As I sit curled up in my 7-year-old son’s bed, his head resting comfortably on my arm, we share a Winnie the Pooh book between us. He eagerly reads the last sentence aloud, his face lighting up with pride. “Mommy!” he exclaims. “I read the whole thing!”
“Yes, you did!” I respond, my heart swelling. “Look at you!”
This magical moment has repeated itself with each of my three children, and each time, it feels just as enchanting.
While there are countless milestones in a child’s life, none compare to the pure joy of witnessing your little one read an entire book independently for the first time. The process of learning to read is a fascinating journey, unique to every child. When all the pieces finally fall into place and it “clicks,” it’s as if a whole new world unfolds before them. As a parent, it’s an incredibly fulfilling experience to observe.
Early Readers and Reluctant Readers
Our eldest daughter, Lily, was an early reader. I vividly recall telling her kindergarten teacher that she was reading fluently at just 4 years old. The teacher responded skeptically, suggesting some kids merely memorize stories. But that wasn’t the case for Lily; she had an extraordinary fascination with letters and words from infancy. We often joked that she emerged from the womb clutching a book—her first word was, in fact, “book.”
In contrast, our second daughter, Mia, took her time. By age 7, I was beginning to question if she’d ever embrace reading. While she managed the mechanics, she had no interest in it. Instead of curling up with a book, she preferred exploring the great outdoors. However, everything changed when Lily began reading a captivating series about cats. Mia became hooked, transitioning from reluctant reader to someone who spent hours immersed in novels.
Now, our youngest, my baby boy Aaron, has just turned 8 and is starting to read fluently. Over the past year, he has progressed from sounding out words to confidently tackling more complex ones. Experiencing this transformation has been just as thrilling as it was with my daughters.
The Importance of Reading
Reading is an essential skill for learning—arguably the most critical one as children grow. With the ability to read, they can explore any library and discover an endless array of knowledge for free. Stories foster empathy and understanding, shaping how we perceive the world and relate to others. I can hardly fathom a life without the ability to read.
Of course, there are challenges that come with a child becoming a proficient reader, particularly if they start early. It can be quite a moment when your 6-year-old scans grocery store magazines and innocently asks, “Mommy, what’s an ‘orgasm’?” (Thanks a lot, Cosmopolitan.) You find yourself hastily hiding your phone when texting about topics you’d rather they not see, or asking them not to peek when you’re reading sensitive articles about current events. This newfound literacy can complicate parenting as not all content is age-appropriate.
Yet, the upside far outweighs the challenges. Engaging in discussions about what they’ve read or watching them become so engrossed in a book that they lose track of time is priceless. One of my favorite sights is seeing a child snuggled in bed with a flashlight, pages turning long after bedtime.
A Bittersweet Journey
While there aren’t many moments of parenting young children I wish to relive, the experience of watching a child learn to read is one I treasure. Although I am thrilled that my youngest is now reading, I feel a tinge of sadness knowing this is the last time I will witness this magical journey unfold. Observing a child step into the realm of literacy is akin to watching a seed bloom into a flower—it feels miraculous every single time. I have been continually amazed by this experience with each of my children, and it remains one of the greatest joys of my parenting adventure.
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In summary, watching your child learn to read is an unparalleled experience filled with joy and wonder. Each child’s journey is unique, making it a remarkable aspect of parenthood that leaves a lasting impact.