Creating Habits: Reading

I strive to create healthy habits for me and my family.  With a little one, sometimes it's hard to see the impact of all that effort.  One goal (of thousands?) I've had for Britton is to create a love of reading.  Part of our bedtime ritual since she was consistently sleeping through the night has been to read at least two books before turning off the light.  

Amidst her other toys was always a board book or a soft book she could get her hands on. 

She even started to act excited over particular books or even certain pages in books.  It was incredible to see this spark of recognition!  For a while, she loved Little Red Riding Hood and an illustrated book of poems.

Everyone enjoys reading to a baby!  

Books also became one of the easiest ways to distract her when we were in a new place.  Familiar books would put her at ease and keep her engaged.

I knew this activity was becoming a habit when she started seeking books out on her own.  She has also learned that we will drop just about anything we are doing if she brings us a book (versus just whining at us for attention).  

We have made frequent trips to the local library, though I think she likes pulling books off the shelves and the play area a little better than actually picking out books.

At around 14 months, she started to point out familiar pictures, and we used the books to familiarize her with items she wouldn't see otherwise (monkeys!).  Not only were books entertaining but she was also learning from them too!

As parents, our goals are constantly evolving.  I remember when I couldn't wait for the day she would learn to sit on her own. Or sign "all done" instead of throwing her food.  I wouldn't say I've achieved my goal of creating a habit of reading - it's not a skill but a passion that I will encourage every chance I get.  I think we are going in the right direction!