Reading Jonathon Livingston Seagull

I'd forgotten this - which is lame and sad - but, seems I insisted on reading my eldest son Jon Seagull by Richard Bach when he was percolating in the womb. He kicked a lot at this. It is a soaring, beautiful tale, if memory serves. I believe I'll break it out again and read it anew to both my boys - now six and four.

I don't believe in retaining information from the womb, but I can see a non-tangible sort of something. My oldest is very, very perseptive, highly sensitive and in tune with things I cannot fathom. We'll see if he gets anything from it. Jon Seagull, fun for all ages.

Reading with the kids

My boys love reading. They love stories. This is one of the simplest and purest forms of educating our children. Not to get all metaphysical and after-school special here, but there's something special about spending 20 minutes reading to your kids. I'm a bit conservative with stories. Can't do the Captain Underpants or heavier topics. My boys are just four and six. But can't go wrong with Shel Silverstein. He's the best. "Chapter books" are good too, like the Magic Treehouse series. Those are great for a 4-6 year old. The story itself is just a small part of it. The beauty and innocense of reading to your child. It's unspeakably beautiful. And it works just as much for the parent as for the child.

Dealing with bedtime fears

Most all children have fears. The fears surface most at bedtime. There's a monster in the closet. That's a scary sound. What's under my bed. I like to check the closets and under the beds and let the boys watch me check. That helps. Lying down with them, letting them see me close my eyes and relax, that helps a lot too. Nightlights are a must. My boys have one that's plenty bright. Letting the children see the parent content and happy, that's always going to help. Children act as they are taught. Telling a nice soft story while lying next to them usually soothes and lulls as well. Easier said than done. But as with all fears, they fade quickly.