One of the most effective things you can do with your child that will impact her childhood development is read to her. Make it a part of the bedtime ritual. Just before she says her prayers and you tuck her in, grab two or three books and for about 10 to 15 minutes give her your undivided attention. Put the cell phone on vibrate, turn off the TV, and step into a child's heart and imagination. It isn't a qualifying event for the summer olympics so take your time. If she stops you and wants to know why Piglet walks on two feet, then make up your best response...sometimes the journey is the best part and a day spent in The Hundred Acre Wood is sure to generate a handful of questions. And the voices should not be optional. There is no better way to tap into her imagination than to make the story come to life with the sounds of the characters. All pride should be thrown out the window at this point. The excitement in her eyes as you narrate should be worth any abuse that you might face from the peanut gallery outside of the bedroom. I read to my little girl every night and it is something that I look forward to as much as she does. For daddies it can be difficult to break into this more sensitive role but I am convinced that the rewards do not stop with the child. So not only will you be building language skills and exercising you child's imagination, you might even be reminding your wife of why she married you.
2 comments:
Hey Billy, I love your first post.
Keep it coming.
-P
This is a wonderful first post Billy. I couldn't agree with the comments more. Sometimes I feel unenergetic, unimaginative, and just wrapped up in my day come bed time. When I feel like this, I am reluctant to give my daughter my full attention. You know the feeling probably...just going through the motions. But if I fully engage myself during this time despite my energy level or attitude, I am left feeling very rewarded emotionally. I say goodnight to her feeling young at heart and relaxed myself. My day comes to an end with my priorities in order and renewed perspective on life. I hit the pillow shortly thereafter praising God for the blessings rather than thinking about today or worrying about tomorrow. What a way to end the day! A daddy daughter bond strengthened. A daughter's self esteem lifted knowing she is loved without end. A daughter's imagination inspired. And a daddy's responsibility fullfilled. What a rewarding 15-20 minutes!
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