From the moment your baby is born, their brain is bursting with potential—tiny but mighty! At birth, they have around 86 billion neurons, each one ready to make connections and learn about the world. By the time they turn five, their brain is already 90% developed, with connections—called synapses—firing at lightning speed. It’s like their brain is in turbo mode, soaking up every word, sound, and experience around them.

Every time you catch yourself thinking, “Wow, how do they know that?”—you’re absolutely right to be amazed. Even if your little one can’t say all the words or express every thought just yet, the moments you share today are shaping the way they think, learn, and create. These moments aren’t just passing time—they’re building a foundation for their future.

Books: The Best Tool in Your Parenting Toolkit

If you’re wondering how to nurture all that brainpower, the answer is simple—just open a book. Reading together isn’t just fun (though it definitely is!)—it’s one of the best ways to help your child’s brain grow. When you read, point at pictures, ask questions, or even make silly voices, you’re not just sharing a story—you’re strengthening language skills, sparking curiosity, and helping them develop a lifelong love of learning.

And as your child grows, storytime becomes something even more magical. They’ll start asking questions, noticing small details, and might even take over the storytelling themselves. This kind of back-and-forth, known as dialogic reading, makes books come alive and deepens their understanding. The best part? It all starts with a baby, a board book, and a little time together.

Small Moments, Big Brain Boosts

Science shows that sharing books with your child boosts vocabulary, improves critical thinking, and even strengthens emotional skills. But the magic of storytime isn’t just about brain development—it’s about connection. Those snuggly moments, the giggles over funny voices, and the quiet time spent together make children feel loved and secure.

A child’s social environment plays a key role in their development, especially through responsive serve-and-return interactions between them and their caregivers. Every time you respond to their babbles, point to pictures together, or ask them about the story, you’re strengthening their brain in ways that will last a lifetime.

So, grab their favorite book (or a new one!), cuddle up, and dive into a story. You’re not just reading—you’re opening doors to new ideas, creating memories, and nurturing a love of learning that will grow with them forever. Because when it comes to supporting your child’s amazing brain, books are one of your best tools.