Book. Lots of books.
The three of us went to the library yesterday. Anya as usual was very excited and she talked about it a LOT even before we left home.
Once we’re there, she’d go straight to the toddlers’ section, pick up some books, sit on the carpet and start flipping through the pages, occasionally asking me to read and explain to her what the pictures are all about.
Although Vai is still too young to understand the content of a book right now (the books usually end up in his mouth!), I’ve started introducing him to books anyway, … baby books with big, colourful pictures.
I’d explain to him what the book is about and read the stories to him. Anya, always wanting to be a part of what I do with Vai, usually would listen in and share the book with him too.
Here are some great articles on why it’s recommended to start reading to your babies since they’re very young:
>> Reading to your baby (babycenter.com)
>> Reading and Languange (PBS Parents)
>> Reading books to babies (kidshealth.org)
Other than bonding with our kids through reading sessions with them, I believe it’s always good to instill habits, any good habits, when they’re still little.
And reading is one of them.