If you were on Facebook in the last two weeks, you most certainly saw the article quoting a professor that stated you shouldn’t read to your kids because it puts other kids at a disadvantage. I thought I had never seen such a piece of baloney. Ever since Red was a few months old, we’ve been reading a bedtime story to him, even through his one year old I’m-too-busy-to-listen-to-a-story phase. I remember him toddling around his bedroom, touching, looking, and not listening to a word of Green Eggs and Ham. I was a little frustrated that he wouldn’t sit with me and listen, but I kept going.
Now that Red is 4, we still have one or two bedtime stories a night, depending on what time is left int he day, and the book choice is still usually his. I can tell you we’ve had more than our fair share of Octonauts and the Sea of Shade, as well as Go, Dog, Go!, but I’m not stopping. I think that this time of reading to our children creates a bond, educates them, and is so very important. I think most parents that I know would agree.
As Baby Girl approaches (almost 32 weeks now!), time like this at the end of the day is more important to me than ever. It might be only a 5 minute story, but our bedtime ritual, Red’s heavy interest in the book’s words and concepts, and most of all, our time together is a must-do. I know that as Baby Girl is born and starts to be able to listen to our stories, the book titles might change, and Red may start to do some of the reading to us, but it’s still something I want to do. I look forward to the day that we will read parts of The Last of the Very Great Whangdoodles each night, because it’s my favorite book. I can’t wait to see what Red’s new favorites are, and listen to him “read” them to me.
Do you read to your kids every day? What’s your take on that article?
I’m going to give my kids every life advantage I can! Never, ever would I stop an activity and hold my child back because of others. There will be good kids and struggling kids, smart kids and slower kids. It’s life. Sorry, A & A will always be my priority.
Agreed! If it’s in my power to do it, I’ll get it done!!
I guess we’d better not feed our children either since there are hungry kids out there. ::sigh:: lol
You hit the nail on the head with that analogy! Perfect comparison. Looks like dinner plans are off! 😉
I honestly try not to read articles like that. Big waste of time. I have to admit tho.. I am super bad at reading my kids bed time stories. I stink at it.. It is what it is. When they ask me to read them a book, the first thing I do is find…the…shortest…one. Truth!
I didn’t see the article, but personally think that is just stupid. I won’t even start on it or I’ll be on my soapbox for hours. 😉 Definitely keep reading to your son! And, as a mom who went from 1 to 2 kids just a few months ago, I can fully relate and understand to soaking up every moment of that 1 on 1 pre-bedtime with him while you can. I still get it, but not as frequently now as both kids tend to go down around the same time meaning my husband is in charge of our son while I nurse and tuck in our daughter. I do try to time our evenings where the 3 of us can cuddle up for a book at times and, yes, the big brother is now doing some of the reading which is super sweet. 🙂
I have always read to my children. Why perpetuate ignorance? I never got to see the article. Can you share the link?
Sure! There are LOTS of articles talking about it, here’s one from my local news: http://www.ajc.com/news/news/national/professor-claims-bedtime-reading-puts-children-dis/nmBbQ/
I can’t believe you forgot to mention The Monster At The End Of This Book!
Gavin and I read books every night. There was a phase where we read the same 2 books for a month….but I stuck with it. Kaylee, at 16 months, finally sits still long enough for me to get through 1 book a night. I can’t wait till I can read to both of them at one time before they lay down to sweet dreams.