Are You Reading to Your Kids?

Over a number of years there have been issues raised concerning the literacy levels of eight year old children in schools. The number not meeting minimum literacy levels was almost at 30% only a few years ago. It has since improved but is still a concern to teachers and parents alike.

It seems the desire for consumer goods and pressure for both parents to maintain employment is robbing our next generation of the precious time spent nuturing them with stories and preparing them for school. Reading only three stories a day to preschool children would probably have them excelling once they reached school age and almost wipe out the issue of illiteracy in our schools in years to come.

Children who are read to as a part of their everyday life understand the simplest aspects of reading. Concepts like reading from left to right, that text and pictures are different, and how stories evolve, that they have a beginning, middle and ending.

There are other benefits, many of them occurring on a social level. Children and parents who read stories together have valuable bonding time. The story itself may help children to address fears or concerns they may have which can be discussed. The book itself acts as a platform for further enquiry and imagination for the child. This aids in self-expression, vocabulary and the ability to concentrate for given lengths of time.

For parents who are concerned about selecting 'the right' content for a story, don't be. It is the enjoyment of sitting down and reading together that brings value. Rhyming books are often funny and children love the absurd. Scary books can help children work through their fears. Just think about most fairytales, most end in some gruesome way which children do not seem to be disturbed by. Keep in mind the visual appeal of the book, children are captivated by images as well as hearing the words.

Once your child has connected with a book expect to be asked to read it again and again. It may drive you slightly insane but children benefit from this repetition. With each read they are able to gain more from the book and even when they know what is over the page they still get a thrill each and every time. Just like hearing your favourite song come onto the radio.

For a guide on great books for kids visit Our Top Picks

Kids Fun & Games - For parents of 0-6yr old kids. Lots of educational baby & toddler games, child crafts, indoor & outdoor child games, child party games and more.

---

What About Competition? Are Your Kids Ready?

Life is full of competition -- even in childhood. Kids... Read More

Sibling Fighting - Reduce Sibling Rivalry by NOT Keeping Score

Recently, a much-anticipated game of mini-golf with my children soon... Read More

Teaching Kids the Value of Money

My husband and I have a 12-year-old daughter who wanted... Read More

Jammin with Your Kids: The Wonderful World of Music

Does music need to be "dumbed-down" for kids? The answer... Read More

6 Tried & True Fun Ways to Educate and Entertain Your Preschooler

1. New Word of the DayIntroduce your preschooler to a... Read More

How Children Learn

Nurture and TeachThe single most important thing caregivers can do... Read More

Child Safety at Home

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

Sibling Rivalry: The Magic Trick That Stops It Instantly

It's a familiar scene: Kids screaming at each other, complaining... Read More

Single Parenting: How The Challenge Of Single Parenting Affects Your Decision To Divorce

Single parenting has seemingly become an acceptable norm which is... Read More

Why Mother?s Day is Important For Children

Mother's Day is important for children.This Mother's Day take note... Read More

Top Ten Things My Six Year-Old Son Has Taught Me (So Far...)

I've learned numerous, important lessons on life, motherhood and men... Read More

Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Many families do not want to believe their child is... Read More

MORAL ARMORS Irrational Parenting, Part III

Not Letting Them Think.We all implicitly know that anything questioning... Read More

Child ADHD - Deciding Where to Draw the Line

The wonderful adaptability of children in dealing with the challenges... Read More

How to Make Kids More Likeable?

Nothing touches the heartstrings of a parent more than the... Read More

Play the Ball, Not the Man!

As parents and teachers, sometimes we want to praise, at... Read More

Making Internet Chat Safe For Your Children

No matter what you say or do, your kids will... Read More

10 Ways You Can Advocate For Your Child With A Learning Disability

Did you know that you are the most important person... Read More

Are You Meeting ALL Your Childs Basic Needs?

This may come as a surprise, but many parents are... Read More

The Challenges of Single Parenting

Having worked with parents for the last 35 years and... Read More

Public Schools Can Cripple Your Childrens Ability To Read

For many adults, reading a book or newspaper seems effortless.... Read More

Parents of Teens: Do You Ever Ask WHY is she so MEAN to me?

Do you ever wonder what is behind the occasional nasty... Read More

How To Help Your Child Learn

Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every child.... Read More

Life Lessons Learned in My Underwear

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

Mommie Moments ? Taking Time For Yourself

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

Diapers: Do You Choose Disposable Or Reusable?

Diapers..Changing a dirty diaper is not the best part of... Read More

Frequently Asked Questions About Reading To Your Child

Are you worried about your child's reading habits? Perhaps you... Read More

The Seven Keys of Being a Father

Is there a fathering instinct?Celebrated child development expert Erik Erikson... Read More

Twins - Double The Trouble Or Double The Pleasure? Both!

If You're Having Twins..is it double the headache, or double... Read More

Gifted Children - Getting the Balance Right

One of the challenges for parents with a gifted child... Read More

The Financially Intelligent Parent: 8 Steps to Raising Successful, Generous, Responsible Children

What you say and do about money has a profound... Read More

Understanding The Report

"No thank you. Don't bother to send me the report... Read More

Who Are Your Kids Talking To Online?

Studies have shown that:1 out of 4 children were sent... Read More