Reading To Your Children

by Brandie Valenzuela, © 2001

It can't be said enough: read to your children and let them read to you! There is no set age to begin -- some parents start reading to their baby in their womb, others expose their child to their first books when they are toddlers. All that really matters is that you start early, and read often!

After going without a trip to our local library for several years, my children and I went back to the place that, for them, was like a candy store. Smiles appear to their faces as they wander the aisles looking for that perfect book. My son frantically types words such as "lizards" and "monkeys" into the computerized card catalog, while my daughter asks the volunteers for help finding "scary books". As a mother, this is a delightful sight. I love watching my children so in awe of the written word, and so eager to enter the new worlds where these books will take them.

If you are a parent who admits that you don't read to your children enough, or if you feel that you are just too busy for this activity, I would like to take the time to explain to you several reasons for why you should read to your little ones:

1) Reading aloud to children helps them to learn to read. If you need just one reason, this should be it! All parents want their children to learn to read and by reading to them you are giving them an early start.

2) Reading aloud helps your child to learn new words and language skills. Think for a second -- if you are reading a book about cats and the word "feline" is in the text, it is chances are that your child will begin to know that "feline" is another word for "cat" -- even without you specifically saying this.

3) Reading aloud to children helps them to develop their imaginations. Young children will listen to the words that you read and they will imagine them in their minds. Later, they might think back to the story and imagine even greater tales involving the characters, places, and feelings you read about.

4) Reading aloud to children helps them to learn about the world around them. Books can expose us to locations and situations that we may never experience ourselves first hand.

5) Reading aloud teaches children that reading is a part of everyday life. Just as your child learns to bathe and brush his teeth, establishing daily reading routines with books will show them that this fun activity is an important part of daily life.

6) Reading aloud shows children that adults value reading. A child's greatest role model is you! Read to them, and have them see you reading on your own, and they will realize that reading is something you should do.

7) Reading aloud to children helps them to learn about moral concepts. Many stories teach about honesty, service, kindness and choosing right from wrong. Enjoy a good book together can end up teaching your child these valuable concepts.

8) Reading aloud to children better enables them to have success once they enter school. While no one can guarantee that a child read to at a young age will have no problems in school, a child that is read to is more likely to do better than those who aren't.

9) Reading aloud to children enables them to enjoy books that are too difficult for them to read on their own. Many parents read aloud from the Bible or other books that are more for older persons. This is a perfect way to bring more variety to your child's life, but just be sure to incorporate lots of books that are on their level also.

10) Reading aloud to children is a way feel close to each other. Since reading is a calm and soothing activity, it gives parents something to engage in with their children without spending a lot of money or even a lot of energy. Snuggle up and read!

-----------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2001 Brandie Valenzuela
About the Author:

Brandie is a freelance writing mother of three children. She is also the editor of the Family First Newsletter at: http://members.aol.com/BMValen/index.html
-----------------------------------------------

Live With Love

Author: Liz Wertman, © 2001

Our children mean everything to us. We want the very best the world has to offer for them. Our job is to nurture their minds and bodies, to guide their souls. This is the job of every parent! This was the job of your parents!

How we live our life, the decisions and choices we make affect both our parents and our children. We were created in love; your children were created in love. They deserve to live with love. So do you.

The ideal is to live with love from the other parent of your children. But we must be realistic and admit that this is not always possible. In this century, half of all marriages end in divorce. What about the other half? Are we to assume that they are blissfully happy or have some of them decided to stay married for the children sake? If you are among those that are staying married for your children's sake there are some thoughts you should consider.

While staying married for the children's sake is a noble idea in theory, in practice you are probably doing more harm than good to both your children and yourself. You need to ask yourself two vital questions. Is this the life your parents want you to have? Is this the life you would wish on your son, or on your daughter? Most likely the answer would be NO! Your parents most certainly want you to be happy. If you are not happy, you certainly wouldn't wish this same life for your children.

You are showing your children that you don't have the self-confidence to demand happiness out of your own life. That it is all right to sacrifice your happiness for someone else. Your children will follow your example. They create an image for themselves from what they see their parents do. You set the standards.

A better image to show your parents, your son, your daughter, is one of self-worth. If your marriage is the cause of your unhappiness then you need to do whatever necessary to repair the marriage. You must go to counseling and do whatever it takes to make you happy. Even if that means you must get a divorce. Staying and accepting a bad marriage as your lot in life just creates an image of worthlessness. Divorce, if necessary, creates a standard of self-confidence, strength and self-worth.

It's your life. You can't change the past; you will not be able to relive your life. But you can change the present to control the future. Your self-sacrificing will not improve your children's lives and it most certainly will not improve yours.

You want your son or daughter to be strong, self-confident adults with control of their future. You want them to be happy. To do whatever is necessary to achieve that happiness. That's what your parent's want for you.

Create an image for your children of "do what I DO." You need to set the example. By you taking care of yourself and showing them that you care about yourself you will be teaching them to take care of and care about themselves.

Create standards in your life that they can emulate, standards that you wish for them.

Live with love for yourself.

-----------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2001 Liz Wertman

DIVORCE IS EXPENSIVE.....unless you know the facts! "Divorce Strategy for Men and Women" reveals the secrets you will need to keep your money and your life. http://www.divorcewell.com
-----------------------------------------------

To subscribe, join the Rhiannon3 eZine list: Click here