2) She is at a stage where she’s learning 10 new words everyday! What better way to help her language development than by reading a fresh variation of words from a book.

3) She has pretty much memorized her favorite books. As I’m reading, I pause at some words and she will fill in what I leave out. I love how her voice sounds as she’s testing out words she understands but has never spoken.

4) My parents saved all the books I had as a kid and now I’m reading them to Little H. I enjoy the stories as much as she does sometimes!

5) It’s fun to extend the story and talk about the pictures. I’ll ask her to point out “where is the balloon?” and she giggles as she does it – sometimes repeating “boo-in!”

6) Reading has become the cornerstone of her bedtime routine. It lets her know it’s time to relax, cuddle with mommy and get ready to go to bed.

7) I read to her everyday. She sees me reading my own book (almost) everyday. She is learning that reading is a normal thing people are supposed to do. And sometimes she will sit down and entertain herself with a book – it’s a much appreciated break for me!

8 ) Sometimes I’ll play a game where I say the wrong thing. “A cow says meow” then I’ll look at her and wait. She knows exactly what I’m up to and her face lights up. “No, MOOOOO!” she’ll say. This is another cute side effect to her having memorized some books and a fun way to make them new again. It also allows for more discussion about the pictures.

9) I really enjoy the cuddles – it’s pretty much the only time she will sit still and happy on my lap, or beside me on the couch.

10) I know that in reading to my daughter, I’m playing a large role in her development. I can be secure in the fact that I’m helping her communicate, learn, and grow into a creative little person! Why wouldn’t I love it?

Recommended reading for Toddlers (Little H’s Favorites!)

Goodnight Moon

Moo Baa La La La

All by Myself

written by H.E.Eigler