Reading to children is highly beneficial for a number of reasons. It can be a relaxing break from the hustle of everyday life and a great way to calm them down at the end of the day. For a nanny, this can be a nice break to get off your feet for a bit as well. For the children, reading has been proven to stimulate brain development and encourages stronger language skills early in life. The question is, what to read?
There are millions of children's books out there, but time and again, nannies can turn to a few classics that entertain and educate at the same time. These include:
Dr. Seuss – Any of Dr. Seuss's many books, from "The Cat in the Hat" to "The Lorax," are an excellent choice. In fact, Dr. Seuss's birthday was adopted for National Read Across American Day, and his books are still used as learning vehicles in schools across the world. Dr. Seuss's many stories are perfect for children of all ages.
The Berenstain Bears – This series of books, begun in 1962 by Stan and Jan Berenstain and continued today by their son Mike Berenstain, is an excellent collection for daily or nighttime reading to children. It includes many valuable lessons, such as proper manners. These books are ideal for younger children.
Winnie the Pooh – The classic stories of A.A. Milne, originally written for his own son Christopher (the inspiration for the character Christopher Robin) are also an excellent addition to any nanny's library, and also range in style to be appropriate for children of many ages, as they were written over Milne's son's childhood as well.
Roald Dahl – For older children, the fantastical tales written by Roald Dahl can excite and inspire creativity. Many of Dahl's tales have been turned into movies as well, such as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," allowing for children to experience them on multiple mediums.
For nannies in LA looking for children to read these and other stories to, Colonial Domestic Agency offers quality job placement services.