Reading Time, the gift that lasts forever!
Ever since I was a little girl I have really enjoyed reading.
Books have inspired and influenced my life, so it is very important to me that my kids learn to love them too.
The first book I bought when I was expecting my first boy was: “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss, that day was memorable for me, so I wanted to do something that would impact my son when he grew up. I got the book and wrote a piece from the book: “Oh, Baby, the places You’ll Go” I’m still waiting for the perfect moment to give it to him, but I know it will be memorable for him.
As soon as my first son was born I have been reading to him. I love getting him books and laying down with him and just go trough all the pages. We had an awesome routine that changed a lot when my second kid arrived. I got the same book for him (I try to be as fair as I can with the two of them,) and tried to follow the same activities that helped my eldest son to fall in love with reading.
Things didn’t quite work out like that. My kids, like yours I imagine ,are very different so they like different books, different time and different places to read; but they have something in common: they love when I read to them.
I discovered that even though they are so different some things are always the same, so I wrote down some tips that might help you if you are trying to develop a reading habit for your kids:
1. Pick books according to their age and interests: Eric Carle, Dr. Seuss, Sandra Boynton, Oliver Jeffers, Dallas Clayton are some of the amazing writers you can check.
2. Choose the best time for your kid and for you (avoid reading when tired, hungry, sick or irritated.) The moment has to work for you too. But the best tip is to put away your cellphone and focus your full attention on the moment.
3. Make it an experience: when you pick the book, plan a cool activity you can do with your child once you have finished (or go to Pinterest and search there).
4. Make faces, funny noises, Play a part, dress up. Make books more interesting and use all the tools that they give you to talk about emotions, fears and problem solving.
5. You are your kids’ role model, so if they see you read they will do the same.
I hope you start today, have fun and build new memories while developing new habits.
If you’re looking for more activities to develop your baby go to www.babymovementco.com and download our videos!