Baby Brains and Literacy!

Via First Things First

Hi Y'all!  Happy Thursday!  I really hope your week if flying by, gosh... mine sure is!  I still haven't made it to Express (or the mall, actually...) to buy some cute new work clothes in prep for my first day on my new job next week, but I have been spending some time reading some interesting information on young children.  If there is one thing that I cannot stress enough, it is the importance of understanding the impact we have on your children.  It just kills me when I see parents, grandparents, or just people in general who don't realize how much of an impact they have on children.  Whether its because they don't care or they just don't know, it is sooo important to educate everyone!

I think that picture at the top of this post says it all: The brain is the only organ not developed fully when a baby is born.  What does that mean?  It is constantly developing in the early years... and we are they key in that development!

So in short, what can you do today to help encourage learning and brain development?  Well, the list can go on forever, but we can start by focusing on literacy in the early years.  It is as simple as that- read to your babies!

1. Read to young children EVERYDAY! (It doesn't matter if they are a newborn or a 4 year old!)
2. Talk to your babies, regardless of age, and explain to them what you are doing.  Ask them questions (even if they cannot talk yet!)
3. Take young children to the library.  Let them see you reading.
4. Tell your children stories.  Make up stories with their name. 
5. Read nursery rhymes, or even better, make up your own rhymes!  Sing them, chant them, whatever you want to do!
6. Point out letters around you. Read alphabet books.  Play with Alphabet magnets.

I leave you with this awesome statistic, below.  Now, go READ to your babies! :)

Baby Bill of Rights... A letter from your baby to you!

I remember when Ledoux was just a newborn little baby... all the nights of no sleep, frustration, love, sadness, pretty much every feeling you can possibly have in the world.  In fact, it feels like it was just yesterday.  I found this 'Baby Bill of Rights' during our first week home, and it really helped me keep everything in perspective.  I came across it again this afternoon, and wanted to share it with all the mamas out there... It just rings so true when you look at that sweet little face.  Even if that sweet little face is screaming back at you. Take a deep breath, read this, and maybe it will help you too.

 

My little baby isn't so little anymore...

Talk to me

Sing, hum, babble, or even read the funnies to me!

I don't know exactly what you're saying, but I need to hear you.

And I do know what you mean, even if I may not know words.

For example, your voice tone means "I love you". When you yell, I hear, "You're a pest".

Unless you communicate with me, how can I learn? I learn from you.

Hold me

Everything is so big and new to me. I don't understand where I am, or who I am.

And I get scared. But when you hold me, I feel better.

Your warmth warms me. Your breath and heartbeat make me feel I belong.

Belong here. Belong to you.

Answer my cry

I don't cry to upset you, or to get you mad.

I cry because I can't tell you how I feel any other way. I have no other way to communicate with you.

Maybe I'm cold. Or wet. Or hungry. Or scared.  Or lonely.

Answer my cries. You'll soon know what each one means. You won't spoil me.

You'll help me to be a better baby...and to make you happier, too.

Love me

Like me. Love me just as I am.

Don't expect me to do what I can't do. I'm still brand new.

My muscles aren't ready. I know I'm messy. But I'm growing.

Overlook my baby weakness. You're the most important person in my world.

I can't make it without you. Get to know me.

Have fun with me.

And love me...just as I am!