On the books

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises reading aloud to baby from birth to bolster language development, build language skills, boost brain development and strengthen your parent-child bond. But according to a 2016 national survey by Read Aloud 15 MINUTES, just 46 percent of parents report that their child is read to at home every day, and only 34 percent meet the recommended 15- minute quota. Instead of waiting until bedtime to squeeze in storytime (when energy and patience are flagging and the routine is likely to get cut short), try sneaking it in throughout the day.

Read whenever you can, even if just for a few minutes.
Do it at the breakfast table, in the bathtub or while sitting in the car waiting for big brother’s soccer practice to wrap up.

Read whatever you can get your hands on.
It doesn’t have to be a children’s story; a magazine, a recipe or a letter from your insurance company can work in a pinch.

Read even if your tot seems fidgety or uninterested.
Your squirmy bookworm can still reap the benefits while stirring.

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