Read Together With Your Baby

Imagine sitting your baby in your lap and reading a book to him for the first time.How different from just talking! Now you're showing him pictures. You point to them.

In a lively way, you explain what the pictures are. You've just helped your child take the next step beyond talking. You've shown him that words and pictures connect. And you've started him on his way to understanding and enjoying books.

While your child is still a baby, reading aloud to him should become part your daily routine. Pick a quiet time, such as just before you put him to bed. This will give him a chance to rest between play and sleep. If you can, read with him in your lap or snuggled next to you so that he feels close and safe.

As he gets older, he may need to move around some as you read to him. If he gets tired or restless, stop reading. Make reading aloud a quiet and comfortable time that your child looks forward to. Chances are very good that he will like reading all the more because of it.

Try to spend at least 30 minutes each day reading to and with your child. At first, read for no more than a few minutes at a time, several times a day. As your child grows older, you should be able to tell if he wants you to read for longer periods. Don't be discouraged if you have to skip a day or don't always keep to your schedule. Just get back to your daily routine as soon as you can. Most of all, make sure that reading stays fun for both of you!

Reading books with their children is one of the most important things that parents can do to help their children become readers.

What Does It Mean?

From the earliest days, talk with your child about what you are reading. You might point to pictures and name what is in them. When he is ready, have him do the same. Ask him, for example, if he can find the little mouse in the picture, or do whatever is fun and right for the book. Later on, as you read stories, read slowly and stop now and then to think aloud about what you've read. From the time your child is able to talk, ask him such questions about the story as, "What do you think will happen next?" or "Do you know what a palace is?" Answer his questions and, if you think he doesn't understand

Don't worry if you occasionally break the flow of a story to make clear something that is important. However, don't stop so often that the child loses track of what is happening in the story.

Anil Vij is the creator of the ultimate parenting toolbox, which has helped parents all over the world raise smarter, healthier and happier children ==> http://www.expertsonparenting.com

Sign up for Anil's Experts On Parenting Newsletter - just send a blank email ===> mailto: parentingnews@aweber.com

Bring On The Books For A Brainy Baby
Scoop.co.nz (press release), New Zealand - Oct 9, 2008
According to Dr. Robert Titzer, babies and toddlers are among the best equipped when it comes to learning to read, with reading success possible from as ...

March of Dimes focuses on aiding premature babies
Rockford Register Star, IL - 14 hours ago
Crusader Clinic is starting special prenatal classes with topics like home safety and infant/toddler cardiopulmonary resuscitation in November. ...

SPECIAL SOMERSET FEATURE: The right foods for weaning children
Bridgwater Mercury, UK - 18 minutes ago
Babies need a variety of foods from different food groups to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Follow-on milks contain higher levels of iron and ...

Woolworths launches baby & toddler world
Supermarket Online, South Africa - Oct 8, 2008
... through our regular email newsletters, will provide useful information on areas from feeding plans and recipe ideas for babies and toddlers to advice on ...

Wakefield toddler nearly died seven times
Yorkshire Evening Post, UK - 23 hours ago
... table SEVEN times after he was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, a condition comprising four heart abnormalities which affects one in 1000 babies. ...

A toddler's taste of free will
Irish Times, Ireland - Oct 6, 2008
When babies are small infants, up to the age of at least 12 months and often longer, they believe themselves to be indivisible from their primary carer. ...

Examiner.com
Safety tips for parents of babies and toddlers to prevent child ...
Examiner.com - Oct 6, 2008
The Power of Parents guide covers safety tips from for four key child development stages: infant to toddler, ages 4-6, ages 7-11 and ages 12-17. ...

Examiner.com
Which presidential candidate would you let hold your baby?
Examiner.com - Oct 8, 2008
by Darby Herrington, Baby and Toddler Examiner With all of the recent mud-slinging in the presidential race, it is no surprise that each candidate seizes ...

BabyFirstTV assigns Summit Entertainment to distribute DVDs
Indiantelevision.com, India - Oct 10, 2008
Developmental titles include: Social Explorations, taking babies and toddlers on an adventure of discovery through a variety of games and activities; ...

Examiner.com
Baby (& bigger) bug Halloween costumes
Examiner.com - Oct 9, 2008
Or for a little more prissy bee, check out BuyCostumes.com's Queen Bee ($17.99) for toddler girls. For baby bees, check out this bee bunting. ...

Selecting The Right Type of Stroller For Your Lifestyle

Having a baby is exciting, but also very tough! There are tons of decisions you... Read More

How To Choose a Baby Formula

Breast milk is the most natural food for your baby, but if you can't breastfeed,... Read More

Yikes! My Child WON?T Share! What Do I Do?

Years ago my husband and I attended a parenting class and one thing that stands... Read More

When To Start Teaching Your Baby (1)

When is it that I should start teaching my baby? That is a question that... Read More

Keeping Your New Baby Safe

After all the baby furniture is purchased, you'll have to start thinking of baby safety... Read More

When To Start Teaching Your Baby (2)

With you or without you, your baby will be learning from the moment she is... Read More

Potty Training Your Child: The Five Potty Training Methods

There are many different ways to potty train your toddler. At last count, I had... Read More

Why You Need to Teach Your Baby How To Swim

Many parents are discovering the art of teaching their baby to swim. Not only is... Read More

How to Choose a Diaper Pail for Disposable Diapers

When you have already made the decision not to use cloth diapers, your next decision... Read More

Baby Car Seat Glossary Guide

To the uninitiated parent, buying a car seat for your child can seem technical at... Read More