide you with the escape you are looking for.
