image source: PBS Parents
The best thing we've done for Chase is introducing him to the magic of books. He just loves to read, and that became evident after we redecorated the nursery and I moved his board books low enough for him to reach. It was around that time, just after he turned a year, that he became less interested in eating/tearing the book and more interested in the story.
Since we put his books within reach he is always going over to his bookshelf to pick out a story for mommy or daddy to read to him. Reading has become an important part of his day, and we are only too happy to oblige. Although he's still developing his language skills, he is very engrossed in the story, and seems to understand more words and concepts the more we read. He really enjoys turning the pages and naming familiar objects. He especially loves interactive books, that he can touch and pull or rub.
A part of our special "night-night" routine involves reading a story (or two) just before bed. After he changes into his pj's, Chase loves to walk over to the book shelf and pick out his bedtime story.
He spends a great deal of time thoughtfully reviewing the choices, before gently pulling out one or two books and bringing them over to me. Sometimes he likes to hear the same story, but occasionally he'll pick out a new one that we don't read as often. This is our special time that we enjoy together each evening. Even when I'm feeling super tired [read: lazy] I try to make sure Chase has his fill of bedtime stories before he turns in for the night – and read with gusto and enthusiasm! My parents did it for me, and it's the very least I can do for our son.
Chase is a natural explorer, and we're eager to satiate his curiosity for the world around him in healthy and educational ways. We want to encourage Chase as he moves toward literacy, and we only hope this love of reading lasts a lifetime!
LOL… Chase, this is like looking at your mommy all over again when she was a baby book monger, carrying her favorite book around the house everywhere she strolled–hoping for a sympathetic parent to give in to her and read the book for the 111th time…
lmao @ “gladys knight and the 7 pips.” no pleeaaase!!
i’m sooo excited that chase is so into reading, as are his cousins!!! i often peek in the room to check on shabazz when she has been MIA for a while and see her huddled up next to their book shelf flipping thru books. i love it!!! and garv, of course, insists on like 5 or more books to be read every night.
As a children’s author, I love to see children with a book in hand. Way to go Chase! Keep it up mommy and dad:)
He is too cute poking around his little books. He will be reading to you before you know it!!
I think that is so great!!! Ever since I was pregnant I’ve been collecting books for Elijah and so far we’ve gotten through a few without him eating the pages lol when that phase is over I’m sure it’ll be better
Nurturing your child’s love of books is the greatest gift of all! My daughter Bryley – now 9 – is a voracious reader. I have to force her to put down her books at bed time. She actually has angrily uttered the words: “Mommy, you just don’t want me to read!” When I hear that I typically grin and think of the ironies of life.
I was a voracious reader as a kid. so much so that the stories became old and I would make up my own stories (You have to ask my mama about “Gladys Knight and the Seven Pips” LMAO!) I am glad Chase loves to read. Limiting the tv and digital distractions make a reading kid!
Good job parents!! We do the same things you mentioned with our little William and he seems to prefer books over anything else! We must teach them from young and they will grow to be successful adults. My teenage daughters are proof of it!
lol those pics are so cute, and that’s great he’s learning to listen to the story/learn and not just eat the pages…now i’m not so sure i can imagine chase “thoughtfully choosing” a book, but i’ll take your word for it >:)