Nato Lagidze
Every one of us carries a bit of our childhood with us as we journey through life.
Perhaps you recall the lullabies your mother sang to you or the scent of your father’s literature-rich library, where he read to you every night.
How does one measure the impact of these seemingly small, but potentially profound experiences?
Could it be that having parents who read to you as a child shaped your personality in unique and notable ways?
After pondering my own experiences and observing the distinct traits of others who had parents who read to them, I’ve identified 8 unique personality traits that often emerge.
If you recognize these traits in yourself, it might be an indication of the literary legacy that was woven into your childhood tapestry.
1) Vivid imagination
One of the most distinct traits often found in individuals who were read to as children is a vibrant sense of creativity and imagination.
The worlds painted by words in childhood have a way of expanding one’s mind beyond the normal confines of reality.
To be more specific, you might find yourself daydreaming, creating intricate stories in your mind, or even expressing yourself through art, writing, or other creative outlets.
Still, this doesn’t mean that everyone who was read to as a child becomes Picasso or Hemingway.
I’m just saying that the seeds sown by those early stories often blossom into a rich inner world that continues to grow and develop throughout adulthood.
Therefore, if you find yourself drawn to creative endeavors and are able to imagine worlds beyond what you see, this could be a sign of your literature-enriched childhood.
2) Appreciation for solitude
While it might seem counterintuitive, many people who were read to as children develop a deep appreciation for solitude.
I mean, connecting to various characters from fairy tales since childhood should probably make us sociable individuals, right?
Well, it seems that’s not really the case.
Instead, being read to is an intimate and personal experience, often involving one-on-one time with a parent.
This early exposure to quiet, focused attention tends to cultivate a comfort with being alone.
Again, this doesn’t mean that individuals who were read to as children are reclusive or antisocial.
On the contrary, they often have strong social connections.
However, they also value their alone time and use it to recharge, reflect, and continue nurturing their vibrant inner world.
3) Advanced empathy
Another intriguing characteristic often found in those who grew up with story-rich childhoods is a heightened sense of empathy.
Here’s how it works:
When parents read to their children, they expose them to a myriad of perspectives and experiences, all conveyed through the characters in the stories.
This early immersion in diverse viewpoints can foster a deep understanding of and compassion for others.
The best part is that this empathy isn’t confined to the pages of books.
It often translates into real-world interactions, with individuals showing exceptional understanding and sensitivity towards the feelings and experiences of others.
Simply put, they’re often the ones who can easily put themselves in someone else’s shoes, understand their struggles, and offer genuine support and kindness.
Sounds like you?
Well, then you need to know that this empathy extends beyond human relationships as well.
It can manifest in a concern for societal issues, environmental causes, or the welfare of animals.
4) Love for learning
Perhaps not surprisingly, reading to a child comes with a wide range of cognitive benefits that develop in the process of growing up.
Among these benefits, being read to as a child is often linked to a lifelong love for learning.
Through the pages of books, children are introduced to a world far beyond their immediate surroundings.
They learn about different cultures, historical events, scientific phenomena, and fantastical worlds.
And guess what?
This early exposure to knowledge can spark a curiosity that follows them into adulthood.
More often than not, individuals who were read to as children continue to be voracious readers and enthusiastic learners.
They possess an insatiable thirst for knowledge and derive great joy from discovering new things.
And this, in turn, fosters a broader worldview and a more nuanced understanding of the world.
What’s more, this passion for learning often leads them to be lifelong learners, continuously pursuing personal and professional growth.
5) Comfort with emotions
In a world where many of us are taught to suppress our emotions, individuals who were read to as children often display a unique comfort with their feelings.
Books, even children’s books, delve into a wide range of emotions – joy, sadness, anger, fear, amusement, and more.
Children who are exposed to these emotional narratives learn early on that it’s okay to feel deeply and express those feelings.
The simple truth is that early emotional education often results in adults who are comfortable expressing their emotions and navigating the emotional waters of others.
They embrace feelings as a natural part of the human experience, not something to be hidden or suppressed.
The result?
This emotional literacy allows them to form deeper connections and engage in more meaningful relationships.
This means that this ability to embrace and express emotions confidently is a priceless trait, fostering healthier and more authentic relationships.
6) Affinity for structure
Growing up with books often instills a certain affinity for structure in individuals.
This might seem surprising, but the structured nature of stories – with a beginning, middle, and end – can translate into a preference for organized and systematic approaches in life.
Here’s how this typically manifests:
- Preference for routine: They often enjoy having a set routine or schedule, finding comfort and productivity in a well-organized day.
- Structured problem-solving: When faced with challenges, they tend to approach them methodically, breaking them down into manageable parts.
- Organized spaces: Their love for order often extends to their physical surroundings, preferring neat and tidy environments.
This inclination towards structure doesn’t mean they are inflexible, but rather that they appreciate the clarity and efficiency that comes with organization.
The narrative frameworks they encountered in their early reading experiences have shaped their approach to various aspects of their lives, from personal goals to professional projects.
7) Rich vocabulary
One of the more direct benefits of being read to as a child is often an enriched vocabulary.
Let me explain how this works.
Books are treasure troves of words, each one a new tool for expressing thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
Children who are exposed to this wealth of language at an early age often develop a strong command of words.
This isn’t just about knowing a lot of words.
It’s about understanding their nuances and appreciating their power.
These individuals often have a knack for communication, able to articulate their thoughts and emotions with clarity and precision.
However, their rich vocabulary isn’t solely for show or academic prowess.
It becomes a way for them to connect with others, share stories, and engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations.
They can often express complex ideas effortlessly and are more likely to enjoy wordplay, poetry, and other forms of linguistic expression.
In either case, this command of language is a gift that not only enhances their ability to communicate but also deepens their understanding of the world around them.
8) Creative thinking
Finally, I’ve come to realize how being read to as a child has honed my creative thinking.
When parents read to their children, they’re not just sharing words on a page — they’re opening doors to new worlds, ideas, and possibilities.
This early exposure to diverse narratives and characters lays the groundwork for a more imaginative and innovative approach to life.
As a child, I remember being whisked away on magical adventures and complex mysteries through the stories my parents read to me.
This not only entertained me but also encouraged me to think outside the box, to view the world through a lens of wonder and curiosity.
It taught me that problems could have more than one solution and that thinking creatively could unveil paths I might not have considered.
Now, as an adult, I find this creative thinking to be an invaluable asset.
Whether it’s in my career, solving day-to-day challenges, or simply finding joy in the mundane, the ability to think creatively has been a guiding force.
It’s a skill that was nurtured in the quiet moments of bedtime stories and lazy afternoons lost in books — a skill that continues to shape how I navigate the world.
Final thoughts: The journey of self-knowledge
Reflecting on my own journey, I realize how being read to as a child has profoundly shaped who I am today.
My parents often read to me, and those moments weren’t just about the stories — they were about bonding, learning, and igniting a lifelong love for words and ideas.
Even today, I find myself gravitating towards books, seeking comfort, knowledge, and inspiration within their pages.
In closing, the gift of being read to as a child is more than just about literacy — it’s a gift of imagination, empathy, and a deep appreciation for the power of words.
It’s a legacy that lasts a lifetime, shaping not just our vocabulary but the very essence of who we become.
