babies.kids.moms.wives.: Why Do Bedtime Stories?

Thanks to Ninang Frend (my cousin Carol Deonoso) for the books you sent for Kurt.

Children now days are fond with computer games and chatting over social network. They have less contact with their kind; humans that is. They have less social interaction via real communication; verbal communication, facing each other not using any phones, mobile access or gadgets and computers.

This is somewhat scary but it is even scarier between parents and children. I am a mom of a two-year-old child. Two-year-old children are in still in the process of learning and they have sponge mind. They absorb whatever they hear or see in their environment. Whether be it good or bad, if parents will not be there to guide to these little kids, they will go astray. I work online and I go to school in the evening. But that doesn’t mean I should and I never have time for my boy.

I always see to it that I will read a story, bedtime story for my son before he sleeps at night and that he prays as well.

Benefits of bedtime stories:

1. Strong Connection – We are not talking about mobile internet connection here. Instead, we are absolutely discussing about the strong connection between parents (mom or dad) and children. One or two hours a day won’t hurt your time. It will make your children feel loved and being cared for.

2. On Hand Knowledge Distribution – Bedtime stories will make you an instant teacher and parent at the same time whether you like or you will like it even more. Your child will ask several questions especially if you have the right bedtime stories for them which give moral lessons. You may ask several questions to follow up if they are catching up with the story or not. At this point, you are imparting knowledge to them. Mind you, they will always remember what you are saying.

3. Vocabulary – Their mental lexicon will be honed. The unusual words they will hear for the first time will give them additional vocabulary. And do not forget about the pictures on the books because photographs and simple drawings depict a lot of words.

4. Memorization – Constant reading and practice would make your kids remember everything. Not all children have the same pattern in learning but there are some who could learn best if they are given pictures.

5. Skills Sharpened – Whether you like it or you like it more, you will definitely sharpen your children’s skills or intelligence and that I believe is important as well because they will learn a lot of things in their younger years with you and not with someone else. Although, it is also a good way for them to learn something different from other people but it is best if we, parents, teach the basics.
6. Limitless Imagination - This is the start when the child uses his / her imagination. One good way for a child to play with his / her imagination and who knows, that child might be a good artist someday or storyteller or even a book writer.

On the advent of today’s fast-pace lifestyle, parents should always spare even just a little time for their kids. After all, why do parents have to work? Correct, it’s for our little angels of course. A bond between a parent and a child is such a beautiful thing. It will last as long parents will exert effort to make their children feel cared. It might be hard for our little ones to comprehend why we have to go and work. But they will surely cherish the very short moment of storytelling before they close their eyes at night.