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*
Kids Need More Lap-Top Time *
Not the lap-top
time that requires a mouse and modem...Not the
lap-top time that costs thousands of dollars...Not
the laptop that needs a battery or electrical
outlet. This one is free.
This lap-top
time requires a mom or dad. This lap-top time
could include a hug or kiss. Lap-top time is best
when it is surrounded by a parent's loving arms
and tender words. Lap-top time provides the place
and the opportunity to listen, talk and console
one another.
FIRST,
Lap-top time is the time and the place for bonding
with our children. It builds close relationships
and trust. The laptop can be the setting for many
things. The lap is a secure, loving, enjoyable
place to be held.
Lap-top time spells
love, caring and kindness. Everyone needs that!
The bonds and
relationships we create with our children last a
lifetime. The words we whisper during lap-top time
are special to children and parents.
SECOND, the
all-important reading process starts in the lap.
When children are very young, parents should read
aloud to them. The best and most comfortable place
for this reading is the lap. Studies show the
parental love and caring are essential for a
child's development. The same is true for the
reading process. It is actually the melodic sound
of the parent's voice and the security of the
lap-top time that are the essential elements for
success. Reading aloud with expression and rhythm
begins to instill a strong love of reading.
EXAMPLE: While our
daughter was growing up my husband and I always
made sure we had plenty of opportunities for the
lap-top time. We would read her favorite books
aloud with the best expression we could muster. We
would vary our voices, sometimes whispering,
sometimes shouting, sometimes singing. We feel it
developed a closeness we still feel today. Even
though our daughter lives 250 miles away, we
maintain the conversations and the closeness. In
addition, she became an avid reader at the age of
four. She had a head start on reading when she
entered kindergarten. This head start in reading
helped her become an 'A' student throughout her
school years.
Still not sure of
the importance of lap-top time? Imagine what our
world would be like without lap-top time. What a
cold, uncaring world this would be. How would we
whisper " I love you " in our child's
ear without lap-top time? How would we experience
that closeness and security in our own lives?
There would be a great void.
POINTERS FOR
PARENTS
1. TAKE ADVANTAGE
of the lap-top time when the children are young.
they will outgrow it soon!
2. HOLD THE
CHILDREN on your lap and whisper to them. Ask them
how they are doing, and be sure to tell them you
love them.
3. GRAB YOUR
CHILD'S FAVORITE BOOK and read it aloud to them.
Be expressive! You might even want to sing part of
it.
REMEMBER:
Take advantage of lap-top time while you can.
Children grow up fast and we don't want to lose
that window of opportunity. Lap-top time is the
place and the time to bond with the children. The
laptop can be the first place the child hears the
sounds of reading.Copyright
1999 by Dr. Carol S. Kennedy |
