Once upon a bedtime story, the benefits of reading to your child...

1. Strengthens parent-child bond- 
          Reading with your child at night gives you a chance to cuddle up with them and bond for a minute. It might seem like a simple gesture, but its sure to stick with your child for a lifetime. 

2. Builds your child's language- 
             Books are filled with words and language that differs from their everyday lives. Books help to build a child's vocabulary and models speech.
                 
 3. Develops child cognitive and logical skills-
             Books help children learn how to read left to right. Also, reading the same book multiple times helps children to learn to predict future outcomes. Over time children will learn to make predictions about books they have read for before. Another benefit of reading is that it helps develop problem solving skills. Reading models how to solve problems and helps children learn empathy. By asking questions like "how would that make you feel," helps children relate to the character and reflect on their own feelings.   

4. Improves child future academic success-
                  Reading is the first step to word recognition and writing skills. These skills will carry on though your child's life. Reading to your child every night also develops routine and helps prepare children for school. While reading to your child every night has its benefits, take time to read to your child whenever you get the chance. Simple actions like reading signs in the store or in the car can have some of the same benefits and help your child learn about the world around them.     

Book recommendations-  

Fast and Easy Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Dry cereal and a glass of milk.

Whole wheat bagel with peanut butter, half a banana, and a glass of milk. This one actually hits all four major food groups!

French toast sticks and orange juice. The good thing about French Toast sticks is that they’re thicker, can be eaten by hand, and are perfect for dipping.

Strawberries dipped in yogurt.
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Breakfast Pizza- Make mini breakfast pizzas with ready-made crust, scrambled eggs, and cheese, Or, just roll all those ingredients up into a soft taco and make breakfast burritos.

Breakfast Snack Mix- Throw some granola, almonds, raisins, dried fruit, dry cereal, or just about any other healthy bite-size bits into a baggie, shake it up, and let your child go wild.

Smoothies made with yogurt and fresh fruit.

One thing to keep in mind, breakfast does not have to consist of actual breakfast foods. If your child wants leftovers from the night before, a sandwich, or something else that seems unusual, as long as it’s healthy, go for it. If you have any great fast and healthy breakfast ideas to add to this list, I’d love to hear them!