More Than Just a Bedtime Story!
Michelle Glorieux
Montana winters are made for snuggling up with a good book, aren’t they? There’s something magical about sharing a story as the snow falls outside—these moments of connection are priceless, especially when life feels so busy.
In a world full of screens, the simple act of sharing a book with your child might just be the most powerful gift you can give them. It’s more than words on a page—it’s a moment of connection, an opportunity to help them become lifelong learners, and a way to build the skills they’ll need to thrive in school and beyond.
From my own journey as a mom, I’ve seen how sharing a book can open doors to a whole new world. My son started his language adventure right on my lap, with just one story at a time. Now, at age nine, he speaks three languages—but it all began with those simple, special moments reading together.
But don’t just take it from me—look at some of the world’s most influential figures. Did you know that Oprah Winfrey credits books for helping her rise above poverty and adversity? Or that Elon Musk, before he became the tech visionary we know today, devoured the Encyclopedia Britannica as a child? Even Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, was inspired to pursue law by reading Nancy Drew novels. These stories aren’t just anecdotes; they’re proof that the pages of a book can open doors to endless possibilities.
The Real Benefits — More Than Just a Bedtime Story!
1. Brain-Boosting Power: Research shows that children exposed to books from an early age have stronger vocabulary skills and are more prepared for school. Reading helps them develop language, problem-solving abilities, and even empathy—the building blocks for a bright future.
2. A Bond That Lasts: When you read to your child, you’re not just sharing a story; you’re creating a memory. Studies have shown that reading together strengthens the parent-child relationship, offering a moment of connection in a busy world. Imagine your little one, years from now, remembering the sound of your voice as you turned the pages together—those moments matter. A lot.
3. A Break from the Screens: We’ve all seen it—babies and toddlers with their eyes glued to a screen. But did you know that tactile learning (hands-on, screen-free) is proven to be more effective in early childhood development? Physical books engage their senses, helping them to learn better and retain information longer.
Did You Know?
• Books Improve Mental Well-being: According to a university study, reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by 68%! For children, it offers a calm, comforting escape and a way to process emotions.
• The Magic of Storytelling: Kids who read (or are read to) develop a richer vocabulary, higher empathy, and even better problem-solving skills. It’s not just about learning words; it’s about learning how to navigate the world.
We all want the best for our kids, and sometimes, it’s the simplest things—like sharing a book—that have the most lasting impact. It’s more than just bedtime; it’s building those little brains, sparking their imaginations, and helping them grow into curious, empathetic humans.
That’s exactly why I created TA-DA! Language Productions—to give parents a chance to make those moments even more special. Our talking books blend play, music, and language into a multisensory experience that brings every page to life. My son still lights up every time we read together, and I hope TA-DA! can do the same for you and your little ones.
So as we head into this cozy season, I’d love to hear about the books that warm your family’s hearts! Maybe one day, a TA-DA! story will find its way into your home and become part of your family’s journey too.
Michelle Glorieux is the Founder and CEO of TA-DA! Language Productions, an innovative company on a mission to make early language learning fun, engaging, and accessible for children. As a passionate educator and visionary in language education, Michelle’s first screen-free products take the form of interactive books that blend play, music, and art, creating multi-sensory experiences that ignite a love of language in young learners. With an extensive background in teaching, cultural exploration, and language acquisition, Michelle brings a unique perspective to revolutionizing how children explore languages. As a mom to a trilingual 9-year-old, she knows firsthand the power of books in shaping a child’s journey. Her work is inspired by her personal journey, years of cultural exploration, and a deep belief that language is a key to building wiser, kinder, and more connected kids.