My boys are 10 1/2 months old, and I find that they will look at
books by themselves longer than they will let me read to them. I
make sure to have books in every room of the house that they find
when they are crawling around, and they will stop and look at
them (of course they are finding my books too!). They especially
like looking at books in bed. When they are going to sleep they
will lie in their beds and roll around with their favorite book
in their hands. I've peeked in their room to find one of them
sitting in his bed turning the pages of his favorite Elmo book.
If I were to try to read it to him he would instantly try to
crawl away.
I figure just exposing my boys to books at this age will
influence their desire to want to read, even if they don't feel
like indulging my desire to read to them. I have found one time
they will let me read to them, however...when I plop them in bed!
Right when the tears are about to start I pull out their favorite
book and read it to them in their crib. One son stands holding
on to the edge of his crib (hoping I'll change my mind and pick
him back up) while I read his book to him. I have a captive
audience and they are distracted from their initial reaction to
being put in bed. After I read their stories they generally let
me leave without a fuss!
Happy reading!
(Note to publishers: A baby photo is available at
http://www.christian-parent.com/baby-books.shtml if you would
like to include it with the article.)
About The Author
Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For more inspirational articles and tips for everyday living, visit http://www.christian-parent.com.
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