Toddler Happiness

It should be fun, and we all know we should read to our toddlers, but sometimes  I know I worry whether I am doing it right.

Is it OK to read the same story every night for weeks? Should I change the words to ones that I know my son is familiar with? Is it OK for me to step in and say the word for him sometimes?

Getting started

1. It’s never too early to start sharing stories. Point out the pictures and encourage your toddler to repeat what you say.
2. Your toddler loves new things. It’s not a chore, try to instill a love of stories by finding quiet time everyday to look at a book. They will love it if you do too.
3. It’s good to share favourite stories again and again. Repeating phrases helps build children’s language.
4. Introduce your child to a wide variety of books. Books come in all shapes and sizes – squashy books, books that make noises, books with ‘touchy-feely’ bits, sliding panels and pop-up books.
5. If your child shows no interest in a book that you are keen to share, don’t push it. Try it out again in a few months. Small children don’t always follow a story easily so it may be that you simply spend time looking at a single picture.
6. Make a scrapbook about your child full of pictures and words. Read the words with your child and get her to say what else should be in their story.

Some dos and don’ts to remember

In 2000, Professor Barrie Wade and Dr Maggie Moore published Baby Power: Give your child real learning power (Egmont) for all parents, relatives and carers who want to introduce young children to books but are not sure how. It included the following advice:

Do

• Make it fun for both you and your child and praise her while you’re looking at the book.
• Talk about the book and its pictures even if you think your child doesn’t understand all of it.
• Let your child hold and handle the book and turn the pages.
• Take your toddler to the library and let her choose the books.
• Read a book lots of times – your toddler won’t get bored.

Don’t

• Worry if your child pulls the the books a bit too hard (even library books).
• Expect too much of your toddler or criticise her.
• Be disappointed if your child isn’t interested – try again later.
• Have the television on at the same time, as it’s distracting.
• Feel guilty about taking time out to read to your toddler.

And the most important part   - HAVE FUN!

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