Read with your kid! No matter their age, you should read with your child.
If you don’t already read on a daily basis with your child, go read a book with them right now.
Read to be close
One of my favorite things to do as a father of two boys is to round them up and lay on the couch with them to read a book. We read all sorts of books. Silly books like Dragons Love Tacos and classic books such as anything by Dr. Seuss. If the baby isn’t in the mood to read a picture book, we grab a touch book that has different textures inside for him to feel and stay entertained. Any book will do.
I love to hold the boys and read to them. The window of time where they are happy to sit with me is fleeting. I don’t want to miss an opportunity to hold them both and share a great book. My four year old is absolutely interested in the books, while the baby just enjoys being part of the cuddle puddle. The best part of reading a book with them is that they are close to me and nothing is distracting us. This is a fantastic break from phones, television, and the chaos that is typically two boys running amok.
I know that by sitting down with my boys to read is building lasting memories. I am closer to my children because of our special time built in to read together. Often times I initiate the reading time, but few things beat out having your child come up and say “Will you read to me?”
Read to build good habits
Building a habit of reading makes for a lifetime of learning. Children and adults that read early and often have a wider vocabulary and knowledge of more things. Reading improves focus and concentration and sets your child up to be a better learner for the rest of their life. It is also a fantastic bedtime to routine that no only leads to reading more, but also puts you and your child in a more tranquil state to get a good nights rest. Sleep habits are improved by reducing time in front of an electronic screen when you are preparing your child for bed. Get rid of that iPad and YouTube bedtime ritual and replace it with reading to your child, you will both sleep better.
Read because it is the most important thing you can do to prepare them for success.
There is no secrets technique, craft, or toy that will make your child be successful in the long run. You don’t need to pinterest crafts or games to make your child smarter. Just read with them. Reading with your child is the best, the BEST, way to set your child up for success.
Read with your child every day.