When our kids are small, they can sometimes make us crazy by bringing us the same book, over….and over….and over. I think they do it because they crave something. Here are some possibilities -

• closeness

• tenderness

• fun

• wonder

• understanding

• excitement that’s not too scary

• developing empathy, courage, relationships

• feeling what it’s like to be someone else

You’ve got to admit, meeting adventures both large and small, while sitting in your mother’s lap is safe and comforting. It’s the place from which we can develop our skills without really getting our hands dirty. That’s an attractive thing for a little kid. Because usually, when we read them stories, they are IN it. They are feeling it. They are preparing to face the world of adventures and challenges as they get older with their mom or dad by their side. We talk them through it. Their bodies tense or release as the story rises and falls.

We are there to reassure them and ground them in reality. Could all those animals really fit in a mitten?

We are there to help them accept, address and assuage their concerns. What do you think a vug looks like? Should we check under OUR rug?

We help them understand the confusing world around them. The baby bird saw so many things he had never seen before! What were all those things?

We allow them to be brave or frightened. Piglet must have been so afraid! How did his friends take care of him?

Have you ever been reading a book, or watching a movie and you found your muscles tight, or your hand clenched? You have to catch your breath? Wipe your tears?

Beautiful stories carry us away and broaden our world. They deepen our experiences and create bonds of love and understanding.

We experience not only the tenderness of being snuggled on the couch, but the adventure and excitement that carries us off that lap one day, with some life experience to address the world outside. We’re remotely preparing our children for all the types of people they meet, all the fears and joys they may have, human weakness, tenderness, flaws and ability to change. We address how we might respond in adversity, in plenty, in loneliness, in love.

We participate in the development of a human mind. That’s quite a thing.

Don’t underestimate the power of the story book.

Read to your kids.