Book worms. Both of my kids are total book worms. The park and the book store/library is their most requested place to go. When I became a mom one of the first things I learned was to talk, read and sing to my kids. I’m seeing now how those things pay off. If they get quiet in their rooms, I usually don’t worry that they’re up to something. What they’re probably up to is reading books. They get it honest. When I was little, my cousins and I spent a ton of time at the library. We were there for all of their activities and events. We’d check out the same Shel Silverstein books over and over. The library was one of our favorite past times. We were at the point where the librarian (Ms. Brown) knew us by name.
I was raised by a reader. My mother tore through book after book on a regular basis. She read romantic novels, mystery, thriller and spiritual books nonstop. She also constantly read the newspaper. I grew up always seeing her reading something. She started me on the path to reading as a little girl. I had books being delivered for me weekly to encourage me to read. I looked forward to that box that came in the mail with new books for me to dive into. Many of those books, have now been passed on to my own children. It’s awesome to see them enjoying the books I loved as a child. Like mama, like babies.
Another thing they love is music. It’s no wonder either. I remember being a little girl and listening to my moms music. I grew to appreciate good music in those days. I fell in love with the artistry. When I got new music I had to read the liner notes. I had to know who the song writer was, I needed to know who the producer was. It got to a point of me knowing who had worked on a song just from hearing the first note.
My kids make up their own songs and whenever a song comes on the radio, they need to know “who’s singing this?” I love that they recognize types of music when they hear it. They are beginning to recognize the artists too. And they’re always down for a random dance party to their favorite tunes! I know what reading and music has given me. They both have the ability to transport you somewhere else. It’s easy get lost in a book or a song. There’s something to be said for their ability to open you up to a whole new world.
My own love of the written word has led me to being a writer. As someone who grew up reading anything I could get my hands on, it’s pretty cool that my words have been heard on TV, online and in newspapers and magazines. As a kid, I didn’t realize that my words would take me places – literally. I can’t wait to see where my kids love of words and music takes them.
Do you have some fun ways to get your kids reading?
Get tips on enjoying books with your kids at First 5 California, a trusted + free resource for parents and caregivers. Through their Talk. Read. Sing® campaign, First 5 California shares the importance of talking, reading and singing to (and with) babies and young children. Their Activity Center is full of info for activities to try with your kids (homemade bubbles,anyone?). And their Learning Center has useful information for parents.
16 Comments on Like Mama, Like Babies
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I absolutely love your quote about reading is dreaming with or eyes open. My daughter is almost 26, but am very grateful that she was an avid reader. It has really helped with her writing skills.
My kids love reading and do it often. But I find when they see me reading, they all start picking up books more. It’s fun and great to have them love it as much as I do. My mom read a lot too!
I love to read! I love that companies are helping to encourage kids to read more often, it can be hard with how many electronic distractions there are.
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Great post! I was the same as a kid; I would get in trouble in class because I would be reading a book hidden behind my desk instead of listening to the teacher, haha. My husband isn’t a reader at all, but I’m really hoping my son takes after me with this one!
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Reading is so important and I love that my younger kiddos love when we read together. Great post.
YOu are right. It is absolutely critical that we engender that love of books.
It keeps them more aware of social situations, helps them learn about their world, and allows them to live a life of continual learning.
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when i was little, my mum always read bedtime stories with me. and until now, this habit stays. I HAVE to read before going to bed
Reading books is so important! Before my kids get addicted to the gadgets, we usually do reading books.
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So wonderful! Both our kids have library cards and we use it all the time. They are aloud to take movies and video games too if they’re good.
I’ve been reading to my kids and playing music for them since they were in my womb. They have a great appreciation for both. I can find them either listening to music or reading at just about anytime of the day. This is a great campaign.
My kids love books 🙂 and we always read books before go to bed
i love reading since i was a child and i think reading can help you in many ways.expecially reading helped me to improve my writing skills.
this reminds me of my granny. she used to read to me all the time at bedtime. it was such an amazing time for me. My fav book at that time was super fudge. LOL! She read it to me like all the time over and over
Reading to kids is so important. I think because there was such an emphasis on reading as a kid it has shaped who I am today.
It’s so great that your kids are into reading. I think its so important, especially in this age that kids have a love of reading 🙂
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I remember when my eldest daughter was just starting to read, I use to read to her and use different voices to encourage her to read and enjoy the story.