A Family That Reads Together Grows Together

Onyx Family
2 min readJul 2, 2021

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“A home without books is like a body without a soul.”

Every generation in a family benefits from reading in their own unique way.

Let’s start with babies and toddlers.

Babies and young children read and communicate sooner when they are read to. This of course strengthens the bond between the child and the parent as the communication increases.

Studies also show that children and teens who read improve their grades and test higher on scholastic metrics. This gives them an advantage not only in school but for a brighter future. The connections between reading go even beyond success in school but also in the home and society at large. Pre-teens and adolescents who read generally develop a greater ability to focus on tasks, demonstrate cooperative behavior, and have a good attitude in the home and society at large.

This makes it so much easier for a harmonious and productive atmosphere to be established in the home. If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, you could say a book a day keeps ignorance at bay.

What about adults?

The scientific reports on reading also show that reading can increase levels of all three major categories of intelligence. Crystalized intelligence being the day-to-day input; fluid intelligence which is the ability to solve problems, understand things and detect meaningful patterns; and even emotional intelligence, the ability to accurately read and respond to your own and others’ feelings, all are improved by reading. This most certainly impacts the potential for holistic success and overall wellbeing in the home.

Studies show that people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia slow down cognitive decline when they are avid readers. This once again demonstrates a clear benefit and connection between reading and relational wellness when all ages within the family can maintain a connection with grandparents and the elderly.

They pass on wisdom, guidance, a great example, and support.

So if you want to experience growth in your family, then make it a practice to both read and read together daily, because a family that reads together grows together`

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Onyx Family

The Onyx Family, America’s African-American family of entertainers, authors, and entrepreneurs, consists of parents, Mirthell and Rita, and their four children.