You know, it’s funny. There are all kinds of programs out now about increasing your child’s IQ. One of the main components is reading to them. So we have this huge influx of mothers reading to the babies in utero.
Every night moms are reading to their tummies, playing classical music for their tummies, and having conversations with their tummies. Let me be the first to applaud them for their efforts. All of this is good.
I love how mommies and daddies are taking it a step further. They’re reading to their infants, showing them flash cards of of words and colors, and generally helping their children get a head start in the world of education.
Then there’s the group of special mommies that continue to read to their pre-school children. They take them to story-time at their local book stores and libraries. And some mommies keep the practice going even after their babes are in first and second grade.
With all of this focus on reading and trips to the library their children become readers themselves. Celebrate! You’ve done a great job…but it’s not finished yet.
Just because your children can now read for themselves is no reason to stop reading to them. There is no way to place a value on time you spend doing this. The benefits are astronomical!
Allow me to list a few of them: increased comprehension, increased appreciation for written language, improved language skills, improved attention skills, improved auditory comprehension. Remember these are only a few, not to mention the benefits your children will glean relationally; and you too.
So when is the age you should stop reading to your children? My answer has to be the day after you no longer want these benefits for your children.
Thanks for stopping by. As always, I welcome your comments, questions, and requests for book reviews. Sunday I’ll be posting a review of Michael Vey: Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans. See you then.
