Tags: child development childrens books family Meg Hernandez Meghann Hernandez Metro Mom modern family motherhood raising readers reading
As a child, I was raised to believe books can take you to places you’ve never been to, whether real or imagined. I can’t recall how young I was when I became an avid reader. My mom used to tell me my love for reading started with pop-up books during my toddler years. I vividly remember Berenstein Bears as my constant bedtime story, before I moved on to binge-reading Sweet Valley Kids. I share these happy childhood memories with my own kids, hoping they will also grow to love books as much as I do.
Screens have taken the place of books in this new age of technology, where information and entertainment are literally on hand. We live in a fast-paced, instantaneous, and highly visually-stimulating environment, and education continues to evolve. Sure, there is so much to discover through the aid and convenience of having electronic devices. However, I personally believe a child’s literacy journey should start with books. Some may think it’s old fashioned, but studies do show that children develop more focus and persistence by reading an actual book, versus scrolling through gadgets with distractions aplenty from buttons to notifications and pop-up ads.
So, when is the best time to introduce kids to books? As experts say, do it while they’re young. Reading helps build a child’s vocabulary as well as general knowledge, language and listening skills, and concentration.
Around the world with the Miskovs. Ayie and Joe with their kids, Eli and Luke.
I’ve come across many parenting stories, and one of those that interest me most is that of Ayie Hernandez – Miskov. Not only because she is a friend, but, also, I find her life as photographer and full-time mother truly inspiring. Her Instagram account and family blog beautifully chronicle everyday life, clear of mindful choices and steps she and husband, Joe, are taking to secure a well-rounded childhood and future for their little Luke and Eli. By making reading and immersion a part of their lifestyle, they aim to nurture their children’s understanding and appreciation for different cultures and norms—preparing them to be global citizens.
Hands-on parents
“My husband and I are fairly relaxed,” Ayie enthuses. “We respect different parenting styles. Ours is just the right fit for our personal values and way of living. We’re very much involved in our children’s development and we always look for ways to encourage independence.”
Ayie reading to her eldest, Luke.
“Books have been a part of our children’s life since babyhood. We believe reading prepares them for the life ahead. Their brain is constantly growing and reading is the best way to feed and fuel the mind. Raising them to read and love books opens a door to endless possibilities and learning.”
Ayie also puts emphasis on holistic development through sensory experiences. “We are advocates of free, unstructured play, the same way we feel strongly about reading. Play is an integral part of a child’s everyday life. This is a way for them to explore, express their emotions, and exercise.”
Inside the Miskov residence.
Age appropriate
Ayie’s Instagram highlights will give you a library of candid moments that either show her children absorbed in a book or listening intently to a story.
“My husband and I started reading to Luke and Eli when they were babies. We made it part of their daily routine, and it eventually turned into their hobby and source of joy,” she shares. “For this passion to stay past their childhood years, we figured they have to be introduced to books that capture their interest through different developmental stages.”
Father and son bonding time.
Ayie recalls, “When Luke and Eli were still infants, we just went with our book choices for them. At that stage, their eyesight is still not clear, but babies are starting to develop a connection to your voice and narration. When their vision improved by the 3rd month, we introduced them to black and white prints. We switched to simple color books when they started to recognize colors.”
“Once their eye-hand coordination was in full swing and they began grabbing things, we brought out the tactile or sensory books, such as the touch and feel covers or those that came with puppets. I discovered they could relate better to pop-up books when they developed object permanence. We progressed to picture and activity books and short stories when they got a little older.”
Be a reader, raise a reader
While nurturing a natural love for reading shouldn’t be rocket science, Ayie also thinks it helps when parents genuinely show interest in books.
“We always bring Luke and Eli with us to libraries and book shops. This experiences heightened their interest in reading stories. Kids will also take after you if they see you find pleasure in reading. Make reading a happy bonding routine. Don’t let it feel like a chore. Interact with them while you read. Make it animated and fun, either by injecting sound or body movement into your narration.”
“You need to understand the phases they go through. Spend quality time with them without any distractions, so you can gauge their language and comprehension. I am saying this because children hit their developmental milestones at different times. Thus, the need to identify the right approach in communicating a message or story at that particular stage.”
See more books and other adventures of Ayie and family by checking their website, https://mapballadventures.com/.
