I was worried, thinking that smart kids have to be read to as babies. But as with many things I've learned as a mother, the time you think is right is not always the right time for your child. Children will come to these places as they are ready. Just don't give up and be ready to give as soon as they're ready to receive.
I continued to build his library hoping that one day he'd show greater interest. Thanks to my family, especially my Mom, we've collected quite a lot of books in the last three years. When my son was two he begin to show some interest in books. I was ready. But, I was a little sad that he only wanted me to read a few selected books from his collection. However, being a supportive Mom, I read those few books to him over and over (and over and over). I would try to show him some other ones, but no, he only wanted those few selected ones.
As he was nearing three he began showing greater interest and my heart was so happy! Yes, my little guy was finally ready to explore his book collection! So now, our new thing is reading. Potty training has also helped. He requests books for his number 2 sessions...hahaha. We read several books together everyday now and I'm so happy. My dream of reading to my baby has finally come true.
One of my favorite things about reading children's books are the positive messages within them. My Mom read to us all the time as kids and I truly believe that these messages have helped mold me into who I am today. If the story was about a challenge and how you could overcome it, I would sit there wholeheartedly believing that I would never let anything or anyone bring me down and that I could overcome anything. I want my son to receive and believe in these positive messages too. So every so often I may write about a good children's book and a great message within it. After all, we adults can sure use the encouragement too. So here's my first one to share:
Hooray for You!
A celebration of "You-ness"
by: Marianne Richmond
photo from Barnes and Nobles
My favorite message from this book:
"For quite a long time, the world saved a place. Millions were born, yet none filled your space...
...On the day you were born, the world grew by one, life with big purpose and much to be done. Look in the mirror. Love who you see. Stand tall. Smile big. Shout, "Hooray for Me!"
Wishing you a happy "Hooray for me" day!!! :-)
AW! I'll have to remember that! I love that you have such a good library for him!!
ReplyDeletePS: My verification words for your blog have cracked me up the last few days!!!