We live in a very advanced technological world. Kids entertain themselves with virtual goggles, X-Box and I-pads. It’s hard to imagine a world without Linkedin and Twitter. Don’t get me wrong: I think there is a place for social media and it can be a very effective tool for marketing (I use it myself to promote my first book). Nothing, however, can replace the feeling of a small child cuddled next to you, book in hand and face in awe.
I do remember a time, ages ago, when my kids and I would curl up at night before bed and read. Freshly bathed, in cowboy jammies and onesies, my son and my daughter would snuggle onto my chest and I would read to them. Between my wife and I, we rarely missed the opportunity to end the night in our very special way. The point being is I can still close my eyes, feel their heads on my chest and share the joys of reading a goodnight story. There were the regular tales of three small bears, a cow jumping over a moon, and a very slow and little puppy. There were so many more, each taking them to a world filled with imagination and delight. I traveled with them on their journeys and cherished each moment.
Not to brag but both my kids started reading when they were three. Hopefully, as parents, we can take a little credit for that. Nonetheless, at ages 28 and 26, perhaps in a few years, they will read to their own kids at night. I marvel at today’s technology but, in my mind, none of it can replace the joy of reading to my children before bed. It is quite possibly one of the reasons I wrote The Fabulous Feats of Mr. B!
I know so many of you regularly experience the joy of reading to your children. For those of you who haven’t yet, you should try it!