One of my first memories of childhood is that of my mother reading Dr. Seuss books to me in a big brown recliner in our living room. That memory brings with it sounds and smells and a general feeling of safety and comfort that never fades, even after all these years. Naturally, one of the first memories I have of my own first born child is sitting in a big chair and reading Little Golden Books to him.
Sharing books and reading with my children is as natural as giving them baths and making their breakfast. It's just something I do everyday, and it's one of the most pleasurable moments of my day. I love to hold my two year old in my lap while we snuggle up and look through his ever growing library of books. His favorite books change weekly as his interests broaden. Books open up the world to him and his imagination is bubbling over with new ideas every day.
More than just telling a story, books help children better understand their own ideas and feelings and often calm an upset toddler when nothing else will work. They see and hear about other kids like them and others from around the world who are different. We've all seen little kids acting out the stories they hear. As a child I spent many afternoons pretending to be the characters from my favorite books. Just recently my son was playing 'Dr.Dan. The Bandage Man', a current favorite Little Golden Book.
Although reading with children is so very rewarding for both adult and child, little kids need time to look at books alone. This allows them the opportunity to look at the pictures and develop the habit of 'reading' even though they can't yet read. In my Family Child Care, I have different 'libraries' available in different rooms in my home. The kids have labeled these areas 'libraries' themselves, and will often rotate the books from room to room and act out 'going to the library' daily. Imagine my surprise when I first witnessed a three year old taking the younger kids 'to the library.'
Because books are a very user-friendly activity and require no prep or cleanup other than returning them to the 'library', parents can and should use any opportunity to share books with their young children. Long car or plane trips, waiting rooms, in shopping carts, you name it, you can hand a child a book and make just about any transition or otherwise boring activity exciting. Books and reading can be both a group or individual activity, and many children who are normally shy in a group setting will sit in the reading circle and share story-time while making new friends.
By sharing books with your young child, you are planting a precious memory that will last a lifetime for both parent and child. They in turn will continue the tradition with their own children and remember those special times. A world of experiences and ideas are waiting for you to introduce to them.
About the Author: Sherry Frewerd is a Proud Work At Home Mother of 3 musical children. A Family Child Care Provider for 10 years, she also publishes several websites, specifically http://familyplayandlearn.com Family Play and Learn: Play and Learning Resources for Parents and Family Child Care Providers.
monthly home cleaning Buffalo Grove ..As a parent, you probably know that the birthday party... Read More
When I was pregnant, we knew that we had some... Read More
When you think about it, probably the one thing that... Read More
As a parent you will be asked to assist with... Read More
Salon visits can be scary experiences for small children: They... Read More
One of the implications of the current trend toward smaller... Read More
This time, I would like to talk about a subject... Read More
"My son won't go to bed at night without a... Read More
Dear friends here we will charge up our mind with... Read More
A learning disability is defined as a permanent problem that... Read More
You know that children can get into trouble. The older... Read More
Many parental units are not "techies" and openly admit they... Read More
I have a bit of a different response than most... Read More
This is one of the most common questions asked of... Read More
As thinking, acting human beings we have the ability to... Read More
Do you want to create a deeper, more loving relationship... Read More
The ADD child exhibits a series of behaviors that are... Read More
We all scream for ice cream. Or, we don't, at... Read More
Children think money grows on trees. Maybe not literally, but... Read More
As the kids go back to school, you can go... Read More
How often do you think of family life as an... Read More
Valentine day has always been a special day in my... Read More
Teens can freely access the Internet from computers at school,... Read More
Ah, potty training! Go to a local bookseller and you... Read More
ADHD comes in differenty forms, or types. What... Read More
scheduled maid service Mundelein ..My son is 6 yrs old. He came home the... Read More
Does this sound familiar? Have your kids not listened to... Read More
Choosing a baby name is an important job, so make... Read More
Should a parent give a child a tangible reward when... Read More
The hot new reality TV show "Nanny 911" has been... Read More
Late vs. Too LateEvery now and then, I'll hear a... Read More
Sex has a lot to answer for ? babies usually... Read More
1. Encourage Questions.Don't answer every question, instead ask what do... Read More
Many families do not want to believe their child is... Read More
Most parents can hardly wait for their baby to say... Read More
A certain educator was once asked at what point should... Read More
Nanny 911 Interview with Montel WilliamsI saw an interview with... Read More
1. Make stronger connections among individuals and, therefore, creates a... Read More
My thirteen-year-old daughter recently called me up to say she... Read More
Do you live with an ADD / ADHD child? If... Read More
While youth gangs are nothing new -- they've been traced... Read More
Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
John was a 43 year-old sales manager at a large... Read More
Those of you that have children know what an excursion... Read More
Get into their world. The world that teens are growing... Read More
Jason Roberts listened to his son's explanation of the missing... Read More
One of the biggest milestones in our children's education is... Read More
Successful families don't just happen. They take time, talent and... Read More
Keith is now in the fourth grade and he dislikes... Read More
"Home Schooling ? Look Before You Leap"Are you considering home... Read More
Parenting |