It's never too early to steer your child toward books. But for
toddlers, the goal is not to make sure they can read the
classics before they're out of preschool. "The phrase to
remember is 'developmentally appropriate,'" says Roni Leiderman,
associate dean of the Family Center at Nova Southeastern
University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "Parents often come to
me wanting to push academics too much, too fast, too soon. In
fact, children learn best through play. Make reading a joyous
event for them." There are many developmentally appropriate –
and fun – ways to help your little one learn to love books and
stories. And, surprisingly, not all of them involve sitting down
with an actual book. Use books to bond "It's not about reading
the words," says Leiderman. "At this age it's about learning to
love the interaction with Mom, Dad, or a caretaker." When your
child sits in your lap as you read aloud, she doesn't just enjoy
books, she also enjoys the security of your undivided attention.
Set up a ritual A regular re