Book It

There is a ton of research that says reading to you child is a good thing. It stimulates their imagination, increases vocabulary skills, improves attention span, the list of reason why you should read to your child goes on and on. I think some studies even say it increase their life span.

No wonder, I feel like such a bad Mom when I come home from work, cook dinner, give baths and then sometimes, dread reading. Last night I felt this very way, when my little toddler came up to me with two books to read. I sat down and read them to him and as I was sitting there, cuddled up to this sweet little boy, I couldn't imagine anyplace else I wanted to be.

Interesting enough books he brought were "Elmo's Potty Time" and an "Elmo's Big Bed". He loves Elmo so it's no secret why these books caught his eye. One is about potty training, which we are currently doing, or trying to do I should say, and the other is about how Elmo goes from a baby bed to a big boy bed, which we recently also did. There are books for everything, whether it's potty training, biting, brothers and sisters, whatever your child is dealing with there's a book for it. Take advantage of the message these books have because while your reading, you will have your child's undivided attention.

Research also says that reading nutures a child's emotional development and self-esteem. I woud also suggest that it will nuture your emotional well being and self-esteem. Take this time to bond with your child, relax and enjoy a few special moments together.

These are a few of my favorite books. The Llama Llama books have a topic on every issue and are really cute.