Reading to Babies

Something that I am passionate about it reading to children. I also love teaching my children how to read. But more important is to have them fall in love with reading. One of the best ways is to start young. I read to Gandalf when he was in my tummy. I wanted him to recognize my voice and possibly even the book I chose. (Which I have no evidence that he did) We read to him as a baby. Grady read him Harry Potter. I read him board books. Naturally he loved to read from an early age.




One time we were in our pediatrician's office and a lady approached us about wanting to read to our son. I said, "Go for it.." After the story she told us our son was very advanced. And as first time parents, we thought so too. (Gandalf's Asperger's really did help him focus intently on things he loved and he has an amazing ability to remember things) The lady in the office asked if we read to him. I replied, "Of course, daily. And usually at least 20 minutes."  (So much easier to do when you only have one child) She gave us a helpful paper that showed Developmental Milestones of Early Literacy. Gandalf, I think, was about 9 months. And she even gave us a free board book. We told her thanks and kept waiting for our appointment.




She then approached another parent with a child much older than our son and offered the same story. I wasn't trying to listen, but there was no other noise or distraction. She asked him if they ever read to their child. He responded, "No, she's just a baby..." My heart broke! Not just that this baby wasn't getting read to but the idea that babies don't need to be read to.




I don't want to make anyone feel bad if they feel they aren't reading enough to their child. And maybe it has never crossed your mind that you should read to your child/baby. I just hope I can encourage others on how important books and reading are to our children's development. When babies hear the flow of a story they better understand language. When you label and point out objects in a book it increases their vocabulary. When you read to a child they have your attention, your focus. They are usually in your arms or on your lap. When you read to your baby they learn to love stories and literature. And our lives our blessed when we read.




If you are reading to your baby and they don't seem to love it, don't despair! Keep it simple. You don't have to read what is written. You can edit and shorten. You can just point out pictures. If your baby would rather climb all over the place and play you could read them a book while they do that. Hearing your voice and hearing the story will help them. Listening to rhythms will help them. You are doing a great job! Just keep trying. And if they only ever use the books as ramps for their cars, that is great too. Some children take longer to learn to love reading.

For more information check out this site.


I know reading has helped my children so much! School work is so much easier. And I love that we can share our love for reading. I love that I have to go in late at night sometimes and tell them it's time to put the book down. I love telling them, "No opening your library books till we are in the car and you are buckled!" for fear of them walking in a parking lot with their nose in a book. These are great problems to have. I love sharing stories I love with them! If you have more than one child enlist their help to read to baby brother or sister. I hope these milestones help you as you read to your children. I love asking my kids questions about the books we read. I love that all four of my children so far LOVE to read. And if it isn't their favorite thing, keep encouraging them. Tomorrow I will share some tips on raising readers...


Here is some of our favorite books.

Raising Readers

Encouraging children to love reading is something I feel very strongly about. It is one of the best gifts I can give my child. This gift will bless them their whole life. It will give them a head start. A greater chance to thrive in school. I hope that I can share some ways we strive to raise readers in our home. I know that as we share ways to help our children everyone is blessed.

Start reading today.

Start reading to your children when they are babies. They will love listening to your voice. It will enrich their lives and teach them about language. Listen to the flow of your voice and the rhythms that can come with books will help their brains to develop more fully. It will help them learn more about their world. And it will encourage them to continue to read as they get older. For more benefits of reading to your newborn check out this quick article.
“Children whose parents read to them get a head start on language skills and literacy, as well as lovely cuddle time with Mom or Dad.” Nancy Shute
Nancy continues in this article about the importance of reading. Pediatricians are encouraging parents to start reading to their infants. I know it has helped enriched my children’s language. And it has started them on the path of being life long readers.



Have Books in your home.

I was so impressed when I read about this study. I have always tried to have a large variety of books for my children to read. I have been told often that I have too many books, which honestly I don’t think is ever possible. (I do rotate my books sometimes, especially children’s books) I have been trying to build my own personal library because I love to read. Though usually I just borrow books from the library or friends. Since having Gandalf I have been working hard on building our chapter books and classic books that will help all of my children. We need a copy of all the Percy Jackson books and Harry Potter books because all of my children are going to read them I am sure. After I have read this study I am trying even more to fill my home with good books in all varietys. I am hoping our next home we can get more book cases and have Grady’s office lined with books. And not just great children’s literature but all literature. Having a large variety will encourage my children to browse and try something off the shelf.

Go to the library.

It sounds simple enough. But it can get lost with busy schedules . And unfortunately we can’t afford all the books I want. But oh, how I wish that we could. But luckily for us we have libraries. Places we can go to get books for free. No home has to be empty of books. I love taking my kids to the library. I love seeing what books they pick out. Yoda really wanted the Amazing Almanac of American Women one time and I thought, “yeah, let’s totally get that book!” He also loves Lady Bug Girl books, which are amazing books. Sometimes that is the best way to stumble upon a great book. And I think it helps build their confidence and encourages them to grow up when they can choose their own book. I loved reading this article here. I loved the idea that a librarian could help my child in ways that I can’t. They could encourage him/her to branch out and find a whole new area of reading. Going to the library has blessed my family. It was one of the first things we did when we moved to Arizona. And I love how baby girl goes right towards the board books. Take your family to the library. You will be glad you did.



Make it part of your routine.

Children love having routines. They love knowing what will come next. One of the best things you can do to help your children go down for bedtime or even naps is have a routine. We read the scriptures, say our family prayers, brush our teeth and give kisses to baby sister and mom and dad. I usually like to read before nap time. Some times late at night my kids are so tired they don’t want to point to the dog, or say what a car says, or find the bug. I try and do my main reading with my young children before nap time. And it helps their bodies recognize that it is time for sleep. Every family is different. Do what is best for your family. Sometimes we have dad read to baby girl while I encourage the boys to get out of the shower, get on jammies, and everything else. He is gone all day long and deserves some one on one time. I love watching them read. And Grady loves that he can lay in his bed and snuggle with his girl.

Make reading part of your lives
To really help encourage a love for literature we talk about books in our family nights. Just last night we talked about examples in books of those who have shown great faith. And not necessarily  in spiritual matters. But we liken the stories and characters unto a principal. I love celebrating Harry Potter’s Birthday and making these yummy treats. One time overhead Gandalf tell Draco, “ Harry Potter isn’t real!” and Draco responded, “Then why does mom celebrate his birthday?” I love that Draco believes Harry is real.

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”

Harry Potter comes alive because we love his story. We have wands and I have made robes. We have our birthday parties based on of books. I love that my family loves to read and wants to extend that love into their birthday parties. We have dressed up as book characters for Halloween. We watch the movies only after we have read the books. We do crafts and make recipes out of books that we love. We eat Green Eggs and Ham every Read Across America Day. We read as a family. And celebrate reading as a family.



Let your children see you reading.

I know some adults feel like it is a waste of time to read for pleasure when we have so many tasks to complete. I disagree, maybe even to a fault.  What better way to show your children that you too receive delight from a great book than to not want to put it down. One time my friend’s daughter stopped by my house back when I just had Gandalf. I was in my Pj’s reading a book. She went home and told her mom she wanted to be a mom like me when she grew up. She wanted to read in her pajamas all day long. My friend already had 4 kids and her afternoons were spent driving her kids to practices and managing homework. I loved the stage where I could read while Gandalf playing nicely with his toys. Now you don’t catch me reading as often when my children are awake. But I do love when they catch me reading. I am at the stage where afternoons are filled with practices, scouts, and homework. I try and bring my books to the park, to the long line to pick up my kids from choir or school. They see me get books from the library as well. Sometimes they will even make comments about the cover or title. And just to make sure they know that I really enjoy books we will talk about the books we read over dinner. I will tell them a little bit about the plot. I leave out war or trials I am not ready for them to know about. But it gives my husband and I a chance to share something we love with them. And let them know that reading is important, no matter how old you are.

Read out loud together.

There is something about reading a story together. I have to admit. My husband is better at reading chapter books than me. He does a much better job at the voices. But I still think I am better at picture books. I have a flow that I use and inflection at certain points that makes the story more fun. And I must admit, I am not the best at this area of reading out loud to them. I can only read a chapter at a time. I do enjoy listening to audio books together. Especially when we are traveling to California. I love hearing my boys crack up in the back row. Or Gandalf say, “No, listen Draco, this next part is so funny.” I love that we can share stories. Lately we have enjoyed Percy Jackson, Narnia Series, How to train your Dragon Series, and other great books. We just listened to The Giver. I haven’t read that since 6th grade. I forgot about some of the parts (another good reason to read them together) My boys loved the book! I have a friend who read all the Harry Potter books together out loud. When the last one came out she was concerned they might want to read it themselves. But she was happy they didn’t. What a great memory, to have listened and cried (I am assuming they cried together) with their mom and brothers. Sharing books strengthens your relationship as well. I can’t wait to read chapter books with baby girl! And I love that my children love Harry Potter! It’s so rewarding to experience again through their eyes.

Dads read too.

Sometimes children don’t see their dads read. They work hard all day and when they do come home it’s time for dinner and time to talk with their children. I love this article about the importance of fathers reading to their children, especially their sons. And I love this dads take on why it’s so important. I am so thankful for a husband who reads to my children. And with three sons I want my boys to grow up knowing books are for boys too. I also love when Grady wants to share his passions through reading. He loves reading the kids Star Wars books. And he is way more qualified to answer any questions regarding the galaxy than me. I love seeing him read Fancy Nancy in a ridiculous French accent. And reading books one might consider feminine to our daughter and sons. This post here also gives some great tips for dads reading to their kids.
 

Reward your children with books.

My mom was really great about this one. She would reward us for doing something by getting a book when the book fair came to our school. Or she would take us to Barnes and Noble and I couldn’t wait to get another Sweet Valley High book. I would read it right away. And try to read during dinner. I love that kind of reading!! Where you can’t put it down. My little sister will sometimes take my boys to Barnes and Noble and get them a book. Being able to pick out a book as a child is such a treat. We usually only give our kids 4 gifts at Christmas and one of those is always a book.

Summer is a great time to rekindle your love of reading. We love listening to books late at night without the worry of getting up the next morning. Make reading even more fun by building a fort or a book nook. Barnes and Noble and libraries are so great at encouraging reading through the summer. I try to encourage my nieces to read during the summer because sometimes they have so much to read for school during the rest of the year. It’s a great time to stress reading for FUN! I hope I was able to share some thing new that will help you raise readers. I would love to hear any other tips for raising readers. Or you can share your favorite book!

Happy Reading!!!

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Motherhood

As Mother's Day approaches I have been thinking about some of my favorite mother moments. Being a mother is such a joy! I think I decided to be a stay at home mom when I was 12. I loved watching mothers, taking notes on what I would want to do. I tried to learn skills that would bless me when I became a mother. And skills on the mother I wanted to be. Motherhood is a calling I cherish. But as I thought about all the wonderful moment I remembered some hard ones too. So below are some memories of the good and the hard times.

Favorite Mother Moments

• When I first became a mother. I remember baby Gandalf was so beautiful on my chest. And how long his bath felt because I didn't want to stop holding him. I spent hours staring at this perfect child. A new baby is so magical.
• Holding Gandalf for two weeks straight at least. New babies should be held.
• Having Grady come home from work and asking if I even put him down. I was like, "Yeah, when I went to the bathroom." And he just kissed my forehead and smiled.
• This one time when I was nursing Gandalf and he was looking at me so intently. I felt like I could read his thoughts. It was if he was saying, "Thank you mom for nursing me."
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• Watching the hilarious expressions on Draco's face. As a baby, as a toddler, and even now.
• Trying hard not to laugh the multiple times Draco yelled at strangers for looking at him or touching him. One time he pointed at all strangers in the doctors office saying "And I don't like you! And I don't like you..." (with perfect speech)
• Watching their face when they take that first step.
• When your sweet babies give you unprompted kisses.
• When Draco gives me the most sweetest compliments in the world.
• Seeing Yoda in his ultra sound and falling head over heels in love. Knowing that Draco was so perfect for our family and so would this sweet baby boy.
• Teaching Draco to read and seeing his excitement when he read his name for the first time. 
• All the snuggles from my sweet affectionate children.
• When Yoda and my other kids tell me they love me out of the blue.
• Holding my daughter in the delivery room. I waited 12 years for a daughter.

• Finally getting to hold my daughter after she was in the NICU for so long hooked up to so many machines.
• Singing primary songs to baby girl in the NICU while rocking her. And knowing when a nurse comes in I am not going to stop. I wanted her to hear my voice, feel the spirit, and I wasn't going to miss out on that moment.
• Bringing our baby girl home after three weeks in the NICU.
• Dropping of Gandalf at school and watching him walk to class. And seeing him see a solider and stopping to shake his hand and thank him. 
• Reading Gandalf Harry Potter when he was three and having him love Fred and George.
• Hearing Gandalf speak so passionately on how much he loves nature. And seeing his get so upset when people not respect nature.
• Draco telling me how he stood up for his friend at school.
• Mother's Day when the children sing to me. I always cry, usually from laughing.
• Watching my children play together.

• Watching Yoda take care of his baby sister and protect her.
• Seeing Baby Girl stand, feeling so proud of herself. 
• Finding out they misdiagnosed baby girl and that she doesn't have Osteopetrosis. I felt so much joy and gratitude for all the prayers offered on her behalf.

Hard Mothering Moments

• Leaving Gandalf's Preschool with him throwing a massive fit. We were both in tears as I carried him out to the car kicking and screaming.
• Seeing kids be mean to my sweet Gandalf because he is a little different and has aspergers
• Taking Draco to CHOC with my husband, not knowing if he was going to make it. And promising Heavenly Father I wouldn't be upset if it was his time to go.
• Trying to talk Draco into getting his blood drawn or other medical procedures when he was only three years old.
• Crying when I saw Pop tarts, not knowing what diabetes would be for my son and knowing it would be hard for him.
• Having three year old Draco cry after church because all the other kids got candy but him. He kept telling me it wasn't fair. I just agreed that it wasn't and tried to comfort him.
• A moment in Gandalf's IEP when I realized the way his brain worked, though wonderful, it wasn't going to get 'fixed'. He wasn't going to learn how to communicate or follow social norms and that's it. This is going to be an everyday struggle. This is how his brain works.
• Telling myself it's okay to put baby Draco back in his bed after nursing him and reread Harry Potter for the 3rd or 4th time because that's what I would rather be doing. Knowing I loved my son but needed to read. Babies should be held, but they are okay in their cribs.
• Hearing from other boys about a kid who keeps being mean to Gandalf weeks earlier. And knowing that Gandalf isn't going to be talking to me about these issues on his own. 
• When toddler Draco would have a meltdown and scream at me unkind things. Not being able to calm him down, but going to still hold him accountable for things he had to do which pissed him off pretty bad.  I'm pretty sure they were high blood sugars.

• When Baby girl needed a "procedure" about 10 hours after she was born and wondering if she was going to make it.
• Having Baby Girls in the NICU. Wanting to be with her as much as possible, but feeling terrible that the boys were worried about her and missing their mom. Plus Draco was starting kinder garden and our lives were so chaotic. I had to make sure I was eating/sleeping enough so I could make milk. I was in pure survival mode. And I felt like I wasn't able to balance my children's needs.
• Realizing on some days it would be 11:00 or even 1:00 and I hadn't held my baby girl that day yet.
• Hearing the sweet doctor tell me about Osteopetrosis. And that she would need a bone marrow transplant or she wouldn't make it passed two.
• Having to tell my husband the diagnosis, with still so many unanswered questions.
• Finding out a bone marrow meant chemo for my sweet baby girl. And months on not being able to be around her brothers.
• Having Gandalf tell Grady he thinks he doesn't have any friends because of his aspergers . 

Most of my hard moments were when my children were in pain or having a hard time. But we can't always take away those pains. It is part of our path that makes us who we are. And even though those were some really hard moments I grew and became who I am today. I grew closer to my husband and closer to The Lord. I have some pretty strong, brave children who have done some hard things. But we are not left on this earth to suffer and be left alone. We have a Savior who has felt every feeling that each of my children't have felt. Every feeling I have felt. Being scared, overwhelmed, helpless, heart broken, angry, and sorrowful. And He has willingly felt these things so that He can succor me, and you, and my children. And if we turn to Him we can also have peace, joy, love, and happiness. 

And even more we have the promise of living again. And if we can endure well we can have Eternal Life. This is the good news!!! Christ has overcome all hard things. He has prepared a way. And our families can be eternal. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to me a mother.I have a chance to catch a glimpse of what my Heavenly Mother feels for me. I am thankful for a Savior who knows every sorrow we have ever felt. Losing a child. Or maybe not having one yet. Or maybe seeing a child make choices that might get them hurt. Our Savior can heal all things. I am thankful to be a mother. I am thankful for the sweet moments and I am thankful my Savior is there for the hard ones.

Wishing everyone a Happy Mothers Day!!!

All Images are from Shari Hanson