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.
no-contract cleaning service Des Plaines ..Most parents at some stage are driven to distraction by... Read More
Here in Kansas, where we live, the leaves are turning... Read More
Be sure to respect the intellectual changes that mark adolescence.... Read More
Detox To Conceive.. If you're having trouble conceiving... Read More
It's among the top criticism wives have of their husbands:... Read More
How often do you think of family life as an... Read More
Mealtimes together deserve an important place in any family. Around... Read More
Is it hard to communicate with your teenager about issues... Read More
How are parents to know they are doing the right... Read More
Having a high level of emotional intelligence in your children... Read More
What is in a name?The answer is everything!Jo J. of... Read More
AD/HD (attention deficit disorder) is one of the most common... Read More
Many parents struggle to know which foods are healthy for... Read More
Sex has a lot to answer for ? babies usually... Read More
Information is gold when you are adopted. Every tiny piece... Read More
As a hypnotherapist, I am acutely aware of the power... Read More
Ritalin is a good medication with a bad reputation. Its... Read More
I hear from many parents that their child is stressed... Read More
Do you praise your child when he fulfils a basic... Read More
If you had to spend 4 or 5 hours in... Read More
Are you feeling overwhelmed being a parent? Do you want... Read More
Last week in my newsletter, I mentioned that... Read More
What do you do when your child begins talking to... Read More
Many children are jittery on the first day of school.... Read More
Quite simply, an absolute nightmare for parents and babies alike,... Read More
bathroom cleaning service Lake Forest ..Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More
Anyone can splurge on a formal dinner or a pricey... Read More
Many public schools not only fail to educate our children,... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
We've got spirit, yes we do! We've got spirit how... Read More
I wanted to share with you one of the most... Read More
Most of us when asked what we want our children... Read More
Are you feeling overwhelmed being a parent? Do you want... Read More
Karen, a single never-married thirty-year old attorney has a four-year... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
When you hear the phrase, 'guerrilla parenting techniques', what images... Read More
Many people still think that the game of chess is... Read More
It can be said that any man who procreates is... Read More
In the movie, Finding Nemo, Nemo's father, Marlyn asks the... Read More
While most fathers aspire to become the best Dads they... Read More
Often I will hear parents say, "I just ignore Jr.... Read More
Mommy (Daddy), Why do those people want to hurt everyone?Last... Read More
Are you considering a car wash fundraiser for your group?... Read More
Children bombard parents with many challenging behaviours. We are delighted... Read More
Many children are jittery on the first day of school.... Read More
Younger generations unfortunately will not understand how larger than life... Read More
I recently heard a story that has literally changed the... Read More
Parents looking for a quick fix usually choose troubled teen... Read More
If you are a member of a stepfamily, you know... Read More
Keith is now in the fourth grade and he dislikes... Read More
Parenting |