Parents, children highlight the benefits of reading
- Last updated: November 15, 2025 | 12:17 ..
Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter
Among the all-time high advice to expectant mothers is to read.
To read not only to go through their pregnancy which may become topsy-turvy but for the benefit of the life they are nurturing within them.
Abounding love continues with mothers becoming their children’s first teachers. Bedtime stories are instantly webbed with a prayer and the hugs and kisses before the lights are switched off.
With this, two boys and a mother of a six-year-old lass gladly spoke on what else – but reading.
Sharjah residents David and Mary Grace Zeta see reading as another way of utmost care to their Simone Grace: “We read spiritual books to her. She likes Bible stories, arts and crafts books because these excite her. We ask if she understands what we have read.We encourage her to remember whatever we have read so she can share these with her own friends. Simone is very active. We have noticed that reading is something that keeps her calm and relaxed. We are thankful to God for this special time we spend with her. We hope serve as an encouragement.”
Seven-year-old Raphael Walstab from Dubai devours on “fact and picture books.” These help him learn new things in a fun way.
The detailed graphics help him appreciate and get curious more of nature, specifically snakes, crocodiles, dolphins, sharks and turtles “from around the world.”
He currently savours “DK Children’s Encyclopedia of Animals.” It shows how animals live and protect themselves in the jungles: “Snakes are nice, not scary. They are fascinating; they move quietly. They look different from each other.”
This ocean lover treasures so much, so far though, a book on sea animals because of the “real life” dolphins and penguins at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. He had close encounters too, with the penguins at Ski Dubai: “The dolphins look happy and smart. The penguins walk funny and they look like wearing suits.”
So, does Raphael encourage others to read?”
“Yes. Because reading helps you know many things. I am learning a lot. It is fun when you find books about things you love. Books make you smarter. You imagine stories.”
In life’s hurly-burly, reading classics could somehow be put in the backburner.
Not so for Grade 8 student Adler John Simon T. Sergio who leisurely reads at the moment American Harper’s Lee “To Kill A Mockingbird,” about how a girl, Scout Finch, stands up for what is right at the height of prejudice in Southern USA.
Observed to own an expansive vocabulary, the 13-year-old’s “greatest influence” is his professor Dad, Dr. Rommel Sergio: “He reminds me to pick up books and read beyond what is required in school because reading is a lifelong habit that helps one grow, learn, and see the world from different perspectives.”
Adler’s preferences on “academic books” are on the Sciences, Arithmetic, English and History: “These topics help me make sense of how things work. From understanding human behaviour and language to how the universe operates. They do not just prepare me for my studies. They strengthen my curiosity and critical thinking.”
He who loves the line, “What is essential is invisible to the eye” is in awe of how French Antoine de Saint-Exupery simplistically wrote about the “deep meaning of love, sincerity, kindness, and wisdom through innocence” in “The Little Prince.”
“Reading is life. Reading has become a meaningful part of my everyday life. It shapes the mind, the heart, and even our sense of purpose. It is more than gaining knowledge. It is about developing empathy, imagination, and understanding. It helps us think critically, communicate effectively and connect with others on a deeper level. I do encourage others to read because that is my way of encouraging them to explore their potentials. Everyone has potentials to change people who in turn can change the world. I have always admired Gulf Today for being a reliable source of factual and relevant news. It makes reading both informative and enjoyable,” said Adler.