The Importance of Reading to Your Children!

Today I am going to talk about reading to your kids. When is the right time to start? What books to buy? How to make it fun? This will all be covered along with the benefits and reason WHY.

First off I think kids should be kids. They should play and while flash cards and teaching them words before they can walk seems best I hesitate to subject my child to that method of learning. Reading is no different than any other childhood skill they learn. When they walk you clap and shout. With reading it is no different. My son was six months old when I began to read to him. He LOVES dogs, it was even his first word. So my mom bought him the book Biscuit's Pet and Play Easter. He ran his chubby hands all over the fuzzy and scratchy parts while I read. Instead of saying woof woof I actually barked. And no I am not kidding. He laughed and realized when mommy reads she makes funny noises.
This brings us to the fun part. Babies respond to funny faces and noises. That's why we sing them to sleep, play peek a boo, and wrinkle our faces at them. Incorporate that into your reading. Make funny voices to go with your characters, try to make the moos and woofs sound like real critters, and above all be happy when you do it!
  Books books everywhere and not a one they like. My son does not like books with people in it. I have to keep him stocked up on books that have animals that he is familiar with. If your son or daughter watches your cat or dog with interest try The Biscuit Series or Clifford. If they like certain colors find a book that has them in the pictures. Also I might add the touch and feel books give them something to do while you read and retains their interest. When you find a character they like don't be afraid to order books in the series that aren't in the same age level. My son reads all the Biscuit books not just the ones intended for babies. In short buy what they like and expand by finding similar characters.
Finally the benefits and reasons why. The benefits are endless. Having a child who excels in school later, a child who is confident, and on and on. Reasons why are a bit different, yes you want your child to do well in everything, but lets face facts people are always going to be needed at McDonalds and checking people out at the register. In order to do this everyone has to know how to read and in order to be promoted in any field most of the times there are forms to fill out or tests to take. Also when my toddler is cranky from nap time a book is the perfect way to calm the crying and moodiness. Those books may even help you keep your sanity when there is nothing else to do to comfort a child. Set your child up for success. Read to them all the time. Use books as rewards and always say yes when your toddler wobbles in with a favorite.