Be Kick-Ass Today, Read to Your Children Tonight

Do you read aloud to your children on a regular basis?  As a busy, working parent of two, including a preschooler, I have firsthand knowledge of how easy it is to want to do anything but read to your kids at the end of a long day.  There are so many other options that kids seem to genuinely enjoy as much or more than being read to, which also allow parents some time to relax.  TV, video games, handheld electronics, CDs, DVDs, etc...  Seriously, why bother with reading?  Is it really that big of a deal?

Obviously, reading to children is very important, but why?  Some of the more obvious benefits include:

• Development of language including proper pronunciation, speech patterns and intonation
• Increased visual and auditory sensation 
• Better memorization skills
• Understanding how a book is read (i.e., word and page sequencing)
• Letter and word recognition, including how to sound out words
• Increased future desire and capacity for learning

These alone are wonderful reasons for reading to kids, but it gets better.  What about the parent/child bond that is strengthened?  The laughter that is heard?  The snuggling with your child - who will grow up very quickly.  What about the love that is shown and shared by you and your son or daughter? 

Parents, I challenge you to read to your children on a regular basis.  It only takes a few minutes, and is rewarding and relaxing.  You will sleep better.

Be Kick-Ass Today.  Read to your kids tonight.