“Early reading is how many children learn life’s basics.”

A thought by John C. Maxwell (2015-10-06) from his book, Intentional Living: Choosing a Life That Matters (p. 252). Center Street. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title of the book to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

I love to read.  I am right now in the middle of reading three books.  That is one of the reasons why I write this blog.  I want to share thoughts from my reading that might quicken your interest in reading.  I am always hoping that you will click on the title at the top of the blog and go to Amazon and buy the book.

Now this thought by John Maxwell shows how important reading is to children.  He says, “When we are young, the books our parents read to us have the power to imprint values upon us and encourage us, even at the youngest age. Early reading is how many children learn life’s basics, including colors, numbers, letters, and stories. So much of the information that we store in our brains as we grow older and mature is put there in our early years.”

He later says, “Don’t miss your opportunity to pour intentionality into the lives of your children or grandchildren. It is never too early to start. If you can create a significance mindset in them when they are young, you don’t have to try to create it later in life. They won’t have to break old habits or create new ones to start living a life that matters. They will already have those habits.”

He goes on, “Having the courage and responsibility to instill intentionality in our children can change the way they live. The possibilities are boundless and the timing critical. You have to possess a sense of urgency in this area because the time we have with our children and grandchildren is really very short.”

In the next chapter he says, “If I could do only one thing to help the children of the world, it would be to teach them to read well. A person who can read can learn to do anything else. Become intentional about everything you do with your children. Talk to them continually to encourage them. Teach them in any way you can, including on vacations. Model good values. Help them to reach their potential.”

I am so glad that my mother started reading to me at an early age. That is where my love for reading and learning came from.  I’m also glad that my wife, Margaret starting reading to our children when they were very young.  They also love to read.

Do you love to read?  I wonder why you do or why you don’t?