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.
It used to strike me as odd - but really,... Read More
I've learned numerous, important lessons on life, motherhood and men... Read More
Have you heard the song; "I Hope You Dance"? It... Read More
Single parenting has seemingly become an acceptable norm which is... Read More
Once upon a time, I thought I had it all.... Read More
Cardiovascular endurance is one of the five health-related components of... Read More
Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More
I love Google and Yahoo. With Google and Yahoo I... Read More
Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With... Read More
Traditionally, babies have been named at a christening/baptism.... Read More
Goal setting is essential for building a successful life. However,... Read More
For several years now, I've told the following story as... Read More
Some years ago when touring the Scottish Highlands, a man... Read More
Advocate: you've probably heard the term before. But what does... Read More
School authorities often complain that classes are too large. They... Read More
Here's a scene: A parent "might suddenly grab a happliy... Read More
Although, not a well publicized statistic, childhood obesity has more... Read More
Q. My daughter is a junior in high school and... Read More
the woes of being a parent of an ADHD child.....Like... Read More
Teenagers are a work-in-progress, and parenting teenagers can be tricky... Read More
Winifred or Willow? Thomas or Troy? The name you choose... Read More
All responsible parents would want to support their children, find... Read More
There are some grounds to assume that a cognitive dissonance... Read More
So you're going to become a father. Now is not... Read More
Having worked with parents for the last 35 years and... Read More
As parents, we love our children and want to do... Read More
Is there a way to build a robot to help... Read More
We all know that using cloth nappies is best for... Read More
Having a baby is one of the most exciting times... Read More
Bullies are an ugly but very real part of childhood.... Read More
Those of you that have children know what an excursion... Read More
What should the goals for counseling be when the patient... Read More
Prioritize. Learn to say No. Steal some time for yourself.Don't... Read More
``Mom, can I go to the mall with my friend... Read More
Here's the scene of communication with your child: your three-year-old... Read More
A parent writes in, ``We are having a hard time... Read More
For many adults, reading a book or newspaper seems effortless.... Read More
Are you a professional?Notice how the questions differs from, "Do... Read More
Child support is defined as that part of your income... Read More
Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along... Read More
Identity and Your Fraternal TwinFor the most part, throughout this... Read More
When growing up, my father frequently reminded me to "pay... Read More
Today the little red school house is not what it... Read More
One of the most difficult parts of being a father... Read More
Choosing a good car seat for your child's protection is... Read More
We need a grass roots campaign targeted towards parents to... Read More
After giving up my profession to become a wife, a... Read More
Prenatal intelligence, also known as fetal intelligence, has become a... Read More
Being consistent when children are less than perfect can make... Read More
There is nothing quite like hiking with small children. The... Read More
Parenting |