The love of a child can not equal any emotions you feel on this earth. As a child I loved to read. I would read and read and get lost in stories of adventure and mystery. I would go to my friends birthday parties and find a stash of comic books. I would be lost in some adventure hanging from a tree like Tarzan or who ever I was reading about at that time.

As I grew older, I realized that reading is magical. It can take you to places you would not ordinarily visit. It can teach you things you can never even imagine. Your imagination explodes, the sky is the limit. The love of reading is so special to me, I will never stop!

Children that are avid readers are better students and grow up to take their place in life. School is an important part of the child's life. Many of the children go on to a higher education level where as adults their earning potential is unlimited.

As an adult, I look back upon my younger years, I realize that too much of one thing can be harmful. While I was whiling away my days reading and dreaming, I was not socializing with other children.

For example, when I became an adult I had a problem with social functions. I did not fit in. Where other people could chatter away about this and that I was at a loss. I did not know how to make small talk. That is a real social disaster.

CHILDRENS READING MUST BE BALANCED:

Reading is wonderful for your children. But if your children are a real bookworm and neglects their friends and family then you have a problem. Childhood is for developing friendships, social behavior and learning new skills. Reading and learning new skills can be balanced.

CHILDREN WHO DO NOT LIKE TO READ

When a child says to me that they do not like to read, it's boring, I feel very sad. What is going to become of this child, without reading? For this child the world becomes very small.

ELECTRONICS:

Electronics are wonderful to play with but when they take over a child's life, where will it end? Also, where is the future child who will grow up and use their wonderful imagination and create future technology?

As parent's, we have to find some way to introduce books and reading to our children. We do not want their brains to turn to mush.

When they are older and need to fill out an employment application what then? What kind of employment do you think they are going to get being a poor reader? All it takes is one book to make an impression on the child to change its life.

READING TO YOUR CHILDREN:

It is never to early to start reading to your children. Even babies through infancy love to listen to your soft voice as they snuggle in your arms and fall asleep.

When your infant becomes a child or older and refuses to read a book, do not discontinue the reading program you have already established. Children love it when you read to them. It's a wonderful one on one special time for you and your child to bond. The closeness you feel together will last forever. You do not need to spend money to read to your child. Go to the public library and check out books. You can explore the world together.

Reading makes your imagination soar and the world has no boundaries. You can become anyone you want to be. Through reading, you can visit any country in the world.

HAVE YOUR CHILDREN READ TO YOU:

Another way to share that special closeness and to help improve your childrens reading level is to have them read to you. You will both love that special time together.

SPECIAL CHILDREN AND AUDIO BOOKS:

There are many children with various special needs. Keep in mind; all children love to be read to. Please have your child tested as early as possible.

I speak from experience, for my daughter has special needs, even as an adult today. I am very proud of her for she is employed and drives her own car. I couldn't be more proud of her.

Talking books are another way to introduce books and stories to your special child. They can follow along in their book while listening to the story. It can improve their reading and listening skills. Keep in mind, this is not a substitution for you reading to your child.

LOVE READING:

I have observed people who love to read just talking and touching a book makes their eyes light up and their cheeks smile. When a person does not like to read, they do not like to talk about or touch a book.

As a parent myself, I know how hard it is to get your children to do something they do not want to do. But hang in there, this is to important to skip. Our children must be able to read to function in this world. An imagination is a terrible thing to waste.

When my own two children were small, I always loved reading to them. Now, I love reading to my grandchildren. I look forward to it every time I see them. I love the one on one attention they give me. They fight over what book I am going to read to them first. They snuggle up to me and my heart overflows with the love I have for them. I cannot think of a better way a grandparent can prepare their grandchildren for the future.

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Copyright 2005 Linda Meckler