The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you begin reading with your child almost from the moment of conception. “By sharing the act of reading you are engaging in quality “time in” with your child, a technique for positive parenting,” says Melissa King, DO, pediatrician, medical director of Dayton Children’s Urgent Care and Dr. Mom Squad blogger. “You are allowing them to connect in a positive way by sharing your time and they will associate that good feeling to the activity of reading. This helps to develop an interest in reading, hopefully leading to a lifelong commitment.”
Early and frequent reading with your child will help you to establish good routines. It can be especially important at bedtime. Reading a story can help your child wind down before lights out or before any event that requires your child be calm. “The favorite in our house was Goodnight Moon when my children were really little,” says Dr. King. “We had the rhyming words memorized, but it worked like a charm to calm them down.” Once children get older they may like to read the book to you or make up another story based on just the pictures.
A few tips to keep reading:
1. Carry small books in your diaper bag, purse or in the kids’ back packs. This is useful for those unexpected but common waiting times: grocery store line, physician office, older child’s activity or while waiting at a restaurant.
2. Stock your car with a few books.
3. There are even bath books — great for bath time, potty time or even to take to the pool.
4. Have your children read books to each other.
5. Ask questions about the story. Who is the main character? What do you think is going to happen next? Why do you think that the main character made that choice? What would you do? This helps your child learn to process what they are reading. It also opens a window into your child’s personality and decision making.
6. Read fiction and non-fiction with your children. Take the opportunity to both expand their imagination and teach them about real world events, places and people.
7. Don’t forget to check out your local library as a resource and also for story times.
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