| Some of my best memories of parenting consist of | | | | children's books that come with audiotapes, but after |
| recollections of my son curled up against me while I | | | | using it once or twice, we both found we preferred to |
| was reading him a story or while racing one another | | | | cuddle together and listen to me read aloud. That way, |
| on word puzzler-type books. His whole experience of | | | | we could also add unexpected surprises (like sound |
| learning to read was not painful at all, but was more an | | | | effects) to the text of the book or even repeat |
| experience of bonding with mom while bonding with | | | | (sometimes several times) his favorite parts.I cannot |
| printed type. There was laughter and hugs and | | | | possibly imagine a more efficient use of time with a |
| encouragement, which should always be part of early | | | | young child. To share love and affection while sharing |
| learning at its best.Some people object to the idea of | | | | a gift of the mind, a gift of thought, is priceless beyond |
| parents teaching their children "too young". Other | | | | measure. Take your clues from the child; don't attempt |
| people feel unqualified to do what they perceive as | | | | this when the child is in a physical mood needing to |
| the singular job of schools. However, the teaching is | | | | burn off energy by running around or when he's |
| secondary to the sharing that goes on, the interaction | | | | overtired. But if you adjust the timing to the child's |
| between the child's mind and spirit and the parent's | | | | cycle, both of you will get inordinate mental, emotional, |
| mind and spirit. Whatever learning happens, happens | | | | and spiritual sustenance from your periods of bonding |
| almost unnoticed because the child feels so good | | | | and learning.Blessings on all your teaching adventures |
| about being the sole center of the parent's attention | | | | with your little ones....and always also be ready to learn |
| during these shared, special times. Twenty minutes a | | | | from the young sage whose head is resting in the |
| day, whether after a nap or before bedtime, isn't a lot | | | | crook of your arm.Linda Popolano is an Independent |
| to ask even of the busiest parent, especially when | | | | Consultant for BRIGHT MINDS, which publishes |
| those twenty minutes will become cherished memories | | | | wonderful, effective, and fun books and software to |
| of closeness and significant builders of self-esteem | | | | teach children from pre-K onward critical thinking skills |
| and confidence in the years to come.Any parent can | | | | across all curriculum areas. Products range from those |
| do this, with just a bit of dedication and commitment. | | | | that teach sign language to babies (Teaching Signs for |
| And the rewards will pay off for years to come. Don't | | | | Baby Minds) to an award-winning phonics-driven |
| just give your child crayons and paper. Sit with him at | | | | learn-to-read program (Rocket Phonics) to products |
| the kitchen table and draw something yourself. Share | | | | for school-age children which guarantee higher |
| yourselves with one another. Sit her on your lap and | | | | standardized test scores. You can visit her website at |
| cuddle when you read....someone gave my son a lamp | | | | or e-mail her at for more information. |
| with a tape player in the base that would read those | | | | |