IF YOU LEFT IT TOO LATE

Here’s a strategy to get your preschooler’s interest. Leave books lying around everywhere. Make sure there are many that feature her favourite things, like cats, teddy bears or puppies.

Create a special table in the lounge for your child’s toys and books. Don’t comment or fuss when she starts picking them up, but leave her alone, so as not to be pushy and invite a tantrum. And then, when she brings a book, drop everything and read it to her. Catch her in this alert and receptive state, and she is bound to enjoy it. Let her turn the pages and look at the pictures for as long as she wants. You don’t have to read every word, just enough to keep her attention. Combine books and cuddling, as this will create a strong positive association. Take a book along to bedtime and offer to read it. Don’t react if she says no, just keep asking every night. She will soon learn that the book keeps you cuddling in her bed for longer. Use that to your advantage! ●