Mommy Tip # 4 : Read, read, read!

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis said " There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all " and boy, I second that 100% ! We started reading to Bunny girl when she was just a few months old and honestly I believe that truly is one of the best gifts we have given her...a love for books.

Today if someone asks if they can get Bunny girl a present I would say "Get her a book" without even stopping to think twice about it. The other day we finally bought her a bookshelf to put her collection of books in. It has made it so much easier for her to choose the books she wants to look at or get one to be read. Each time the house gets real quiet, I sneak up to check on what she's up to and most often than not, I see her sitting on her mat, next to the bookshelf, flipping through the pages of one of her picture books.

Remember a book is a great companion especially when children grow older. It develops a child's imaginative capabilities and vocabulary. ( A big incentive to parents considering developing the reading habit for kids- its the quietest possible means to keep your child occupied for a generous amount of time! ;> )

It does get a little expensive buying books but don't reconsider encouraging the reading habit as there are economical options:

1. Join the local library
2. Have a rotating library club with your kid's friends- the kids can borrow each other's books
3. Buy books off garage sales
4. Keep an eye out on Amazon book deals- there are some really good deals especially under the buy 4 for the price of 3 section.

Try reading to your children if you haven't tried out this great parent-child activity. It's never too early to start reading to your child nor is it ever too late to develop a love for books now.

I'm not sure who said this, but whoever did, sure did drive home a point!...
“TV. If kids are entertained by two letters, imagine the fun they'll have with twenty-six. Open your child's imagination. Open a book.”

Happy Reading!