I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe as we continue to recover from Hurricane Ida. I know things haven’t been easy for any of us lately but, in times of crisis, our children can be especially affected. Research shows that reading is an excellent method of therapy for our little ones; it allows them to escape to magical worlds, learn something new, use their imagination, and reflect on things that make them happy.
Reading also builds emotional intelligence, makes us more empathetic, and allows us to better understand one another.
With today being International Literacy Day, I ask that you and your child do this is evening — sit side by side and take a few minutes from our busy lives to read, whether it’s a few pages or a whole book. Or, if they’re too young to read on their own, I hope you cuddle up on a couch and read with them today. The time I spend reading with my children every night is priceless, and lately I’ve found that it’s not only great for them, but it’s healing for me too. Reading is a gift that we should share with kids as much as we can.
Please join me in celebrating International Literacy Day and help grow your child’s love for reading.
P.S. Are you interested in learning about additional ways to cope with these challenging times? Click here (https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/6301) for State mental health resources and remember that you can always call 211 for help. It’s OK not to be OK — never hesitate to ask for help.
