Parenting Tips for Your 41-42 Month Old Child
“Read it to me just one more time.” You’ve heard that a lot! If you are tempted to say “No”, remember that childhood is a fleeting moment. It will not be long before that cute preschooler becomes a teenager and will not be asking you to read to her.
Books provide a way to strengthen the bond between you and your child. Most children love the feeling of warmth and security that comes from snuggling up by mom or dad while listening to a story. The physical contact, combined with the familiar sound of the parent’s voice and the lure of a delightful plot, makes a story special.
Besides the pleasure you and your child experience as you cozy up with a favorite book, reading aloud helps your child succeed in school. Studies show that preschoolers whose parents read with them at home learn to read more easily when they get to school.
You can encourage your child to read without spending a lot of time or money:
- Let your child see you enjoy reading.
- Read everything. Books are good, but don’t forget signs, menus, mail, billboards, cereal boxes, recipes, calendars, newspapers, magazines, labels and dozens of other everyday items.
- Use poems. Mother Goose rhymes and other traditional songs are especially good for reading aloud because they have the basic rhythm of language.
- Play word games. For example, say, “I see something brown that barks. What is it? Or, I have a shoe, it’s new. You have a shoe; it is (ask your child what rhymes with shoe (blue).” Play when you’re in the car, cleaning, or eating.
- Write to read. Leave notes, “I love you!” “I like it when you...” “See you when I get home!”; lists of jobs to do, shopping lists, letters, thank you notes, invitations, happy notes in lunch boxes, on pillows, on the mirror, in pockets.
- Have a family reading time, and record favorite stories or rhymes for playback. Hearing their own voices played back gives young children confidence and encourages them to speak.
