READING TO CHILDREN

Reading to children is such a special joy. Yesterday I was reading to my little granddaughters who are 4 years old and 22 months old. Both of them brought books to me, crawled up into my lap and settled in for a cuddle and a story. The four year old loves books about dinosaurs, which are her special love. The 22 month old is fond of books about babies, especially if the babies have sweet faces. Having the little ones sit with me for those special moments are memories that I will forever cherish.

The love of reading is so easy to establish. It starts at birth. That is when I began reading to my own children. We would sit in the rocking chair and as the baby nursed, I read little stories and rhymes. Now I get to re-live the experience with all four of my grandchildren because they are all fond of books, having been introduced to them as infants. The 22 month old even has to hold a book as she goes to sleep.

Reading to children is incredibly heart warming. All of the busy-ness of life is suspended as we join Winnie the Pooh, Cinderella and Lightning McQueen on their adventures. Children ask amazing questions as the books unfold and the children offer incredible insights into life from their own perspective.

There is nothing more special to hear than "Nana, please read me a story" and there is no greater feeling of awe and warmth as the little one backs up to me and sits on my lap.

Read to your children every day. You will benefit even more than the child does. Trust me - it's true.

Denise