Imagination Library

Jan

14th

2008

Filed Under Money, Parenting, Quotes
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Back before my son was born, I heard about the Imagination Library from a friend. It’s a program sponsored by Dolly Parton, and provides FREE books to children under 5 years old. After signing up, the child receives a book each month that is age-appropriate. Again, it’s FREE!

From a financial perspective, this program has a return-on-investment that is out of this world….free books, and your child learns to read. From a parenting perspective, it provides the opportunity for some Quality and Quantity time with your child.

My son’s book for this month came in the mail today. It’s entitled Only You, and is written by Rosemary Wells. Not that that is really important, but I mention it because there is a special “note” in the back written by Dr. Perri Klass. I’m not sure who he/she is, but the note is exceptional…

The first three years of a child’s life are important in so many ways. Young children learn by living. Everything they see and do helps them understand the world and how it works. When parents spend time with their children, the children grow and glory in the special attention of the people they know and love best. In the games and rituals that develop around household chores, errands, mealtime, naps, playtime, and bedtime, children find security comfort, and the courage to explore. From close relationships with their parents, young children learn what it is to be loved.

Children make remarkable developmental progress in the first three years of life - learning language, social skills, and physical coordination. They learn to play with other people and to understand that other people have needs and feelings. It’s a joy to watch your child grow and develop. Parents can encourage this development - not be “teaching” their children lessons, not by buying them lavish educational equipment, but by giving them one-on-one time. This positive parental attention shows children, over and over, that they are loved. With this knowledge, children will build the basic security and confidence that they need to take on the world.

Seems like the Imagination Library may teach us all a little something…