Sharing Books with Children

One of my first memories of childhood is that of my mother reading Dr. Seuss books to me in a big brown recliner in our living room. That memory brings with it sounds and smells and a general feeling of safety and comfort that never fades, even after all these years. Naturally, one of the first memories I have of my own first born child is sitting in a big chair and reading Little Golden Books to him.

Sharing books and reading with my children is as natural as giving them baths and making their breakfast. It's just something I do everyday, and it's one of the most pleasurable moments of my day. I love to hold my two year old in my lap while we snuggle up and look through his ever growing library of books. His favorite books change weekly as his interests broaden. Books open up the world to him and his imagination is bubbling over with new ideas every day.

More than just telling a story, books help children better understand their own ideas and feelings and often calm an upset toddler when nothing else will work. They see and hear about other kids like them and others from around the world who are different. We've all seen little kids acting out the stories they hear. As a child I spent many afternoons pretending to be the characters from my favorite books. Just recently my son was playing 'Dr.Dan. The Bandage Man', a current favorite Little Golden Book.

Although reading with children is so very rewarding for both adult and child, little kids need time to look at books alone. This allows them the opportunity to look at the pictures and develop the habit of 'reading' even though they can't yet read. In my Family Child Care, I have different 'libraries' available in different rooms in my home. The kids have labeled these areas 'libraries' themselves, and will often rotate the books from room to room and act out 'going to the library' daily. Imagine my surprise when I first witnessed a three year old taking the younger kids 'to the library.'

Because books are a very user-friendly activity and require no prep or cleanup other than returning them to the 'library', parents can and should use any opportunity to share books with their young children. Long car or plane trips, waiting rooms, in shopping carts, you name it, you can hand a child a book and make just about any transition or otherwise boring activity exciting. Books and reading can be both a group or individual activity, and many children who are normally shy in a group setting will sit in the reading circle and share story-time while making new friends.

By sharing books with your young child, you are planting a precious memory that will last a lifetime for both parent and child. They in turn will continue the tradition with their own children and remember those special times. A world of experiences and ideas are waiting for you to introduce to them.

About the Author: Sherry Frewerd is a Proud Work At Home Mother of 3 musical children. A Family Child Care Provider for 10 years, she also publishes several websites, specifically http://familyplayandlearn.com Family Play and Learn: Play and Learning Resources for Parents and Family Child Care Providers.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Your Company Vehicle is a Portable Bill Board; A word of advice on children passengers

Child Safety Restraints and children in work vehiclesIf you take... Read More

Reincarnation: Sacred Children Series - 1 of 3

Many years ago, my children were raised on the various... Read More

How A Home Water Filter Can Reduce Your Child?s Risk Of Learning Disabilities

Lead is one of the most dangerous toxins a person... Read More

Using Cloth Nappies

We all know that using cloth nappies is best for... Read More

The Courage to Be a Loving Parent

Most of us really don't like it when someone is... Read More

No Invitation Needed: Sacred Children Series - 3 of 3

I had my first two children on either side of... Read More

Some Thoughts on Counseling Goals for ADHD

What should the goals for counseling be when the patient... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: Back to School Blues

Q: Our son has been in honors classes all through... Read More

Celebrating Life with Children in September

Here are ten simple pleasures you can enjoy with your... Read More

Fraternal Twin Parenting Concerns

Identity and Your Fraternal TwinFor the most part, throughout this... Read More

Raise Your Child to Be a Leader Not a Follower

Your child's leadership skills begin at the family dinner table.... Read More

Learning Disabilities

There are so many learning labels floating around these days... Read More

Child Safety at Home

Maintaining a safe home environment for your childrenAs adults and... Read More

Assume Personal Responsibility? Who, Me?

As thinking, acting human beings we have the ability to... Read More

Finding A Caregiver You Can Trust

Choosing to leave your child with a caregiver is one... Read More

Words of Wisdom for Single Parents

The cost of being a parent and raising a child... Read More

Creating Great Birthday Party Videos

My son recently had his third birthday party and it... Read More

More Water, Not Less, Will Help End Bedwetting

Children are notoriously bad at drinking enough liquids. They are... Read More

The Importance of Mothers

Moms, did you ever question your value as a role... Read More

How To Homeschool Without Making Your Child An Outcast

If you are currently homeschooling or considering homeschooling your child,... Read More

Learning Responsibility is a Lifelong Process

Learning responsibility is an ever widening and lifelong process.As thinking,... Read More

When A Parent Is Deployed

When a parent is deployed with the military it can... Read More

Use Encouragement Instead of Criticism to Help Children Improve

Criticism is punitiveOur children judge themselves on the opinions we... Read More

Mommie Moments ? Taking Time For Yourself

Being a parent is a role that requires a large... Read More

7 Powerful Ways to Show Love to Children

Our children are our most important legacy to the world.... Read More

Children?s Birthday Party Planning: When and When Not to Have a Big Party

Age 1: Invite only family members and close friends only... Read More

Road Trip! Make It Fun For Your Toddler

If you had to spend 4 or 5 hours in... Read More

When Parents Disagree

Moms and dads, are there times you think that parenting... Read More

Why Me?

Why Me?"We should certainly count our blessings, but we should... Read More

Simple Living in a Materialistic World

We were sitting in the family room. My kids had... Read More

Surviving as a Single Parent

Emotional OverloadMany single parents say they deal with a variety... Read More

7 Ways Busy Families Can Volunteer

Volunteering together is a fantastic way to spend time as... Read More

Life Lessons Learned in My Underwear

For several years now, I've told the following story as... Read More