ParentingParenting
The Joys of Reading to Your Baby
Parenting
Written by Maria Hughes
As a parent, you probably know by now that reading to your children helps build language skills and stimulates creativity. But when I started reading to my child, I was surprised to find that it was a very enriching and fulfilling experience for me as well. While I was expecting to bond with my child, I was unprepared for just how much I got out of the time we spend together while I read to her.
A Happy Child
Like any new parent, I read all the books and followed the authors' advice to a T. The experts said that reading to your child was important for many developmental reasons, so I started reading to my little girl every day. At first, it just seemed like she was only responding to my voice and that I could speak nonsense and still get a reaction. But eventually she began to connect with the stories I was telling. She began to react with delight to the funny voices I gave to the characters as I read to her. Her reactions are one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced as a parent, and I find myself looking forward to our reading time more and more every day.
Time Out for Mom
Story time gives me a chance to relax and sit down for a few minutes a day. I can just immerse myself in acting out the story I am reading to my daughter. As she watches me intently, I feel so happy and fulfilled. Our little ritual always leaves me feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever the rest of the day has in store. Some of our favorite books to read together are the Berenstain Bears books; my favorite is the one where Mamma opens a quilt shop. We also like the Dr. Seuss books, with One Fish, Two Fish being my daughter's personal favorite.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Our story time has also brought back memories from when I was a little girl and my mom would read to me. I remember how we would snuggle up together on the loveseat and she would drink her tea while she read me my favorite stories, sometimes the same one over and over. Harold and the Purple Crayon and Goodnight Moon were my favorites. My mom also enjoyed these same stories as she read them with her mom as a little girl. These are some of my most cherished memories, and I had almost forgotten them. Reading to my girl has not only strengthened our bond, but it has reminded me of my bond with my own mother.
Practical Benefits
Parenting books will tell you the importance of reading to your baby and how it is crucial for his/her development. I have found that it is good medicine for Mommy as well. Reading aloud also has more practical benefits. It improves pronunciation and speech (great for practice if you must speak in public). Reading aloud also helps you focus on the story, so you will not have to worry about your mind drifting the way it may when you read silently.
Do you have any stories to share about reading with your parents or reading to your children? Please share with Inspired Mother readers.
Maria L. Hughes is a children's book enthusiast from Townsend, Tennessee and an online publisher for www.childrensbookstore.com
Teach Your Kids to be Green
Parenting
Written by Mike Hawks
Teaching our children to preserve the environment and the natural resources of our planet is essential. Today's kids are fast learners and observers, and they retain and use the knowledge they absorb. Whatever they learn at an early age becomes a part of them for the rest of their lives.
Making a Healthy Empty Nest
Parenting
Written by Joe Baker
It's not uncommon for a parent to feel conflicted about preparing their child for that moment when they leave home to begin their own life as an adult. There is a bittersweet feeling associated with finally realizing your child's independence. The alternative, however-- creating a co-dependence for parent and/or child--is neither healthy nor ethical. Making the transition from full house to empty nest is often the missing element in an otherwise healthy relationship, one that's worth considering beforehand.
Off to College: Tips From Students Who've Been There, Done That
Parenting
Written by Maggie Malach
The college search is grueling but we can all relax once that acceptance letter arrives. Right? Not quite yet, Mom. The decision-making process is far from over, and the adjustment to independent life has just begun.
Read more: Off to College: Tips From Students Who've Been There, Done That
Motivate Your Teen
Parenting
Written by Inspired Mother Staff
Lisa Jander, author of Dater's Ed http://www.datersed.com/ will host "Motivate Your Teen," a free event for parents and teens across the nation on May 21st at 7:00 pm EST.
During this LIVE tele-seminar, Lisa will be interviewing San Diego's "Motivate Your Teen" founder Justin Sachs, who has helped countless teens re-focus on their own personal path to success through proven motivational tools. He helps teenagers get better grades, eliminate procrastination, balance school, work, and fun, and prepare for their future. Justin also helps teens develop their leadership skills to become better prepared to receive college scholarships and increased college acceptance letters.
Visit the link below to register for this free event. You won't want to miss it!
http://motivateyourteen.eventbrite.com/
