In Which I Give Parenting Advice

I screw up a lot as a parent. I mean, I don't beat my children or feed them Red Bull and Pixie Sticks, but I'm so not the supermom I thought I would be. I'm trying to learn to be okay with that. One way I do that is by not reading too many blogs or books by moms who ARE supermoms. You know the ones I mean - the ones who homeschool their six kids with special needs while running successful photography businesses and cooking healthy gourmet dinners.

But recently I had this rare moment of feeling like a supermom and it occurred to me that I might have one area of expertise. Also, I need more blog topics that don't involve Rick Santorum or griping about my suburb.

My kids are very good readers. Like, other people have remarked upon it in public kind of readers. Plus, you know, I used to teach children how to read. So yay! I have an area of parenting expertise.

The thing I want to point out is that my kids are not gifted readers - they did not start reading before kindergarten, they are not devouring Harry Potter in the first grade. They're good, but they're normal good. Here's how they got that way (I think):

1. They've been read to almost every night since birth. Once in a while we have to skip it, or I read one book instead of three, but that's rare.

2. We still read picture books. Chapter books have their place and all, but they're really not developmentally appropriate until first grade. And even then, picture books can still teach kids A LOT.

3. No flashcards. That "Teach Your Baby to Memorize" program, or whatever it's called, is crap. Flashcards are okay for teaching kindergartners and/or first graders sight words, but that's it.

4. Lots of rhyming and word play. I sing stupid songs and say ridiculous rhymes all the time ("put on your shoes or you'll have to snooze," e.g.). Phonological awareness - the ability to distinguish and manipulate the sounds within words - is a huge predictor of reading success. Plus, rhyming entertains me when I'm saying the directions for the tenth time.

5. Workbooks are for handwriting and math facts. Seriously, no workbook is going to make your kid a good reader. But it might make them hate reading.

She's very excited that Santa brought her a book. 

6. Reread. Yeah, I know it sucks to read the same book over and over. But it's the perfect time to start pointing at each word. It also helps with comprehension. Try different accents for the different characters to make it more interesting.

7. Go to story time at your local library. Seeing other kids and adults interested in reading makes them think it's cool. Plus, you don't have to read!

8. Your kid may not really like it when you read, especially if you have a very active toddler. S/he may not want to sit still and listen. Let them walk around while you read, or try to just get through one short book every night. If you keep doing it consistently, your kid will start to like it.

9. Have books everywhere. Buy them at garage sales or library sales or get them from friends with older kids, but get as many as you can. Leave some in the bathroom, in the car and in each kid's room.

10. Make books a reward and a celebration. Let kids "earn" extra stories for good behavior. Instead of giving them cash for chores and/or the Tooth Fairy, let them earn books from Scholastic.

Now that I've written all this, of course, Hugmonkey will probably turn out to be a terrible reader or something. I'm pretty sure his mission in life is to kill any parenting confidence I might have. But these steps should work for your kids. Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments!