ARTICLE: The Importance of Reading to your Child

Many of us are good readers. We read every night (or at least when we have a second to ourselves!). However, we must not forget to read to our children. The benefits of reading to a child are endless, and they range from loving to read to learning to wait to building vocabulary. When you read to your child, the bond between you grows for you share a special moment that can lead to questions, comments and likes and dislikes. As babies and toddlers, reading can open up a whole new world of vocabulary, ideas and concepts. Classic stories for older children develop their imagination, and can also contribute to problem solving. Don´t forget your older children, they like to be read to, too. Longer chapter books might be the best choice for them. By reading a chapter every night you can help them learn to wait, a characteristic less and less common in children. You´ll find you can wonder back to your childhood years as you re-read Narnia or Charlotte´s Web, plus new stories like the Harry Potter series will entertain you too! With older children you can also take turns reading, maybe one night you can read, and the next night your child can read for you. In any case, don´t miss out on the opportunity to read to your children. If your schedule doesn´t allow you to read every night, try it at least for twice a week. You´ll find you´ll be anxiously waiting for this day just as much as your child will be.

DAILY RECIPE: Easy Carrot Salad

4 cups grated carrots
1 can chopped pineapple
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup grated coconut

Drain pineapple. In a salad bowl mix carrots, pineapple, raisins and coconut. Fresh, sweet, great for a hot summer day!

TIP OF THE DAY

If you´re saving your child´s clothes for "hand-me-downs" for your other children try this: wash and fold clothes, put them in ziploc bags inside a large plastic box and label them with size or age and winter or summer. It will be much easier to find what you´re looking for a few years later.