You are probably here because you understand how important it is for your children to love reading!
When children are young, parents are the most important people in their lives.
When you take the time to read to your children, you communicate to them that they are important to you.
And family relationships are always strengthened when family members share with each other.
Young children love to snuggle with you while reading a book. Older children love to share their knowledge with you and ask questions.
Books can be an excuse to start a conversation with a child in your life. They give you a simple way to strengthen your relationship with your child.
A good book, with lots of excellent advice about reading with your child, is The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease.
Reading Together Strengthens Healthy Family Relationships
Here are a few ways reading has strengthened one family:
Reading one-on-one with my naughty two-year-old has reduced his outbursts and given him some much-needed attention after the birth of our last child.
Working on puzzle books with my oldest son--but second child--lets his growing abilities shine. They sometimes get overshadowed by his big sister.
Books have helped me potty-train my children. That makes mom happy!
My relationship with my oldest daughter has been deepened as she shares each exciting new "find" from a book.
Another son--the middle child--will drop any toy or game to come and read with mom. That alone time is special to him.
Reading with my four-month-old gives me more meaningful time with her--not just the necessities like diaper changes!
And here is yet another example of how good family relationships can be formed through family sharing and reading together:
My daughter asked me the other day if I ever felt excited to read another chapter in a book and find out what happens, but sad at the same time that the book would end too soon. She was pleasantly surprised to find out that mom felt that way whenever I read a good book...They always end too soon!
This little interaction deepened my love for her as an individual and was an exciting glimpse into the person she is becoming. I love books and what they have done for me!!It doesn't matter if you are a parent, grandparent or other caring adult...remember when you give a child a book give some of yourself, too!
And so, healthy family relationships are reinforced by the closeness that comes from reading together and sharing reading experiences with each other.
Taking just a few minutes a day to read to your children will reward you immensely! Your children will have a love for reading, a love for you--and you will all be closer!
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