Neurobiological Evidence for the Benefit of Interactive Parent–Child Storytelling: Supporting Early Reading Exposure Policies

Abstract

The American Association of Pediatrics recommends reading to young children from birth as a method of exposing children to language and literacy as early as possible. This article describes the known neurobiological support for this recommendation—also addressing the differential effects of parental versus stranger reading as well as other factors, that is, pathological conditions, that may influence the contributions of the recommended early reading interactions. Finally, the possible effects of screen exposure on parent–child interaction around the book will be discussed to inform new possible policies.